User talk:Sross (Public Policy)

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Re:Wikipedia Ambassador Program is looking for new Online Ambassadors

Hi, Excuse me. I'm too busy and do not have enough time to help you. I hope this is a successful program.--Seyyed(t-c) 12:09, 1 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Invitation to join WikiProject United States

Hello, Sross (Public Policy)! WikiProject United States, an outreach effort supporting development of United States related articles in Wikipedia, has recently been restarted after a long period of inactivity. As a user who has shown an interest in United States related topics we wanted to invite you to join us in developing content relating to the United States. If you are interested please add your Username and area of interest to the members page here. Thank you!!!

--Kumioko (talk) 03:38, 5 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL :)

Hello, Sross (Public Policy). Please check your email; you've got mail!
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*that reminded me of Blues Clues Dusti*poke* 04:41, 7 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia Ambassador Program is looking for new Online Ambassadors

Hi SilkTork! I noticed your activity as a Good Article reviewer, and wanted to encourage you to look into the Wikipedia Ambassador Program, and specifically the role of Online Ambassador. We're looking for friendly Wikipedians who are good at reviewing articles and giving feedback to serve as mentors for students who are assigned to write for Wikipedia in their classes.

If you're interested, take a look at the Online Ambassador guidelines; the "mentorship process" describes roughly what will be expected of mentors in the coming term. If that's something you want to do, please apply!

You can find instructions for applying at WP:ONLINE. The main things we're looking for in Online Ambassadors are friendliness, regular activity (since mentorship is a commitment that spans several months), and the ability to give detailed, substantive feedback on articles (both short new articles, and longer, more mature ones).

I hope to hear from you soon.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 20:40, 27 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for thinking of me Sage, and I will consider this as I can see the educational value of the project, and the knock on value to Wikipedia. SilkTork *YES! 09:20, 28 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]
I've just looked at Wikipedia:Online_Ambassadors#Becoming_an_Online_Ambassador and I'm not comfortable with there being a selection process, especially one in which the community is not involved in making the selection decision, but a self-elected committee. If the process by which people become involved in this project were more open and in line with Wikipedia principles I would be interested, but not with the current set up. SilkTork *YES! 11:53, 8 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I'm an LSU alumni from 1996, and I do live in Louisiana, but not in Baton Rouge. I am not actively involved in any LSU academic or extra-curricular program, nor have I been for 14 years. Thanks for the offer though. Heavy (talk) 22:54, 12 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Tutorial Template

First shot at making a template, this one covers DYK

How's this for a start? I shortened your version a bit, though I'm not opposed to going into two pages. I made this in PowerPoint (Word was acting up on me). I figure once we get a template down that we like, somebody that's proficient in Scribus (which isn't me quite yet) can translate a given PDF into Scribus and I can go from there (I think I'll be fine as long as I work off an already created file). My idea is that the title bar at top and the bottom bar will be universal across the handouts. Then the topic will be in large black letters as shown; if the topic has a logo, the logo will be included as well (like shown here). Then a nutshell box will be included on the right, under the topic title (hey, the nutshell idea works well online, why not off?). Then a "How it Works" section, then a "Requirements" section, then a "Wikicode" section. I think giving a blank version and example version of the code will be helpful. I'm thinking I could have added a grey box next to the example that said something like "Try this code in your sandbox! Paste it at User:<your username>/Sandbox". Obviously new sections can be included based on necessity. One requirement here is that users understand that the shortcuts and links I'm including here always go after en.wikipedia.org/wiki/. That should probably be made clear somewhere.

So in the end, you get a recognizable (and trusted, since you know where it's coming from) document that includes some minor graphic attributes to keep your eyes pleased, but not too much color or shading as to feel like you're wasting valuable ink when printing (I think it's safe to assume professors and teachers will print these out for their students, even if they do link to them on their course websites).

