Re: [Wikimania-l] Francophones Wikimania Hong Kong 2013
On 08/03/13 6:20 AM, Benoit Rochon wrote: Bonjour, La rencontre des francophones à Hong Kong sera le *vendredi 9 août à 18h, au local Y520*. Détails http://wikimania2013.wikimedia.org/wiki/Rencontre_francophone N'hésitez pas à ajouter des sujets à l'ordre du jour. Vous pouvez aussi faire une présentation de l'un de vos projets? Aussi, basé sur mon expérience de notre dernière rencontre à Wikimania DC, j'avais vraiment faim à cette heure! (Hé oui, au Canada, le souper est à 18-19h!) Alors, je me demandais si ce ne serait pas une bonne idée d'avoir quelques trucs à manger lors de notre rencontre... Ou mieux, une fois que tout le monde est arrivé, déménager la rencontre vers un restaurant. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
[Wikimania-l] Shared accomodations
Is there anyone coordinating shared accomodations. I am considering a booking at the Best Western Grand Hotel, at roughly CAD 818 for 6 nights. Being able to divide that by two would be a big help. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Wikimania 2013 keynote - suggestions
On 10/04/12 9:20 AM, Deryck Chan wrote: Dear Wikimaniacs, Hello from the Wikimania 2013 Hong Kong local team! We are beginning the process of inviting external keynote speakers, and would like the wider Wikimania community to review our shortlist before we make formal invitations. Feel free to suggest additional names for the list. We have more than two names at the moment, so do reply if you have preferences among the list too! Michael Geist: a Canadian lawyer and columnist. He has been very active in copyright, privacy, and other aspects of internet law, and an elected member of the Canadian Internet Registration Authority. He also appeared before the European Parliament's committee examining ACTA before it was rejected by them. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Looking for Wikimania Materials on Wikipedia Infrastructure
On 08/28/12 1:46 AM, Zaki Akhmad wrote: BTW, does Wikimedia has specific mailing list which talks on the technology side? Thanks! Yes. Wikitech-l Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Wikimania-l Digest, Vol 68, Issue 4
On 11/02/11 3:35 AM, Roan Kattouw wrote: That said, I hear it's possible to get a visa from a US consulate in Canada, which I presume will have shorter waiting times than some consulates elsewhere. But this is probably not allowed in most circumstances if you're not a Canadian citizen. In the OP's case where his country of citizenship doesn't have a consulate or embassy and he's gonna have to apply in a third country anyway, it might just be allowed, I guess. But Canada is a lot farther from Iran than Turkey or the UAE and doesn't have visa-free travel for Iranians either, so you'd have to get a visa in order to get a visa :P . I wouldn't know what sort of choice you have in choosing the country where you apply for a visa and whether you're allowed to apply in a country farther away from Iran where waiting times are shorter. You should probably talk to an immigration lawyer about that sort of thing. If you want to go the Canadian route you would still first need a visa into Canada, and one thing to remember is that Canada's network of consular offices is smaller than that of the US. Canadian practice has been to have an embassy in one country also be accredited to several other countries. If the ultimate destination for your trip is in the US you may need the US visa before you can enter Canada. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Wikimania-l Digest, Vol 68, Issue 4
On 11/02/11 3:04 AM, Béria Lima wrote: Justin, canadians also need visa to be in USA, so ask for a canandian visa doesn't help. That's not generally correct. For most Canadians a passport is enough. They may still ask for it from people who were not born in Canada, even if they have become citizens. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Thanks for all the fish... and lessons learned
On 08/09/11 9:40 PM, Lodewijk wrote: Personally, I found it a nice experience to not have all those titles thrown into my face every time I saw a badge. But then I know most of the people already, so maybe I'm not a fair person to consider there :) I would have preferred to not have the @wikiwhatever extension. Since SUL that has become less important. Being longer, it also makes it harder to focus on reading the name. I do remember seeing a few where it made the name so long that it overflowed the edges of the label. +1 about the mini-guide. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Thanks for all the fish... and lessons learned
