Signpost–Wikizine merger; new writers
I am pleased to announce that the Signpost and Wikizine have reached an in-principle agreement that will see Wikizine published as a special Signpost section at the beginning of each month.
Long-time editors may recall that Wikizine used to hold one of the roles the Signpost now fills: that of a Wikimedia movement–wide news outlet. One of the remarkable aspects of Wikizine was that a single editor, Walter, wrote the entire newsletter each week for several years. By 2009, though, he was not able to keep up without help, as no one was willing to carry a significant amount of his burden. Walter warned, rightly, that "only by substantial assistance on a more [than] occasional basis can Wikizine continue."
Wikizine—which had come to be published only infrequently—enjoyed a short revival in late 2009, but appeared only once in 2010. There were six issues in 2011, before an unsuccessful move to revamp the page; only three issues have come out since.
To restart the Wikizine legacy, its new editor, Mono, is working with the Signpost to transform Wikizine into a monthly special report, somewhat analogous to our "Recent research" section. Our current plans are that it will focus on Wikimedia Commons and the GLAM-Wiki movement, starting in April or May.
I am saddened to announce that Crisco 1492, the author of our featured content section, has departed to focus on his real-world studies. Crisco, a Canadian who lives and studies in Indonesia, took over from Tony1 in late 2011, and produced work that we were consistently proud of. The Signpost wishes him well in his future endeavors. Hahc21, an editor of five years' standing, will be taking Crisco's place. Hahc21 serves in a variety of roles in the Wikimedia movement; among these are featured list delegate on the English Wikipedia, coordinator of the Mediation Committee on the Spanish Wikipedia, and member of the Individual Engagement Grants (IEG) Committee.
The arbitration report, which has been dormant for some time, will also see changes. Neotarf has written a report for this week and will share this role with the pre-existing writer, James (M.O.X); but we are still seeking users knowledgeable about the arbitration process who can step in when needed.
Finally, do not forget that you can connect with the Signpost during the week via Twitter, Facebook, your mobile device, and our RSS feed. Tips may be left on our suggestions page, and op-ed proposals are welcome at our opinion desk.
— The ed17, Signpost editor-in-chief
Discuss this story
Mergers are good, bringing critical mass or readers and editors to one place. I never had time to read Wikizine, I am glad it may be visible now in a place I actually frequent. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus| reply here 11:14, 13 March 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Is the Discussion Report a dead feature?--TonyTheTiger (T/C/BIO/WP:CHICAGO/WP:FOUR) 13:35, 13 March 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- For the past 26 months a newsletter about GLAM is published just like the Signpost, send like the Signpost, etc. That newsletter is This Month in GLAM and can be found at outreach:GLAM/Newsletter, at Wikipedia:GLAM/Newsletter and at your local talk page. Also send by e-mail, twitter, and blog. In some way it sounds strange to start a second special report about GLAM, while we already do that for more than two years. Greetings - Romaine (talk) 22:02, 14 March 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- Hi. We are planning to complement the GLAM newsletter through highlighting some of the bigger stories; we won't have comprehensive, country-specific coverage, like you do. Ed [talk] [majestic titan] 07:34, 15 March 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Saddened by the departure of Crisco... Best wishes for his study. Semangat! Bennylin (talk)