So let me know what you think. Open to all comments and criticism. Also, we probably should ask around to see if there are any graphic designers around the wiki (professional or amateur). We really only need one standardized template to start. This looks reasonably professional, but there are some attributes that could be more so. But hey, I don't have any training or anything. upstateNYer (Ambassador) 05:27, 20 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I like the design a lot! Maybe a request at the Wikipedia:Graphic Lab would turn up a talented designer to refine it a little bit.
For copy, I think it does need to be two pages... the instructions on how to actually go about nominating it are the most important part, I think. At least for the students we're working with, they will already have a bit of background about what DYK is, because it's part of their assignment and the Campus Ambassadors or instructor will have briefed them. The main reason for the handout is to walk them through as they actually go through the process, so they don't have to click back and forth between instructions and the page they are working on.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 15:41, 20 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Request for mentorship

Hi Sage, I've received a request from someone for mentorship, should I just update the Wikipedia:Online Ambassadors/Mentors page with his details once I've accepted his request? The Rambling Man (talk) 09:18, 20 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Yep, exactly. I think you're the first to get a mentorship request this term! I'm about to make a template that you can use to add to his userpage to give quick access to the key links.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 15:46, 20 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Okay, I've made the template: {{WAP student}}. I'm not very happy with it yet, but I think it does it's job; see your mentee's userpage. Let me know what you think, or make changes. Once it's in a little better shape, I'll document its usage. Think this will work as something for each mentor to put on the userpage of their mentees?--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 16:12, 20 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Looks like a good start. If I think of anything else then I'll work it in. Otherwise, yes, adding it to the mentee pages seems like a good idea. I guess you need to update the instructions for mentors? Cheers! The Rambling Man (talk) 16:27, 20 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

reply.

I can't think of anything particular this moment except that I am just all open on good tips and pointers of how to do my best with it. Jhenderson 777 20:06, 20 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Ok. How does the application work? Jhenderson 777 18:43, 21 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online Ambassador

Actually, I played an informal role in the fall. I interacted with a Syracuse University undergraduate in the Public Policy Initiative and he ended up working on a number of articles including an update to Syracuse University, which I then nominated for GA and shepharded through the process. Hence, the statements that the PPI has not yet resulted in GA content is incorrect. Racepacket (talk) 20:09, 20 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

  • Flattery will get you everywhere Sage :) Sure, I'll give it a look. - Jarry1250 [Who? Discuss.] 22:00, 20 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online Ambassador note

Could I suggest to be a bit more carefully with those invitations in terms of who you contact? Of the three main criteria, I fail on all counts -- and wouldn't regular activity be somewhat obvious to check? My last 500 edits go back to September 2009. Maxim(talk) 01:44, 21 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online Ambassadors

Thanks for the consideration! :) I'm not really the mentoring type, I don't think, and life's a bit hectic to commit to something like that. But I'll certainly keep the program in mind for the future. - The Bushranger One ping only 02:55, 21 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online Ambassador help

Thanks for the message Sross, after considering everything I'm willing to take up the post. Would you kindly tell me the process to do so, or when can I start helping? — Legolas (talk2me) 06:36, 21 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

User:Bearian send you an email

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Bearian (talk) 17:33, 21 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Ambassador Program

I received your message on the program. Unfortunately, I have to decline the invitation. As a college student myself, things are hectic enough for me as it is, between school and the editing and reviewing I do now. I simply don't have the time to spare that the program would require. However, I thank you for thinking of me and wish you the best of luck with this important initiative. Giants2008 (27 and counting) 21:28, 21 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

FYI

I'm going to use my regular account name UpstateNYer (talk · contribs). Trying to juggle two names (one for regular editing, one for being an Ambassador) is too much. I have a new appreciation for socks... upstateNYer (Ambassador) 21:42, 21 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Probably a good idea. I wouldn't if it wasn't necessary for keeping my role as WMF staff separate from my volunteer editing.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 15:55, 22 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online Ambassador

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--Wustefuchs (talk) 17:53, 22 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hello, Sross (Public Policy). Check your email

Hello, Sross (Public Policy). Please check your email; you've got mail!
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--Wetman (talk) 21:51, 22 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Responded.--Wetman (talk) 21:51, 22 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online Ambassador invitation

