[Wikipedia-l] Moving the English Wikipedia to en.wikipedia.org

[Krzysztof P. Jasiutowicz]

On 10-10-2002, Brion VIBBER wrote thusly :
> The Cunctator wrote:
> >A big question that we are in the process of resolving now is whether we
> >want to think of Wikipedia as a single project that has multiple
> >translations, or as a bunch of largely independent projects specific to
> >particular nations and language sets. I think the first conception is
> >healthier and more productive over the long term. We really should think
> >about this issue before we take broad actions that touch upon it.
> "Translations" is an odd choice of words.
> The *user interface of the program* is 'translated' from a central 
> source, but the encyclopedia articles aren't. Ideally they should all 
> contain the same (maximal quality, maximal amount of) information by 
> cross-pollination: new material added in any one language can be taken 
> over to the others. That's not a one-way street, and doesn't have to be 
> achieved by "translation".
Coordination, cooperation, confederation are terms that I think should
describe the whole collective project of _Wikipedias_.
You (the Cunctator) are entering quick sands area. Too much, too hasty
and careless integration into "a single project" can be disastrous.
The Spanish Wikipedia fork has not still been reverted...

We are looking forward to shifting to the Phase III software and
working out ways to exchange content. I am sure Polish Wikipedians
would regard it as a big disincentive to be reduced to mere translators
of English (other languages?) articles. I think we have created a
relatively small but precious Wikipedia with some remarkably
good articles.
We are, of course, willing to share our content with other Wikipedias.

Regards,
[[Kpjas]]