Wikipedia:Online Ambassadors/Apply/Swarm

The following discussion is preserved as an archive of a successful Online Ambassador application.

Unanimous support from all discussion participants. Welcome to our newest Online Ambassador!--Cind.amuse (Cindy) 19:11, 22 September 2011 (UTC)

Swarm

Swarm (talk · contribs)

1. Why do you want to be a Wikipedia Ambassador?

   I enjoy helping new users in what ways I can, and have done so with the adopt-a-user program for quite some time. I feel this is something I would enjoy and could help out in.

2. In three sentences or less, summarize your involvement with Wikimedia projects.

   In a nutshell, I would say I've been involved in a large number of different areas on Wikipedia. I also do a bit of image work here and there, which involves some activity at Commons.

3. Please indicate a few articles to which you have made significant content contributions. (e.g. DYK, GA, FA, major revisions/expansions/copyedits).

   I'll say up front that I'm not a major content editor, instead mainly focusing on minor editing. However, I have written an article. Further back, I've mentored an inexperienced adoptee through the creation of this article, which took a considerable amount of work. I also have done several good article reviews.

4. How have you been involved with welcoming and helping new users on Wikipedia?

   As I mentioned above, I've been involved with adopt-a-user for nearly two years. I've advised a multitude of users on most aspects of Wikipedia.

5. What do you see as the most important ways we could welcome newcomers or help new users become active contributors?

   Increase the use of barnstars, awards, and WikiLove; make it a more friendly place. Give every user a friendly welcome message (i.e. a welcome template should be standard and automated if necessary). Also, we definitely need more human support for new users (i.e. mentoring). WP:AAU is a great program but it's just not enough: many newcomers will never know about it and for those that do, there's not enough volunteers to mentor them. The help desk is great as well but it simply doesn't offer sustained guidance.

6. Have you had major conflicts with other editors? Blocks or bans? Involvement in arbitration? Feel free to offer context, if necessary.

   I've had my fair share of content disputes, but nothing I would classify as "major". I'm far more likely to abandon an argument entirely for the sake of peace than let a dispute get too heated.

7. How often do you edit Wikipedia and check in on ongoing discussions? Will you be available regularly for at least two hours per week, in your role as a mentor?

   I'm generally on Wikipedia every day and I'll easily be able to dedicate two hours per week to this.

8. What else should we know about you that is relevant to being a Wikipedia Ambassador?

   Nothing that I can think of, but I'll be happy to answer any questions or expand on anything.

Discussion

I have all confidence in recommending Swarm be accepted as an Ambassador. I have privileged to interact, and observe interactions with this user on multiple occasions at varying degrees of complexity, and have been impressed with their knowledge of policy, interest in helping new users, and proficiency in content creation. To be honest, it was an oversight of mine, that I did not personally invite Swarm to consider assisting this program much sooner, and I am grateful that by their own initiative they have realized this is an important outreach program, recognized in them-self, ability, and volunteered to assist. I anticipate with esteem, the contributions they will impart, and the level of dedication they are accustomed to exert, in areas where they have agreed obligation. With the start of a new term imminent, I think it would be prudent to bring Swarm in to our corp, by expedient means. Respectfully submitted for consideration. My76Strat (talk) 13:29, 14 September 2011 (UTC)

• Swarm's knowledgeable and helpful. /ƒETCHCOMMS/ 15:30, 16 September 2011 (UTC)
• Support - net positive, no reason to think they won't make a good Ambassador. --Alan the Roving Ambassador (User:N5iln) (talk) 16:36, 16 September 2011 (UTC)
• Support - I have worked closely together with Swarm on several Wikipedia projects and can confirm that he not only has an excellent knowledge of policies and content building, but he also possesses a magic touch when it comes to helping others. --Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 02:07, 17 September 2011 (UTC)
• Support Without a doubt, can provide dozens of reasons if needed, but they boil down to the fact that Swarm is clear in his communication, knowledgable and helpful. Worm^TT · (talk) 14:17, 19 September 2011 (UTC)