Hi Sross, and thanks for the invitation. I am indeed much involved in helping contributors, and is something I could do in terms of time and capabilities, however I have some concerns regarding the most effective way to help the Wikimedia project. My first concern is that I don't think I would be a good mentor on topics I am not interested in at all. I'm OK with arts or social sciences but quite sincerely wouldn't be a good mentor for a contributor interested in let's say second league Indonesian soccer players. Is there a way to be as an online-mentor self-restricted to certain topics? Second, in about a month or so I am starting a PhD at the University of Melbourne, and I wonder if being a real-world mentor might be more effective. If you have any suggestions or feedback just let me know. --Elekhh (talk) 06:19, 24 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, you can definitely be selective about which students/courses/topic areas you're willing to mentor for. For the pilot phase of this program, we're mainly working with professors in a single discipline: public policy (broadly construed). You can see the list of courses at Wikipedia:Ambassadors/Courses. So if any of that is a topic area you'd be comfortable working with, then I encourage you to apply.
As for being a real-world mentor, I take it you're talking about the Campus Ambassador role? We're definitely hoping to get the Campus Ambassador program started in Australia and other places--either with a yet-to-be-developed online training program or with a training event at Wikimania in August--but this term we aren't working with any classes in Melbourne. If you'd like to be a Campus Ambassador later on, being an Online Ambassador first is a great way to figure out what the program is like; you can do both, or one then the other.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 16:53, 24 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Really, the problem with this program (and thanks for the invite BTW) is the "always on" nature of the IRC requirement. Being available thoughout the day is impossible for anyone with a day job. My boss would go ballistic if he thought I was sitting on IRC, being interrupted all the time when I'm supposed to be working! On the other hand, if the nature of the interaction were of the more conventional Wiki talk page - or even email interaction, then I'd be able to use occasional "downtime" - or lunchtime - or early mornings and evenings to respond to messages. I can do the needed amount of work - but not in the tiny scattered bits of time implied by IRC. Sadly, the IRC requirement is a complete deal-breaker for me, I simply cannot commit to this project. I strongly suspect that most Wikipedians will feel the same way. I think the concept needs to be reformulated if it is to be a widespread success. SteveBaker (talk) 01:29, 27 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]
IRC is not a requirement. Most of the ambassadors don't use IRC, and that's fine. A fair number do, and that is enough to provide help to student through that means. The bulk of the role, and all core parts, are strictly on-wiki.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 01:33, 27 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]
OK - I'll take another look at the project. It sure reads like it's heavily IRC-based though! Thanks for the clarification. SteveBaker (talk) 01:51, 27 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]
I clarified the description at Wikipedia:Online Ambassadors. If there's somewhere else that gives the wrong impression about IRC, point me to it.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 02:00, 27 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Note

I think this page was out of date: [1] upstateNYer 04:33, 25 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Yep, thanks!--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 14:02, 25 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Mentor Opportunity

Greetings! I'm a undergrad working on a project in my editing course. We are researching issues dealing with Public Policy and are in the process of developing an article on Wikipedia. Here is a link to our assignment page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_United_States_Public_Policy/Courses/Spring_2011/Professional_and_Technical_Editing_%28Cindy_Allen%29_). If you are able to work with me as a mentor this semester it would be much appreciated! Please don't hesitate if you may have any questions.

Thanks,

Matt — Preceding unsigned comment added by Mwbjmu620 (talk • contribs) 19:23, 25 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Mail-call

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Forgot the template yesterday!Worm 14:10, 26 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the invite, but I write mainly on art history & am not at all interested in US public policy. I am also interested in the GLAM ambassador role that is emerging, which probably suits my skills better. But if there were courses on art history involved, I would probably apply. Johnbod (talk) 22:35, 27 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Re: US Public Policy Ambassador Program