On 08/09/11 2:29 PM, Daniel Kinzler wrote: On 09.08.2011 15:26, Delphine Ménard wrote: * Food: the food was so excellent it's not even funny (wow the hummus). But I've seen _lots_ of people looking for the vegetarian food without ever knowing which it was. So: Label food. Name of the food, principal ingredients (some are allergic to say... bell pepper, can't have milk etc.), vegetarian, kosher, whatever is of importance, make it clear. let me add my few ¢ about the catering: I agree that the food was excellent, thanks for that! However, the folks who were passing out the food were clearly not up to the task. They couldn't answer any questions about the food, and it took them quite a while to pass it out. It would have worked better if people had just served themselves, especially if the food was clearly labeled. I agree. And I would add one more point. Since food was being distributed at two different stations making one vegetarian and the other carnivore with large-letter overhead signs to that effect would have more easily gotten people to the right line. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Sherut Sharing
On 07/30/11 7:58 AM, Harel Cain wrote: There are better ways to do it, please see the information on http://wikimania2011.wikimedia.org/wiki/In_Haifa_-_getting_to_the_Venue there is no reason to try to reinvent the routes all over again. Your patience in dealing with these many details is commendable. Some years ago I had a conversation (in Budapest) with a person who was moving back to Canada after having lived some number of years in Israel. He remarked about a particular Israeli passion for fully discussing the most minute details of a project. Wikimedians share this passion, which may help to explain the success of the Hebrew Wikipedia. The reinventions are consistent with the circumstances. :-) Keep up the good work, Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces Wikimania
On 07/29/11 11:54 AM, Deryck Chan wrote: Background about the Chelsea incident: http://www.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/football/07/28/football.chelsea.malaysia.benayoun.abuse/ Sounds like nothing more than the typical trash talk that one would expect in professional sports. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] About the Wikimania 2011: Important Information for your Upcoming Participation
On 07/22/11 10:26 PM, Harel Cain wrote: I can only second what Amir wrote below: with the shared shuttle taxi, it might mean waiting for the taxi van to fill up, and for other passengers to be dropped off at their homes/destinations before you do (both can be somewhat annoying), but at least you know you're brought to your final destination, without needing to ever change between a train and a bus, without looking for any platform, and mainly without carrying your luggage. I think most people will find this more comfortable after a long flight. My flight with British Airways is scheduled to arrive at TLV at 5:20 a.m. on Tuesday. - Do the shuttle taxis wait for some number of unconnected people who are all going to Haifa? - Is the senior citizen discount on the trains available for visitors? - Since I would probably arrive in Haifa at about 7:00 a.m., well before check-in time at the hotel, what is my best strategy for that time? Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Israel = apartheid
On 03/31/11 4:50 AM, matthew satchwell wrote: Please dont hold you conference in Haifa If so I will be obliged to boycott you I was brought up in South Africa I will attend in the spirit of openness. Even though my political views are more favorable to the Palestinians I will not use that as an excuse to miss Wikimania. I will very much avoid going to the occupied areas, but this should not prevent me from travelling within Israel's generally recognized borders. Much more can be gained and the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation better served by attending than by engaging in an utterly ignorant boycott. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] TRIVIA tonight!
Harel Cain wrote: There would also be a 24-hour lounge right at the venue which I think should be very good for things like late-night trivia Harel Hopefully we will e able to hear the questions a little better. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] My Registration
Gerard Meijssen wrote: Hoi, Maybe they are out of stamps. Thanks, GerardM Snail mail wouldn't help if the French escargots they hire are on strike. ;-) Ray On 2 July 2010 18:41, Harel Cain harel.c...@gmail.com mailto:harel.c...@gmail.com wrote: Still no confirmation letter received on my end. Are they being sent out manually? (*shudder*) ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] [Foundation-l] Floating a notion: permanent Wikimania committee?
