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Wikimedia Diversity Conference 2013/Documentation/John Andersson

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Session: John Andersson // Thematic edit-a-thons as a way to reach new groups

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Abstract

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The presentation will give an overview about what Wikimedia Sverige has done with regard to edit-a-thons. First, it will give examples followed by a general discussion on what can be learned from these. Wikimedia Sverige had three edit-a-thon events in 2012 and 2013 focusing on different topics. By means of a survey among the participants, they will be evaluated in order to find common denominators. The question is if carefully chosen thematic topics can help to get more women involved and if there is a need to change the format of an edit-a-thon to reach a successful outcome. Thus, the idea of the presentation is to share Wikimedia Sverige’s experiences with edit-a-thons and to get valuable input from others to continue work in this area.

Starting point / Insights

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John has been organizing three thematic edit-a-thons. Help to get more diverse groups editing Wikipedia. Just started, so can't say anything for certain. Will get brainstorming input from audience on what we can do from now on.C ooperation with Europeana

Events so far:

  • Ada Lovelace (16 October 2012): Invited people to write on female scientists. 17 people, 12 new articles, expanded 11
  • Women's Movements history ( 18 March 2013); 11 participants
  • Fashion (23 March 2013): 47 participants created 10 articles, expanded 57. Weak on fashion in WPSE; fashion master class has many female members. 8 hour event at the Nordic Museum. 1/2 said it was too short.

Survey: So far only 7 beginners and one old community member answered.

  • All liked the events;
  • Two continued editing;
  • All said they would likely continue (given more time in future: some were busy with studies etc.);
  • 4 said they'd want to be contacted again; get involved.
  • 6 said they'd like more similar events to practice again. Should have regular events. [Note: this connects with Netha's talk!]
  • Themes they'd like to see in future: From Fashion editathon: more fashion, pop culture, etc. From Gender topics: want more gender issues covered. So the editors really form sub-groups who care about specific topics.

Some events haven't been run with partners. The ones with partners have been much more effective (e.g. better exposure). University classes are great: if we want to reach women, go for a class which has many female students. The "fun extras" like guided tours make things more interesting. Working with students, try inviting people from outside (e.g. people working in the field)

Challenges

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Really bad retention rate.

Ideas

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  • Recommends to do workshops like the fashion edit-a-thon on a regular basis
  • Regular events in general
  • Form four groups: women, diabled, senior citizens, LGBT --> askes attendees to form groups and discuss
  • Are there even specific "women-topics" or minority-attracting topics? should this even be claimed?

Disabled: Build awareness (connect to organisations?). Connect with WM communities and portals (use existing skills)

  • Mental disability, e.g. Down Syndrome: Simple Wikipedia
  • Physical disabilities / Chronic diseases (e.g. cancer, MS, etc.): Social project, can help to increase socialisation.
  • Blind editors: Spoken WP
    • oral citations, etc.
    • Dictation software (will this work with Wiki Markup and/or Visual editor)
  • People who can't type?
    • Interface with dictation software
    • Special devices, e.g. Stephen Hawking?

This is a cross-topic issue: also providing information on disabilities, orphan diseases, etc.

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