CrossWiki teams

[leem01]

So they'd be like

'We've had a server error and lost (random number of articles)'
'Would you like help from a group of NIWA editors who will restore your articles out of the generosity of their hearts'
'Yes please'
NIWA guys sort thing out

I like the idea, it shows what NIWA really is.

[Xizor]

Basically. Or:

Wiki-in-Need: "Oh man, we're having trouble getting some of our articles organized!"
NIWA Squad of Awesome: "Which ones? Perhaps our expert team of editors can help!"
Wiki-in-Need: "*lists off six hundred articles*"
NIWA Squad of Awesome: "Let's get cracking, boys! *does it* Done."
Wiki-No-Longer-in-Need: "Thanks, NIWA Squad of Awesome! We'll let you know if we ever need your help again!"



If we are to organize such a team, perhaps it should be comprised of people sent from each Member, their "top editors" so to speak who are willing to take time away from their home wiki to help another wiki. Since the jobs would be "contracted," it's not like the home Wiki would lose a valuable editor most of the time. Even then, the squad could be semi-autonomous, and take care of its own affairs. It could have a leader who organizes which editors do what, where, and when, and then make it so that no wiki in particular loses its editor(s) for too long. That way, also, the rest of NIWA is helping to improve a part of NIWA, because when Zelda Wiki looks like shit, it affects the reputation of NIWA, which affects the reputation of any other member of NIWA by association.

The Squad would be sent where it is wanted, and would act as simply regular editors where it is not needed. Obviously, an editor's "origins" are irrelevant when they're just doing regular editing. However, I feel this squad should be more of "specialists" for when Wikis are having trouble achieving a goal, rather than when they need an entire article written up on a specific subject - that requires a dedicated fan. (The squad would then maybe come in and refine the article?)

I actually like the idea of this, though I have this sinking feeling I'm overlooking something very blatant.

[Miles of SmashWiki]

I don't see what's wrong with it as long as everyone understands what they're getting themselves into.

[HavocReaper48]

Yeah, same here Miles.

I like the idea of the team consisting of the top editors of each wiki (16 editors as of now unless NWiki is excluded), but I also feel that we should let other people join if they want. I mean, seems kinda limited and some editors would feel left out. And yes we need to establish the whole "wandering simple editors".

We should probably either set up a forum on the NWiki or start a thread here (or both) as a "home base" for the Squad of Awesome to list members, wikis that need the help, those who don't anymore, help request center, and such. I like the name "squad of awesome" too.

Of course, just because a top of editor of the wiki specializes in it's subject doesn't always mean that they only know about the subject. Take for example myself. I've played Donkey Kong Country ever since I was young, I know practically every shortcut and bonus room. However, I own a couple Mario, Zelda, Kirby and (many) Pokemon games, and finished most of them. Though not as dedicate fan, I could write a somewhat specific article on, say, an enemy or boss.

We also need to learn the general writing style of each wiki, and how things are expected to be done, etc.

I imagine the main focus of the group would be taking care of stub articles.

[Miles of SmashWiki]

There's also the issue of mechanical processes, such as using unused images or tagging for deletion.

[Xizor]

Most wikis, such as Zelda Wiki, have things in place to prevent newcomers from coming in and doing too much as far as voting on Featured Articles or whatever, so that won't be a concern. I know it wasn't mentioned, but I just wanted to preemptively bring it up.

[HavocReaper48]

Right.

We should probably jot down these things somewhere so those who're willing to join know the deal.

As I mentioned previously, there should be a "home base" where we can keep track of members, wikis, etc. But on here or on NWiki?

[Nintendoguy1]

Well...as long as the wiki in question's admins are approving it, I suppose it is alright. But I don't think membership should be restricted to a certain number of people - I think that:

a) It should be announced publicly and anyone can do it
b) It should be announced publicly in the NIWA Staff Boardroom so any staff can do it.

That way, it isn't restricted to having ~30 editors doing a huge job (i.e. 600 articles) and ~60 can do it instead, cutting the wait time.

[Axiomist]

After reply #5 this thread becomes focused less on people's self evaluation post and more on a NIWA team discussion. This is the only real complaint I have with the forums, few topic titles match the discussion in them. At some point, someone will have to see that the thread took a turn from the topic and just begin a new one for that specific aspect. I like the team thing idea, and would try to find a little userbox for members on WiKirby. But I'm splitting this topic up to a new thread.

[HavocReaper48]

Into the public boards, preferably.

[Xizor]

If I had more time, I'd do it right now, but alas, I do not, and you said you would. Good call, Ax.

[Nintendoguy1]

Well, as long as this is still here, I'd like to point out that derailed threads are not always a bad thing. Sure splitting them is the way to go, but look at what great ideas we came up with! So basically we shouldn't stem good discussion, just move it over

[Adam]

Sure splitting them is the way to go, but look at what great ideas we came up with! So basically we shouldn't stem good discussion, just move it over

Yes. Shame most of us got our forum powers removed, so only a few of us can do that anymore 

I blame HavocReaper48; damn him! Grrr (I did try to get things back on track, but to no avail).

[Xizor]

I'll take care of it when I get up in the morning if Ax hasn't by then. I'm just about to pass out. >_>

[Axiomist]

I'm doing it now, so bear with me. I got sidetracked last night, but I'm going to go ahead and pretend I left it open for some opinions.


-Done, replies still have the subject as "Self Evaluation". forumnoob here, so one of you will need to fix that.

[Maxite]

I do agree that some of the wikis are in a bit more rough of shape than others, and it would be nice to see some people get together to help improve the quality of not just those who are truly in need, but of the quality of all wikis that ask for help.

[Xizor]

THIS IS A FORMER STAFF DISCUSSION NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. ENJOY.

[Nintendoguy1]

You left out my post

Anyways, ya, um, back on topic...the teams idea seems like a good thing. Just as long as isn't "endorsed by NIWA staff". Should we use this topic to declare when a wiki is requesting help?

[HavocReaper48]

Sounds good.

Which means we need a starting point.

We should probably start with Wikirby, Wikibound, or DKWiki?

[Nintendoguy1]

I have no problem with any of the above; which wiki will be the first to request help?