Hi. Thanks for the notice about AMBASSADORS. I'm not certain whether recieving the Awesome Wikipedian award gives any quantitative insight into my suitability for ambassadorship, but I have already previously indicated my interest in the program. As a concurrent participant in another editor improvement program, I hope to do some more in-depth quality work on select articles in the coming weeks and months, as I have contributed to few DYKs but no extant GAs or FAs. However, the time I have available per week typically (for now) ranges from 0.5 hours to 40 hours. When I have time to answer the questionnaire, I will get around to making a reply. Does the project only cover assistance to American students working on articles related to US Public Policy? Thanks. ~AH1(TCU) 01:39, 28 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks! I knew I had looked at your userpage recently, but couldn't remember why... it was because you signed the interest list. Right now (mainly because of the focus of the grant for the 1-year pilot phase of this project) we're working with American universities, mostly with public policy classes (although a few other classes). But we're working to spread the program to other countries, and won't focus on public policy in particular after this term. I look forward to getting your application. --Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 01:43, 28 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online Ambassador

Hi Sage,

I got your note regarding online ambassadorships. I appreciate your considering me, but I don't think I'd be a great match for the program. My main area of contribution is anti-vandalism, with occasional forays into citation hunting and grammar/typo fixing. I don't currently and never really have had much to do with new articles or significant addition of information. I do hope you find come good candidates; it sounds like a great program. Thanks for thinking of me. I'll let you know if things change on my end. --some jerk on the Internet (talk) 14:40, 28 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia Ambassador Program Newsletter: 28 January 2011



This is the first issue of the Wikipedia Ambassador Program newsletter. Please read it! It has important information about the the current wave of classes, instructions and advice, and other news about the ambassador program.



Delivered by EdwardsBot (talk) 00:35, 29 January 2011 (UTC) [reply]

TOC

Wikipedia:Ambassadors/Newsletter/1/Deliverable made the table of contents disappear on user talks; see fix.  Chzz  ►  04:54, 29 January 2011 (UTC) Whoops, thanks for catching that Chzz.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 14:06, 29 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia Ambassador Program

Thanks for the personal invite. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to commit to this program, given some of the other things I'd like to accomplish. -- John Broughton (♫♫) 01:35, 30 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I have to be honest and say that I am on the fence about participating in the program. I've heard about it, but I am not sure I am among the best qualified to participate in it. I'll think it over so more before giving a definitive answer, but I do thank you for the invitation to join. TomStar81 (Talk) 05:34, 30 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hmmm, "ambassador" eh... do they have one for "grumpy old man" ;-) Anyway, what do you think the job would entail? I think I would be able to do this is the administrative load was close to zero. I love helping people out, but hate trying to find the ones that need it. Maury Markowitz (talk) 02:06, 1 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Mentor Buddy4919

Hi! Thank you for contacting me. If you are still available to be my mentor, I would greatly appreciate your help throughout this semester! Thanks Buddy4919 (talk) 21:34, 31 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Little overloaded

Hey Sage, I just got my seventh mentor request for this semester, and I'm wondering what's up. Can I turn this guy away, perhaps to one of the 26 other mentors that don't have any mentees? I'd resisted putting a "Full" label next to my name because I assumed folks could see that, but is that what we're doing now? Thanks for the help.-- Patrick, oѺ∞ 04:50, 1 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

online ambassador

Sounds like a great job. I'd like to help if I can. Serendipodous 07:56, 1 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Sage. I am actually more interested in the other side of the equation - the idea of incorporating Wikipedia editing into classroom assignments. Are there guidelines for things like that? Thanks. Guettarda (talk) 17:59, 2 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Ambassador Dincher

Has a nice ring to it, but I must decline at the point. I am currently a grad student and have a full-time teaching job and a part-time retail job. I just don't have the time for wikipedia like I used to. Thanks for considering me. I am honored. Dincher (talk) 00:04, 3 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Question from former mentee

