Talk:Wikimedia Chapters Association/Meetings/2013-07/Agenda

If we're going to spend two full days on these matters, we should also address the question of finances. Considering the last decisions by FDC, chapters might not have much say in our budget in the future (except to the extent of their WMF-independent incomes). And some of us have been reluctant to as money directly from FDC. --Oop (talk) 09:45, 24 January 2013 (UTC)

Concerning the recent developments, I'd say that the issues of budget and agenda have become especially important. The lack of clear public statements about these two has been the object of most of recent sensible criticism. (We shouldn't waste our time on the non-sensible part, e.g. attacks ad hominem.) I only hope I shall be able to take part over the Internet; on that matter, it would be probably best if we'd foresee more than one channel for it, not all demanding video links. --Oop (talk) 08:06, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

Agreed. The agenda will need to be restructured to reflect events this week, as was expected, along with time to make sure we all fully understand the views of WMF trustees that will be our guests. As we are looking at a longer term application to the FDC, we should discuss how this moves us to a different funding cycle, interim funding needed, and plan in the likely delay in establishing the administrative support we so desperately need to make progress. The longer time frame means that we can also pick up on the other barriers to funding that are being expressed by the WMF.

The continued lobbying about me as the Chair was already on our agenda, and I still recommend we discuss how to conduct a March election for the Chair position. Cheers --Fæ (talk) 08:33, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

Also, it seems that for some people the low percentage of support amongst chapters (21/39) has become an problem by itself. It might be good if we would ask the chapters that have not signed the agreement, what exactly they think should be on the WCA's agenda, and what criteria should WCA fulfil for them to join it. This would show how much we can raise the support by our own efforts and to what extent it depends on the issues beyond our control (inactive chapters, local legal problems, etc). --Oop (talk) 08:44, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

Accommodation

Hi, as the hotel proposed by Manuel and Markus offers 2-person rooms only (at least I don't see any singles), and the same applies to a number of venues in the nearby, I would like to ask if there is anyone to share costs. :) I think it is always better to avoid unnecessary expenses. :)

Stay: from Friday to Sunday?

Thanks, aegis maelstrom δ 18:09, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

Hello, I am confused. The title of this page is "Meetings/2013-07", so this is about Wikimania? Ziko (talk) 18:20, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

Our meetings are numbered by weeks - see Wikimedia Chapters Association/Meetings. --Manuel Schneider^(bla) (+/-) 18:25, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

Some days ago I think I saw also single rooms, maybe they're sold out; anyway, singles are more expensive, thus I'm for sharing a double room. - Laurentius (talk) 21:46, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

Alright. E.g. at the moment a twin room in the Holiday Express Inn is available for 93 quids per day. I am not sure about you but I would need a receipt to cover expenses. Should each person take a room for 1 night and let them know we want to keep the room? Spliting costs afterwards could be problematic. :) aegis maelstrom δ 09:08, 2 February 2013 (UTC)

P.S. Of course it doesn't have to be this particular hotel. There are other good ones with similar or even lower prices and there is one well-rated budget hotel 10 minutes walk from the office - EasyHotel for just 49 quids per night. Should someone want to really trim the costs it is a viable option, however it is not the same facility where Markus and Manuel stay. aegis maelstrom δ 09:52, 2 February 2013 (UTC)

It is almost certain that I will attend. I am willing to share a double room at the Holiday Express Inn. GastelEtzwane (talk) 23:27, 2 February 2013 (UTC)

I just got notice from the hospital, I will not be able to attend in person. I may be able to follow the discussions online. GastelEtzwane (talk) 21:58, 5 February 2013 (UTC)

Sorry to hear that. In such a difficult meeting, it is always better to have time to socialize together. Please do drop me an email if you think you might not be able to listen in virtually on the 16th, and there is any issue you would like me to raise as the Chair for discussion on your behalf. Hopefully virtual attendees will find the Google Hangout useful - hint: test it out on your machine in advance. --Fæ (talk) 22:20, 5 February 2013 (UTC)

I will do that. Thanks for the suggestion. GastelEtzwane (talk) 17:10, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

I can confirm Laurentius and I are taking HIE. Should anyone be interested to join, now it is only 79/night. aegis maelstrom δ 21:52, 7 February 2013 (UTC)

Schedule

The schedule as laid out was created with a different background than we have today. I'd like to encourage us change from the top-down approach of meeting sessions to a more bar-camp style where we try to think things bottom-up: A session where we talk about the goals of WCA and create a mission statement out of that discussion. Then trying to model a (rougth) strategy for the next two year. What needs to be done - in terms of WCA activity, not in terms of organisational arrangements. Then, based on that, we have to review the next steps and plans until Wikimania. Incorporation is first, second we need to seriously challenge the SG job opening. Many pieces in this mosaic are already there. There are documents, lists of thoughts etc. already around. We don't need to discuss the place of incorporation anymore and the charter is also there. But let's bring these pieces together and draw a clear mission and a strategy to move forward with them.

You might think that is all obvious and already done? Well, then why does the WMF and several people on the mailinglist not find / incorporate it? Why can't we simply point them to relevant statements and documents that make the purpose and plan of the WCA clear? If that has already been done, great, let's collect it and we will be done quickly. --Manuel Schneider^(bla) (+/-) 18:23, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

I'm rethinking the agenda and welcome further suggestions. I'll go ahead and blank most of the suggested content, rather than mislead any on-lookers, leaving basic logistics for the moment. --Fæ (talk) 18:36, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

Some of you may be aware that WMUK has a significant board meeting this weekend. Feel free to discuss the agenda and refine our schedule, but I will have to focus on the UK and the independent governance report for a couple of days, as with a board down to 5 trustees, every one of us is needed. Ziko is taking the initiative with some simple advance questions to Council members, please reply promptly as this will help ensure we have feedback, from as many of us as possible, to consider in setting our priority for our meeting. Thanks --Fæ (talk) 15:00, 8 February 2013 (UTC)

I have set up the agenda with a simple set of opening-analysis-closing sections. If any discussion gets bogged down or unproductive, I will move us on. I suspect virtual attendees might find it frustrating, so I will also consider specific sections of the meeting to be more focused on the virtual space. At the start of Saturday and Sunday we will be confirming the day's agenda, so if you think we are missing a critical aspect, that is a good time to explain your viewpoint. Thanks --Fæ (talk) 08:25, 15 February 2013 (UTC)