phoebe ayers wrote: Yes. Let me be extremely clear: this committee would not organize Wikimania. Full stop. That is, and has always been, the job of the local team that gets appointed to run the bid. What Harel is saying that there isn't a formal point of contact within the WMF, which is true. Yes, every person who has been named in this thread so far has worked on Wikimania in the past, and/or has a specific area of expertise. What a *committee* would be good for is making sure that all of these connections are made. For instance, Kul works on sponsorships. He is one direct point of contact within WMF for Wikimania-related funding issues. But he doesn't -- shouldn't -- answer all of your questions about Wikimania. Conversely, Delphine, me, Samuel, and a bunch of other people know the history of Wikimania and roughly what is going on -- but I don't think any of us want to keep volunteering to be on the organization committee year after year. And if Delphine or I are unavailable for some reason, that shouldn't mean the local team can't get their questions answered. Having a group rather than just one or two people makes it more failsafe. So yes, keeping a general eye on progress is what I would go for here. The actions of the committee would only consist in that -- getting reports, making sure questions are answered. All other organizational actions -- the ones that Moushira are fondly remembering ;) -- would be done by the local team, as ever. Speaking in general support for this proposal, I too think that it's important for the organization of particular Wikimanias to remain with the local community. Pulling together the documentation and the planning guide will be an important ongoing task for this group, but the committee should be able to draw on a variety of experiences as and when necessity arises, and local committees discover a deficiency. For this year it was important that Austin was able to step in when it was discovered that registration was not being organized. It's one thing to respond when a local groip asks for help, but it's equally important to be aware that lack of experience may mean that those local groups may not know they're in trouble until it's too late. Thus, the planning guide should also include a timeline for when things must be done. If registration needs to be open two months before the event, and has an impact on the ability of attendees to obtain visas, the committee needs to be in a position to act quickly when things are not being done. Harel said: I'm more confident, thought, that we're missing one or more formal one-stop-shop points of contact, people who can answer us in an on-going and interactive manner not only based on their accumulated experience, but rather with full authority about their answers. The problem with that approach is that the committee may not be familiar with local circumstances, and different committee members may be the best ones to ask depending on the nature of the problem. No committee could have come up with the kind of excellent attendee's party that we experienced in Alexandria, or could have come up with the museum venue that we had in Boston. Harel's suggestion carries the risk of undue dependance on the committee or WMF staff. When the selection committee chooses a site it is expressing a degree of confidence that the local group will be able to carry through with its mandate. If it has no confidence in any of the applicants it is free to reject them all, though the consequences of that would be uncertain. By the time of its decision it should also be aware of potential difficulties where additional help may be needed. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] [Wikimania2010] Fwd: A few questions/remarks about Wikimania 2010
Thomas Dalton wrote: 2010/2/23 Delphine Ménard: I can't imagine that there aren't students that are ready to do this for a price during the summer and who have done that before. I am not sure we need an experienced day care at all, especially if it's not onsite. The only issue I can see is with insurance. It would be absolutely essential that whoever organises the childcare takes out public liability insurance (that will be most of the cost, I imagine) and the insurance company may require those doing the caring to be registered or qualified or whatever (I have no idea how Poland does childcare). You seem to be putting this in terms of how we can add to the bureaucracy. When you ask a neighbour's daughter (or son, to avoid being sexist) to come to your home to babysit while you go out for the evening do you really ask them if they have the necessary insurance policies? You're talking like someone who has never been a parent. By way of observation, one of the problems with this issue is that most Wikimedians are young enough to never have been parents themselves, and have no experience with the practical necessities involved. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] [Wikimania2010] Fwd: A few questions/remarks about Wikimania 2010
Thomas Dalton wrote: 2010/2/23 Delphine Ménard notafi...@gmail.com: As for public liability insurance, it is a basic insurance to be taken by any event organizer anyway, and costs at the very most 500 € (in Germany or France or the US from my experience) for a conference like Wikimania. If I were an insurance company I would charge extra for events which include childcare. I'm sure you would. It's the kind of profitable behaviour that you can expect from insurance companies. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Computer shop in Buenos Aires
