Response #10: Really?!

I don’t know how to start with my “odyssey” I mean… experience editing Wikipedia.

When Garrett and Mike announced the Wikipedia entry, the first thing that came to mind was: what the hell I’m going to write? I thought choosing the topic would be more complicated, but after a telephone conversation and some brainstorming, I realized that wasn’t. After choosing the topic carefully, I thought that the most difficult thing would be find relevant and neutral information that follows the Wikipedia parameters. After getting the information and write it I realized that wasn’t. Then I thought, now it is impossible that I can do the Wikipedia format because they have a lot of rules and codes. But after formatting the entry I realized that … that was not the most difficult thing.

Everything was going well until I thought it was a good idea to contribute to my entry with a picture. And there was… I found the hardest part of Wikipedia: PHOTOS

How can be so many rules and buts when it comes to putting a picture? None of the photos I found via search engines, works. Or they had copyright, or clearly had not, or were restricted and if they are from Flickr: Almost all the pictures were protected, semi protected or restricted! Only had a few that could be used and were obviously not relevant to my subject.

Other photos I found on the Internet they don’t said the author, so obviously Wikipedia once again don’t let me upload them. If I upload them, they told me that at any time or immediately they would delete the file. Technically the only more or less viable option you have left is to upload a photo of your authorship. Obviously, Wikipedia is not going to stop complicating your experience uploading a photo. If the photo is yours you have to select the type of license you have. Hmmm, I am new at this … so … what the hell is that?! I have to seek information in order to create information here in Wikipedia!

After long hours of fighting with Wikimedia Commons, I upload one photo of my authorship, but not even ask me what kind of license I chose … because I am not sure. I just select one, before they ruin my experience editing Wikipedia. Intelligent my choice, I could finish my entry on Wikipedia.

That’s how came out: Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián.

I am satisfied with my entry, it feels pretty good being the first to create a page that does not exist on Wikipedia and on a subject that we (Puerto Ricans) identifies as a people. These festivities are part of our tradition, mostly verbal, and it’s time to write, so we do not lose it. After over 50 years Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián is still held and are four days where we run wild in home demonstrations and unity as a people.

Overall the experience of collaborating on Wikipedia was useful and enlightening.

Now:

1. It is not so difficult as it seemed, though it remains difficult
2. I want to create other entries and edit existing
3. I want to be an expert on a topic to be able to contribute more
4. PHOTOs!! I will definitely take pictures of everything and create my own library of images. For the next time I would not have to go through the dilemma of the copyrights and authors in Wikimedia Commons.

Should I do it again? Of course! In fact, we should all make a collaboration, ascertain, we can be surprised to learn what others know.