Learning patterns/Wiki Takes ... and those getting taken
What problem does this solve?
[edit]The idea of Wiki Takes ... is to get lots of Wikimedia photographers to a (more or less) strange place with missing or insufficient pictures. When they leave, the situation on Wikimedia Commons should have changed to the better. However, a Wiki Takes ... is not just about free content generation. It comprises other cultural and social aspects – especially towards the people who live at the place which is taken by Wikimedians from the outside.
What is the solution?
[edit]Inform the relevant local institutions about your plans in advance. Depending on the area these institutions can include local authorities, historical societies, tourist boards, local media etc. A Wiki Takes ... can enable a dialogue and foster mutual understanding of Wikipedians and their “objects“. Try to keep up the communication for a while. You can ask whether the institutions would be interested to get a link to the results page - and an explanation how they can reuse the images themselves. You can also ask for (reasonable) support such as access to closed buildings or help with finding hidden objects. Involving the local people in fair consideration of their potentials will most likely lead to better images, even if it’s just because of a changed viewpoint towards the setting.
Things to consider
[edit]- Be aware of the region's topography you are planning to visit - the topography can work in your favour or pose a problem when you are trying to divide out the objects
- Mobility and means of transportation are an essential factor - try to make sure that every participant has the means to get to the objects in question, in order to achieve the goals they (or the project team) are aiming for
When to use
[edit]Endorsements
[edit]See also
[edit]Related patterns
[edit]- Grants:Learning patterns/Organising a Wiki Takes...
- Grants:Learning patterns/Dealing with authorities for institutional partnerships