Hi SageR, this is nerdpenguin. I worked with you a little last semester on my project, the National Democratic Party in Egypt. As you can imagine, my article has been getting a lot of traffic with all that has been happening in Egypt. I am thrilled that it has gotten so much attention. It makes me proud to know that my work is being consumed by so many people. There has been one use in particular, though, who has asserted that my work is biased and has flagged it. I am a bit tired of arguing with him, and "unflagging" the article, and I wonder if there is some way to send this dispute to an arbitrator -- if that exists. Thank you kindly! Nerdpenguin (talk) 05:43, 3 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Sage: Thank you kindly for the advice. I am keen on learning how to deal with these things in the spirit of wikipedia. In the future, I will stick to your advice and not let the tone get to me :) -- A bit busy at the moment with school and keeping up with what is going on in the (Arab world) region. Again, really appreciate you taking the time to point me in the right direction on this. I see that the case has been taken up by a mediator, which is nice. This is all a good learning experience. Nerdpenguin (talk) 07:20, 4 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Sageross: Just a quick note to say thank you again for your help and input on my wikpedia article on the National Democratic Party in Egypt. I am currently taking your advice and making relevant changes to the article. Thanks again, sir!Nerdpenguin (talk) 00:23, 9 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Meditation Cabal Case: Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2011-02-03/National Democratic Party (Egypt)

Good day, This is a message to inform you that you are a named as a party having potential involvement in the following Mediation Cabal case: Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2011-02-03/National Democratic Party (Egypt). The reason you are being informed by the mediator for this case is because this editor (the mediator) believes that you may have some sort of connection or otherwise involvement in this case and would like to hear your side of this particular case. Please leave relevant discussion or comment on the case page, or you may contact me directly on my talk page. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. LTC b2412 Troops Talk 00:43, 4 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Re: Online Ambassadors

Thanks for the invitation to become one, from you and Sadads. I have given it real thought, as I fit your criteria pretty well. But I have realized that I don't really agree with the mission, i.e., I don't see why university students should be encouraged to write WP articles as part of course activities. The emphasis for them should be on what universities have always been about – learning how to develop new ideas and perspectives, how to analyze and synthesize facts in new ways, how to do (what we would call 'original') research ... all the things that WP frowns upon! Don't know if others have had this reaction, but I see a fairly fundamental clash here. There are no doubt other views on this of course, and good luck with your efforts in any case.... Wasted Time R (talk) 21:29, 6 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

In defence of the ambassador program (I am sure other people can explain it far better, I am only here incidentally), many of the universities involved might be teaching their students the kind of material that is not appropriate on Wikipedia, or making them understand the difference between primary and secondary sources, or the difference between synthesis (welcomed in most undergraduate essays) and encyclopedic material, or making them consider the reliability of online sources (including Wikipedia). You are right that an undergraduate course should not be based on writing material for Wikipedia, but hopefully that's not what's suggested. There are some Middle School courses that are based on writing material for Wikipedia, but that was a cunning plot to see how people reacted ;) --Demiurge1000 (talk) 03:15, 7 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

For being awesome!

Wikipedia Ambassador Barnstar
For being a super enthusiastic, awesome, cool and amazing coordinator of the ambassador project, I award you this barnstar recognizing your effort, energy and awesomeness! Keep it up! Basket of Puppies 21:08, 9 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you! I deeply appreciate that.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 21:17, 9 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Mentee

Hi Sross,

I am a student at Indiana University and I am a part of 'United States Public Policy' Wikipedia project. My topic for article is 'Mobile Source Air Pollution'. Would you be my mentor for this project? I will be glad to learn some wikipedia skills from you. --Swgarg (talk) 22:25, 9 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online application

Sage, you may have already noticed this but the first online ambassador application went to Wikipedia:Online Ambassadors/Apply/USERNAME instead of to the user's name. The instructions could probably be clarified a little (or is that a little sub-test embedded in the application?!). I'll leave you to clean it up since I assume the original page will need to be deleted once the application is moved to the right location. Mike Christie (talk – library) 12:09, 10 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks much, Mike! I'm not sure I would have caught that.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 14:31, 10 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
When you put the page up I wondered if someone would make that mistake, so I watchlisted the USERNAME page. Didn't expect to catch anyone so quickly, though. Mike Christie (talk – library) 12:18, 11 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online Ambassador selection process