My wife raised this since she is bringing her laptop. I hope that I was right in saying that a laptop works off its DC battery, and the public AC only charges the battery. A direct connection from the computer to the wall power would likely scramble the timing when a 60 hertz device is run with 50 hertz power. Ray Barcex wrote: If your notebook charger is able to work in the 110-220 V range then what you need is a socket plug adaptor. You can buy one 50 meters away from the venue for ARS 3 (less than 1 USD). I will tell you where. Carlos 2009/8/21 Damian Finol dam...@igluve.org mailto:dam...@igluve.org Very small sort of related threadjack: What about power plug converters? Argentina uses 220 and my laptop uses american 110. Damian ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Sharing Remises
Barcex wrote: 2009/8/20 Ray Saintonge sainto...@telus.net mailto:sainto...@telus.net Takashi OTA wrote: Hi lists, I'll arrive Ezeiza Airport at 09:20, Mon., Aug 24 by CO051 from Houston. Would anybody like to share Remises to the Bauen Hotel? Since I will leave Japan 15:55 JST (06:55 UTC), Sunday, 23rd, I hope to hear somebody join me before I'm on board, but I'll keep effort to be online at Houston. Looks like we'll be on the same flight from Houston. :-)We have seats 31AB. We're coming from Vancouver and connecting in Houston. Sharing transportation sounds like a good idea. In this case, get a taxi only on the stands that are placed right after Customs. Do not accept taxi services offerred by individuals. How many people, with their luggage, will normally fit in one of these taxis? Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Travel coordination: Sightseeing in Buenos Aires (22-24)
church.of.emacs.ml wrote: Hi, if you arrive early in Buenos Aires (Sat. 22nd or so), you may want to join us in exploring the city. We, that is a travel group of (currently) four Wikimedians. If you are interested, please read the following page: http://wikimania2009.wikimedia.org/wiki/Travel_coordination#Sightseeing_in_Buenos_Aires_.2822.E2.88.9224.29 You can add yourself as attendent on that page, too (don't worry, it's not bindingly). Of course, if you aren't interested you may want to check out the travel coordination page anyway, as there are also other exciting travel proposals. As normally happens with events at far-away places, tourism breaks down into two groups: those who like to visit before the event, and those who like to visit after. There are ample members for both groups. One advantage for those who travel after (of whom I am one) is that we can get together at some convenient time on the conference days to discuss possibilities. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
[Wikimania-l] Hotel Bauen extension
In response to my request to extend my stay at the Bauen Hotel until my departure on Sept. 6 I received the following: Sorry, but from 29/08 until 05/09 we have no rooms available. Are there any recommended alternatives for that time? Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Shouldn't you suggest HI Hostels in Buenos Aires?
Everton Zanella Alvarenga wrote: I'd like to go to Bauen Hotel, but my girlfriend will be working at her job in Buenos Aires at this period, then I decided stay with her, since she cannot participate of Wikimania and cannot use Bauen Hotel for the chieper price. Fur sure I want enjoy a lot the company of people of Wikimania during and after the event. ;-) I looked for other places close to the Wikimania event place and I found Hostel Florida is close enough (maybe I'm wrong and there are better places). For people who cannot stay in Hotel Bauen for some reason or want a even chieper place (one month a go I could go only on a place for 10 US$ per night), maybe this kind of information can help others. I understand and appreciate your situation. Over the years the Wikimania management has always had to struggle with the fact that many Wikimanians are students without a lot of money. For those of us who come from far, Wikimania has no control over the fares charged by the airlines. I am coming with my wife (who is not an active Wikimedian). Registering her for the conference allowed us both to stay at the Bauen Hotel. She may not attend any of the sessions, but she will still be able to come for lunch (if she's not busy somewhere else). She will also be able to attend the welcome dinner and the closing party. A local student may not want to waste $45 for a registration that is useless for his girlfriend. Maybe the local organizers can do something for partners who can attend only the party. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Bauen hotel: extended stays possible?
Patricio Lorente wrote: 2009/7/18 phoebe ayers brassratg...@gmail.com: Any updates on whether we need to contact the hotel directly for extra days? I think several of us will likely need to stay the night of the 23rd, and it would be very convenient to be in the same place! -- phoebe Sorry for the delay: for extra days you should contact Omar Vanag at the Bauen Hotel using this email: ven...@bauenhotel.com.ar . The price will be a bit more expensive (arround USD 30). Patricio I was about to contact the hotel to extend my stay when I realized that I wasn't sure what my four already paid nights really were. When I registered I checked all 5 boxes (24, 25, 26, 27 and 28) but was billed $100, which suggests only 4 nights. Which 4? Now that we have our plane tickets, and I know we will be arriving on the 24th, I am especially concerned about our first night. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Buenos Aires - program? registration?
