Training modules/dashboard/slides/12104-having-realistic-goals/en
Having realistic goals
Though editing events can have powerful impacts, experience from the Wikimedia community finds that singular editathons or other editing events with largely new contributors:
- Do not have a high retention rate of new contributors, unless a very deliberate effort for follow-up with participants is made. See for example, the outcomes of the 2015 report and the 2013 Report. Contributors during these events may be able to be re-engaged later for other programs or activities, especially if your event is part of a series of events.
- Do not create very large volumes of content when compared to the productivity of experienced editors, online writing contests, or to more long-term mentoring of new contributors, like in the Education Program.
While creating a targeted, narrow content addition, editathons work best at:
- building relationships with host institutions,
- developing awareness about the Wikimedia Community
- developing awareness of knowledge gaps, and
- developing understanding of Wikimedia projects.