Hi SilkTork. I just wanted to let you know that an on-wiki process for Online Ambassador applications is active now: Wikipedia:Online Ambassadors/Apply. We'll see how things go; if it doesn't show signs of turning into the kind of toxic atmosphere of RfA, maybe it will make sense to have the on-wiki method be the only one.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 19:45, 10 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for that Sage. I do have a strong interest in the principles and aims of the project, and fully understand that there will be teething problems with setting up an initiative like this. It is appropriate to be careful with who is chosen as an ambassador. I'll take a look at the amended process and give you my thoughts. SilkTork *YES! 21:30, 10 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online ambassadors

Thanks for the invitation and the vote of confidence, but as I said to Sadads last month, I don't want to commit myself to something I won't always have the time for. —Bruce1eetalk 05:24, 11 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Online ambassador

Thanks for the invitation to the Online Ambassador program. As I am currently working on finishing an undergraduate degree, I won't have the time necessary to invest in the project—but maybe later? In any case, thank you for making me aware of the opportunity. — AlekJDS talk 15:26, 11 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Yep, you can always apply some time down the road. Good luck with the last bits of your degree!--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 15:27, 11 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia Ambassador Program Newsletter: 13 February 2011



This is the second issue of the Wikipedia Ambassador Program Newsletter, with details about what's going on right now and where help is needed.


  • Userboxes and profiles - Add an ambassador userbox to your page, and make sure you've added your mentor profile!
  • Be a coordinating ambassador - Pick and class and make sure no students fall through the cracks.
  • New screencasts - Short videos on watchlists and a number of other topics may be useful to students.
  • Updates from Campus Ambassadors - Ambassadors are starting to report on classroom experiences, both on-wiki and on the Google Group.
  • Other news - There's a new on-wiki application for being an Online Ambassador, and Editing Friday #2 is today!
  • Things you can do - This is just a sample; if you're eager for something to do, there's plenty more.

Delivered by EdwardsBot (talk) 18:26, 11 February 2011 (UTC) [reply]

Online ambassador (cannot add profile)

Hi Sross. My apologies for not contacting you sooner. I have tried to add my profile to the Online Ambassadors page and it will not let me. I must be doing something wrong. If you can advise, I would be most appreciative as I would like to engage in the ambassador project. Maple Leaf (talk) 18:45, 14 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

  • Much appreciated for the quick turnaround. I have filled out the bio and am very excited about getting involved. Thanks again Maple Leaf (talk) 20:00, 14 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Talkback

Hello, Sross (Public Policy). You have new messages at Ronk01's talk page.
Message added 19:47, 14 February 2011 (UTC). You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{Talkback}} or {{Tb}} template.[reply]

Mentee pages

Hi, Sage. Thanks for the reminder. I received the #2 newsletter yesterday evening (having not read the previous one very thoroughly) and tried to work out what to do, but it started getting complicated and I aborted and went to bed. I was busy today, but will sort it out tomorrow (Tuesday). BTW, I've visited Seattle several times - excellent place, great restaurants, bars, beers, terrific but exhausting Gray Line trip up Mt Rainier. Best. --GuillaumeTell 00:55, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Sross! My name is Ellen Barker, and I'm a Sophomore at James Madison University in Professor Allen's Professional and Technical Editing course. This semester we're working on the US Public Policy project. If you have a free spot, I'd like you to be my Wikipedia mentor this spring.

Hello! My name is Tom and I'm currently a junior at James Madison University working in Professor Cindy Allen's Wikipedia Public Policy Project. My article is on the Air Pollution Control Act of 1955. It would be great if you could be my mentor as the first mentor I requested is currently ill. Thanks Tom

Talkback

Hello, Sross (Public Policy). You have new messages at Dusti's talk page.
Message added 06:07, 18 February 2011 (UTC). You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{Talkback}} or {{Tb}} template.[reply]

Talkback

Hello, Sross (Public Policy). You have new messages at N5iln's talk page.
Message added 04:20, 19 February 2011 (UTC). You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{Talkback}} or {{Tb}} template.[reply]

Mentoring students: be sure to check in on them

This message is going out to all of the Online Ambassadors who are, or will be, serving as mentors this term.