Delphine Ménard wrote: On Wed, Jul 8, 2009 at 17:44, Cormac Lawlercormag...@gmail.com wrote: On Wed, Jul 8, 2009 at 12:19 PM, Brianna Laugher brianna.laug...@gmail.com wrote: I received word through Facebook that registration is now open for Wikimania. http://wikimania2009.wikimedia.org/wiki/Registration *Sigh* I'm not going to make it this year due to thesis commitments. It'll be my first non-Wikimania. :-( I know the feeling :( Weird eh? I'm sending a spy though ;-) Delphine Seems like the old timers are dropping off like flies. :-) Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Comments
Brian McNeil wrote: I suppose the key point to take from the gripes Majorly and I have posted is that you need input from people outwith the hosting country. People who have visited the country as tourists and can comment on where and how there will be attempts to take advantage of you. True enough, though I think that much of the problem related to an inattention to details. Residents of a country tend to take their way of doing things for granted, and this includes any number of practices that are completely foreign to us foreigners. It takes a great deal of foresight to anticipate the kinds of problems we foreigners may encounter. The website for the Cairo International Airport does include information to the effect that there are two commercial companies providing bus service to Alexandria, but says nothing about where in the airport one might find these services, not even in which of the two terminals. This inattention to detail, or lack of specificity may be endemic in Egyptian society, and is not limited to our own organisers. What is needed is detailed specific instructions from the time we leave the airplane until we arrive safely in the hands of the conference organizers. Some of us who may arrive a couple of days early to offset jetlag need to know where we can meet other earlybirds. Setting up an early information desk to deal with this is very helpful. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] thank you
phoebe ayers wrote: For the people who were at Wikimania, there was a lengthy thank-you session at the end where we got to applaud the volunteers and staff who worked hard on the conference. I think these thank yous are important, and the criticisms that may develop as we plan for the future should not detract from the appreciation that we all feel for the wonderful effort made by the Alexandria team. Whatever discomforts some of us may have felt in Egypt, I still believe that choosing to have Wikimania 2008 in Alexandria was a good one. I should add too that despite the security concerns expressed by some before the conference, I never felt unsafe in Egypt. Some of the habits were extremely annoying, but none of this ever suggested any malicious intent. Here were some of my favorite parts of this year's conference: ... * being in Egypt itself (despite being hot and sick): things like getting in a taxi then waiting for the driver to fix his engine before we could go; sitting out on the corniche in the evening along with everyone else; finally realizing how small the Sphinx actually is compared to the pyramids In Luxor I was riding in a horse-drawn carriage when the horse fell over trying to make a turn. Horseshoes are really not suited to smooth pavement. The carriage had to be removed so that the horse could get up again. Fortunately, he did not appear to be injured. Life in the modern west does not prepare us for this kind of incident. Somehow, the sickness and other discomforts we have faced add a special texture to the happier moments. Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Additional shuttle details
effe iets anders wrote: You will recognize the Wikipedians, don't worry. They talk with box brackets. Lodewijk [[ :-P ]] Ray ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Visiting Egypt after Wikimania
Maria Fanucchi wrote: I have a little problem concerning staying in Egypt after Wikimania: I have guaranteed lodging with a friend of my family who lives in Cairo, but as far as I know she'll be working all day and therefore not available for sightseeing. Now, I am the first to admit that I am the most scatterbrained, absent-minded person ever; I also freely admit that I get lost in supermarkets (even the one I use every week). I really, truly do. I am infamous for turning a street corner and then wondering which way I had come from. Family members place bets on how far I am from my intended destination whenever I go out. Honestly. I am afraid that if I go out alone in Cairo I will get seriously lost. These characteristics are common features among gifted children. :-) My point is, are there any Wikimedians thinking of staying on in Cairo/elsewhere in Egypt after Wikimania? And if there is, would they mind having me tag along while sightseeing? I'm sure that most of us who are coming from far away have something of the sort in mind. We have already dealt with the biggest expense, the air fare, and it would be a shame to lose the opportunity once we are in Egypt. When I bought the plane tickets for me and my son I decided that I would leave for home on the 28th so that we could have most of a week for tourism. I roughly thought to go down to Luxor, and work my way back to Cairo before leaving. I would be very happy to co-ordinate with others. Getting together in Alexandria to share plans would really help. I asked on the Wikimania IRC channel if it was OK to send this e-mail to the list. They said yes, but I apologize if anyone finds it too off-topic. Feel free to e-mail me directly if you wish to do so. This is a fine place for the discussion. If you keep to one-on-one e-mails you really only know about one person at a time. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] More help needed on Wikimania 2008 Program