Hi there! This is just a friendly reminder to check in on what your mentees are doing. If they've started making edits, take a look and help them out or do some example fixes for them, if they need it. And if they are doing good, let them know it!

If you aren't mentoring anyone yet, it looks like you will be soon; at least one large class is asking us to assign mentors for them, and students in a number of others haven't yet gotten to asking ambassadors to be their mentors, but may soon. --Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 20:08, 21 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hi

Thanks for the note. Unfortunately my mentee appears to have disappeared off the face of Wikipedia. Not sure what to do about it really. Serendipodous 20:15, 21 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Mentoring students

Hello Sage, Thanks for the message. I ageed to mentor three students, and gave some advice to one of them. All three have been very quiet on Wikipedia since then, but I am ready to engage with them when they need my help. I am happy to offer advice or suggestions to any student or any other new editor at any time. Cullen328 (talk) 20:47, 21 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Editing My Article

As I continue to add informational depth to my article, I was hoping to create headings and sub headings dividing my findings and making my article more user friendly. If you could assist me in this, that would be greatly appreciated. Tom — Preceding unsigned comment added by Simpsontg77 (talk • contribs) 19:30, 22 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Ambassador

Will wait and see if there are students that will be working on health care topics. If you find any feel free to send them my way. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 20:43, 22 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Groups of students in need of mentors

Thanks for the heads up. I am very interested and will look into it this weekend for sure. If I want to see some other projects going on, is there one page that lists all the potential projects? Maple Leaf (talk) 12:42, 23 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

From one of your mentors

Did you see Buddy4919's edit here? I don't know if the student should be migrating to another article right away, can you verify that their is still more to do on the article? Sadads (talk) 23:08, 28 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Air Pollution Control Act

I was wondering if you could provide some suggestions as to how I may better my Wikipedia article. If there are any other subheadings that I should include or any websites that you know of that I should include please feel free to let me know. Also I have hit a wall when researching what the specifics of the Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 actually says; again if you know of any sites that I haven't already utilized please let me know. Thanks Tom — Preceding unsigned comment added by Simpsontg77 (talk • contribs) 19:37, 1 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Media and Telecommunication Policy spring 2011 (Obar)

Question since you are updating the Areas of Study. Should the many lawsuits under the "Cases" section have "FCC" or "Federal Communications Commission"? - Neutralhomer • Talk • 01:07, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not sure; use your best judgment if you thing they should be changed. I'm just trying to make sure the ones that actually have articles already are linked. And thanks for your email to the group. I'm going through and individually asking people to mentor each of the remaining groups right now. Perhaps you could follow up afterward and find mentors for the groups that don't get picked up from my current round of requests? Thanks again, NH!--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 01:22, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Okie Dokie, will do. I put out a post on the Google Group a couple ago, but I will throw another post about that on there. - Neutralhomer • Talk • 01:24, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Actually, I'd highly suggest asking people individually. The mailing list emails will probably be ignored, if earlier ones (like from Annie) didn't work, and a fair number of Online Ambassadors aren't on the list anyway.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 01:27, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Okie Dokie, I will do the individual emails or talk page messages. - Neutralhomer • Talk • 01:34, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Mentor for the students working on Children's Television Act and ATT v. FCC

I would be happy to do it. Let me know what you need from me. Coincidentally, I'm an Ex AT&T Employee.--Mike - Μολὼν λαβέ 02:13, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Done!--Mike - Μολὼν λαβέ 02:36, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Please be the mentor for the students working on Data discrimination

Hi Sage Ross. Thank you for getting back to me. My apologies for not replying sooner. I had some personal issues to look after. I have signed up for Data discrimination. If there any other details I need to know, please do not hesitate to contact me Maple Leaf (talk) 02:41, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Reply to your message.

Hello, Sross (Public Policy). You have new messages at [[User talk:Wilhelmina Will (talk) 02:43, 3 March 2011 (UTC)|User talk:Wilhelmina Will (talk) 02:43, 3 March 2011 (UTC)]].[reply]
You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{Talkback}} or {{Tb}} template.