Muhammad Alsebaey wrote: Hi Everyone and happy new year, We are in the process of shaping how the Wikimania 2008 program will be, discussions are ongoing on how to shape the CfP, tracks, side-events, etc. And we are in need for more people to get involved in those things, I am hoping we can get the CfP out by the end of January. All interested please reply here, thank you. While I may not be suited in helping directly on this kind of task, My one wish is that there be a significant track to deal with the issues of WMF governance. Having one session where the participants meet the Board on the last day is not enough. At both Boston and Taipei this only raised a lot of questions when there was no further time for discussion. Some very important and difficult questions have recently been raised on the Foundation list, and those questions require a thorough airing. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] [Foundation-l] Wikimania 2008 will happen in Alexandria, Egypt
Kyle Lutze wrote: it would be very disconcerting to have to be watching what we say in egypt to make sure we don't end up in jail. so in short, I believe the question is what guarantees will the attendees and speakers have that they will not be arrested even if they say something that the government doesn't agree with? Common sense is your best guarantee. The best advice for anyone who travels to any other country is, Don't act stupid. If you stand in the middle of Tien An Min Square in Beijing and start making public speeches condemning Chinese human rights policies, you're asking to be arrested... especially if you do it in Chinese instead of English. If there is a problem with human rights in another country it's up to the people there to fix it. The circumstances where foreign meddling might be justified are so exceptional, that those places can never reach the point of even asking for a Wikimania. If attendees start carrying on about the lack of Egyptian democracy, the easiest countermeasure is not to report it (in Arabic) in the local media. They know these foreigners are only there for a short while, and the last thing they would want is an international incident. That would not be good for Egypt's very important tourist industry. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] [Wikimania 2009] Important notice!
Cary Bass wrote: This is a quick notice to remind all interested parties that the bidding for Wikimania 2009 (note, *not* next year, but just in under two years' time) will begin shortly after the conclusion of the Wikimania 2008 bid process, based on our experiences of the process this time around. We expect to finalize the bidding process by the end of the year 2007, and that the city to host Wikimania 2009 will ideally be chosen by 15 December 2007 at the latest. I'm happy to hear this, and I look forward to a promotional presentation from the successful team at Wikimania 2008. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Open Wikimania 2008 website?
I agree with Theodoranian. While the option might be a good one it should either be implemented before the bidding starts or after the city is chosen. Doing it in midstream at the request of one of the bidders would give that city an unfair advantage. That city is clearly ready to do what would need to be done with such a change, but the other cities would not have had the opportunity to make advance preparations. Ec THD wrote: I think it is better to open the Wikimania 2008 website after the host city get chosen. Meta is a place to coordinate biddings, but Wikimania website is for the official use of the event. Since there will be only one city get chosen as the host, I am afraid that other bidders' proposals on the same website would confuse people. Regards, Theodoranian 2007/9/12, Mike Halterman [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]: We were discussing in our IRC meeting a more professional and easier to navigate place to present our bid to prospective press and sponsors. Can the Wikimania 2008 website on Wikimedia be opened for all of us to present our big aims there instead of having to direct people to different pages on Meta, which they may not be 100% aware of navigating? -Mike Halterman Atlanta Bid ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] open conference systems
phoebe ayers wrote: Hey all, I just found this: http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs an Open conference system from the Public Knowledge Project. It might be worth checking out for Wikimania '08. Thanks. This is local for me. I know that Simon Fraser's downtown campus has done some interesting work to support conferencing. This is is worth exploring. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have the opportunity to explore this before I leave for Wikimania. My flight leaves at 2 a.m. on the 30th and arrives at 5 a.m. on the 31st. I look forward to seeing you again. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] [Fwd: Dinners]
phoebe ayers wrote: Yes, special people who give lots of money, mostly :) And probably the advisory board this year, as well. It sounds like plans for the 3rd would be open to all, though. IIRC there is food provided as part of lodging on site, yes. We don't want all our dinners pre-scripted. There is still something to be said for the impromptu gatherings of people who in both Frankfurt and Cambridge just got together for dinner. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] [Fwd: Visa on Arrival - for those who came across difficulties while you apply Visa to Taiwan]
Damian Finol wrote: I thought I'd share something quick regarding Visas. I went to the Taipei Cultural and Economic Office in Caracas on Monday and requested the tourist visa. The process went without a hassle, they asked for some bank statements, a work letter, a photo, the invitation letter, the ticket, to fill out a form (simple form) and 75k bolivares (around 30$) for a simple one entry visa. It went really smooth, and I'm supposed to pick it up today friday in the afternoon, so it usually takes a couple of days (yesterday was a holiday in here) I thought for a moment that the process would be slow or that I would get it denied, but no complaints on the visa process. Taiwan's geopolitical situation has made it one of the most pragmatic nations in the world. Having Cultural and Economic Offices in Caracas and many other cities around the world to substitute for embassies and consulates attests to that pragmatism. They can't afford the security extravagances of certain much bigger countries. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] [Foundation-l] Wikimania 2008 and reflecting on what Wikimania is all about
These were the kinds of points that were being made in the days following Wikimania 2006. The current year Wikimania can provide great apprenticeship for the local core that will be running the following year's event. Being able to promote Wikimania 2008 in Taipei so that we will be leaving that event with a positive feeling that we will be meeting next year in Xxxx can only be an advantage. Ec Samuel Klein wrote: Guillaume, Good timing on the reminder :-) 12-24 months out is a good time to plan bids. Another good idea that has been raised is defining a process so that bids are resolved once a year, more than a year in advance of Wikimania. Some of the successful processes I've seen involve selecting a location the year before (or two years before) at the event itself -- that allows a fair number of bid evaluators to meet in person; allows the team that has just finished the event to debrief and directly pass on ideas and advice to a future team; and passes on momentum from a successful bid through an international audience once it is announced. SJ On 6/6/07, Guillaume Paumier [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello On 8/17/06, Delphine Ménard [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have read the numerous comments on the fact that we should be planning Wikimania well in advance, and I fully agree that choosing the city for Wikimania 2008 sometime at the end of 2006 or beginning of 2007 makes perfect sense, and we have started working on it. This email was sent in august 2006. We said it would be better to start planning Wikimania 2008 in advance, and before Wikimania 2007 happens. As far as I know, not much has been done yet. For the record, there are current bids, but not many seem to be serious: http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimania_2008/Bids So, maybe we should think about it :) (call this email a friendly reminder...) ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Test of Registration system
David Strauss wrote: A.D. should probably change to C.E. before the date of birthday. I would also use the term birth date instead of birthday. At least in the U.S., people consider the birthday to be the /annual/ occurrence of a certain month and day. (e.g., My birth date is 11 March 1984, but my birthday is just 11 March.) As far as AD/CE is concerned it's not really needed unless we have people coming who are more than 2000 years old. For that matter, age is not important among Wikipedians so why not omit the question altogether. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Re: [Wikimania-l] Translation for Wikimania registration form
Hsiang-Tai Chien wrote: For the passport purpose, I do agree. I do have one but for the moment I'm not sure mine will be ok, I do think I'll have to make a new one, and in france it takes around 3weeks, some time more. Perhaps it should be good to accept National ID for the registration, and the foreigners will have to send the passport number to the Team. Passport will be needed to come to Taiwan, so if they give the ID number and pay, it should be enough for the registration. Unless it's absolutly needed for insurance of stuff like this. If the passport is absolutly needed, just let us know so we can warn the community. -- schiste The passport number and the National ID will be used for insurance purpose, and we will not leak your personal information to any other third parties. Regards, What does my passport number have to do with your insurance? If you insist on having the number on line I can always invent a number. Ec ___ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