Talkback

Hello, Sross (Public Policy). You have new messages at Kudpung's talk page.
Message added 05:06, 3 March 2011 (UTC). You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{Talkback}} or {{Tb}} template.[reply]

Media and Telecommunication Policy spring 2011 (Obar) (Part 2)

Got a slight problem. We have more students in the "Students" section than we do in the "Areas of Study" section. Some students aren't signed up for an area of study. Should we send off an email to the prof about this, or do we need more Areas of Study since it seems they are pretty well packed. - Neutralhomer • Talk • 10:07, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hmm... I think the prof is on top of this, but if it doesn't sort out within the next week, Annie or I will poke the prof. Thanks for the update! This is really helpful.--00:59, 4 March 2011 (UTC)
Sure, no problem. :) - Neutralhomer • Talk • Coor. Online Amb'dor • 01:01, 4 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Hello, Sross (Public Policy). You have new messages at J Komara's talk page.
You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{Talkback}} or {{Tb}} template.

Check Your Area of Study

Hello, I have updated the Project Page you are mentoring on with usernames for all the students in your Area of Study. Please send them a message introducing yourself and let them know you are there to help.

As always, please let me know if I can be of assistance. Take Care...Neutralhomer • Talk • 10:17, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks. I'll get to this soon.  :) --Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 00:58, 4 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Just wanted to let you know, we are full up on mentors. :) - Neutralhomer • Talk • Coor. Online Amb'dor • 01:01, 4 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Mentoring Area of study

Hi, you had contacted me about mentoring the students working on Tying of Apple products. It looks like User:Worm That Turned took up that group. I am now mentoring the group working on the Comcast NBC merger. PrincessofLlyr royal court 16:16, 3 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Great, thanks! Sorry about the confusion; Neutralhomer and I were intersecting a bit with trying to find mentors, so there were some conflicts like that.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 01:00, 4 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia:Ambassadors/Steering Committee/Elections

IDK if you got the memo or not, but it was decided at the last ASC meeting that you and I have the ASC elections proposal up by March 11. I put up a draft at the above link, but you should look over it and clarify some things, because I wasn't really sure whether all of it has been decided yet. Cheers, /ƒETCHCOMMS/ 03:04, 6 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Cool, thanks! I'll go over it first thing on Monday.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 03:13, 6 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]
It seems like there's a little of a gap between what was in your starting point version and what was in the notes. See the message I left on the draft; are those things undecided bits that you took a stab at, or things that you remember from the meeting that didn't make the notes? Anyhow, let me know what you think of the changes I made, and the ideas I proposed; I'll be watching that page, so you can just make changes and I'll follow along.--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 19:10, 7 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]
I don't think we figured out whether it should be onwiki or secret ballot yet (see [2]), but [3], says voters should vote for two candidates for CA and two for OA. I'd also prefer an open, onwiki voting system; that works fine for steward elections, the MILHIST coordinator elections, and the GOCE elections. /ƒETCHCOMMS/ 01:41, 8 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Ah, I see. It looks like that was a question, rather than a decision. I don't remember what the reasoning was, though, and don't see an advantage over approval voting. What do you think?--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 01:47, 8 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]
I agree with what you noted on the elections page; voting for as many candidates as you want seems easier and more logical to me at this point. Go ahead and update the draft as you think is best in regards to this, cheers. /ƒETCHCOMMS/ 03:29, 8 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia Ambassadors Program - Translation

Hi Sage Ross, I'm a brazilian volunteer interested on incorporating the program here in Brazil. Now, Nevinho and I are translating some resources to use them here. We want to know if you could give us the original files (editable files) of the handouts (and others, if possible) in order to translate them keeping the original design (sorry for my terrible english). —– Jaider Msg 13:42, 9 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]


Hello!!! Thank you so much for being a mentor for our class at MSU!! Look forward to working with you. Brittany

Balbaugh (talk) 21:30, 14 March 2011 (UTC)[reply]

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