Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Video games/Newsletter

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Contents 1 Initial discussion 1.1 Goals 1.2 Content 1.2.1 Discussion 1.3 Delivery/Presentation 2 Draft of newsletter 3 Finalize draft for April 9th 4 How to spread the word 101 5 Like Gameinformer? 6 Spread the word 7 Signing up for the newsletter 8 Collaboration of the week 9 GAN 10 Handing out 11 2nd Edition Plans 11.1 Proposal 1 11.2 Proposal 2 11.3 Proposal 3 12 Newsletter bot 13 Where to link FA / GA 14 Let's decide on a distribution method 15 Redirect "current issue" talk page 16 3rd edition 17 Lets talk about distribution...(again) 18 4th edition

[edit] Initial discussion

I'm going to write down some ideas here for this idea of a newsletter, but by no means should be considered final. Feel free to expand and discuss these points further. --MASEM 14:29, 29 February 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Goals

The goals, as I see them for this, are:

1. Provide a clean quick summary of what the state of the project is, with changes/notes from the last week, with links to more detailed "stories" in the full edition
2. Provide a quick "at a glance" vital numbers for various tasks in the project.
3. Allow editors to be aware of events that happen week-by-week for them to participate in (such as FAC, AFD, etc.)

[edit] Content

Each newsletter edition should include:

1. Vital project stats: number of FA/GA articles, number of pending FA/FAR/GA articles, # of articles for assessment, for peer review, new articles created, etc. Straightup numbers so that if one sees that 100 articles are pending assessment, they need not read any further and can jump to it. This would be the only part that in the deliverable page to each user would not require a click-through to see, those numbers would be delivered to the user
2. More detailed outline of the above: list those articles and results if any.
3. Welcome to any new editors (even if they don't get the newsletter)
4. Any significant changes or events in WP space that the project should be aware of. (such as the current ArbCom case)
5. Ideally a "feature", which I can see being an informal Q&A with an editor that's done good for the VG project, maybe a summary of a major convo that affects the style or approach to video game articles, or maybe further discussion of a new idea for the project.
6. If we get the collaboration of the week/fortnight going again, status of those. (Maybe this is how we get interest back in that)

[edit] Discussion

On #1, I'd rather see something akin to the milhist newsletter, where they only list new high quality articles. New editors would be nice, but hard to keep track of. Something I would like to see: recent WPVG barnstars awarded. A significant change or event is indeed good to have in a newsletter.

I could do some kind of editorial every month, would be fun. In assessments and general discussion trolling I do pick up something nice to think about every once in a while. Interviews and such as nice too, but that would have to be someone else as I can't do that well. User:Krator (t c) 15:24, 29 February 2008 (UTC)

I think the goals seem reasonable and I like the stats idea. I like Krator's suggestion of emulating the Military History newsletter, though I think ours should be more condensed. Listing new editors would be difficult, if not impossible. I think recent barnstars would be the same way; a good idea, but to difficult to track. There may be a way to easily pull it off that I don't know about though. I think recent GA/FA achievements would be good and maybe highlight the major contributors as well. The editorials sound like an interesting idea. I'm no writer, but I'd be willing to contribute some to help share the load.

I also hope that some major discussions from the talk page or game talk pages will sometimes be included, possibly in the "feature" section. I know a lot of times, we've tried to reach a consensus on a single article that should also affect numerous similar articles. But word doesn't always spread and we end up fighting the same fight multiple times. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 16:34, 3 March 2008 (UTC))

I'm not sure what to add, apart from maybe a tip of the fortnight, maybe a VG based Did you Know? or similar encourage editors to read outside of their particular sphere of interest. I agree though that the milhist template is a good one to use. Gazimoff (talk) 19:16, 3 March 2008 (UTC)

Should we make a draft of what the first one should be like to get some more feedback? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 20:29, 6 March 2008 (UTC))

Krator, what did you have in mind for the editorial? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 22:00, 11 March 2008 (UTC))

[edit] Delivery/Presentation

The newsletter will have a opt-in signup list for users to receive the shorten "front page" on their talk page (much like the current WikiSignpost). This post will include how to opt-out, in addition to instructions on this page.

New editions are created as subpages under this, as "YYYYMMDD" for the date of delivery; this project page would display the same "front page" that would be delivered to users as well as the links to the archives.

We can use AWB to distribute this to the list of opt-in users, so a bot is not necessary at this time.

How often do should this be distributed? Biweekly or monthly? I think weekly would be a sizable workload to maintain. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 15:08, 14 March 2008 (UTC))

I would almost start monthly if only to see what the interest is. If more people are willing to help, we can make it more frequent. --MASEM 23:18, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Monthly sounds like a good idea. Do you want to shoot for April as the first month? Also what day do you think would be a good delivery day? The first calendar date of the month? The first Monday of the month? The second Thursday of the month excluding leap years, international holidays, and presidential dog's birthdays? Any thoughts? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 15:11, 17 March 2008 (UTC))

I'm thinking the Weds or Thur of the first full week of the month. That way, there's a weekend for editors to contribute something and a few days for copyedits. --MASEM 15:25, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Wednesdays sound good. Want to shoot for April 9th? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 16:51, 17 March 2008 (UTC))

Sounds good. We'll want an announcement for the message (including how to opt-out if one finds they don't want it anymore) and then have a sign up page. --MASEM 19:18, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Draft of newsletter

I've created a framework for the newsletter (borrowed from the Good Articles project, which I have modified and started at Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Newsletter/draft. Please hack at it at you wish for whatever content you feel is appropriate so that we can present a draft to others and see if there's a strong interest in keeping this up. --MASEM 23:19, 6 March 2008 (UTC)

Looks good Masem. Though I'm sure we'll get all kinds of disagreement on the color and borders. :-P I tweaked the layout a bit by putting the featured content section into two side-by-side lists within the column. I really like the hide/show function too. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 23:52, 6 March 2008 (UTC))

Yeah, I'm going to have to say toning down the colors a bit would be nice... other than that it looks fine. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 21:15, 12 March 2008 (UTC)

In terms of content, maybe we can have short little articles or tutorials- e.g., 'how to write a good vg article', 'fictional character', et al. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 21:16, 12 March 2008 (UTC)

Any suggestions on which colors to use? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 21:42, 12 March 2008 (UTC))

The ones we have aren't bad, maybe lighten up both of them so it's a bit paler? Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 21:44, 12 March 2008 (UTC)

Draft looks good. I say tweak the colours a little, perhaps just use the scheme from {{WPCVG Sidebar}}. This is a good initiative, by the way. JACOPLANE • 2008-03-12 23:48

Using the same colors as the sidebar sounds like a good. Also, I like the feature Masem. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 14:43, 13 March 2008 (UTC))

I'll tackle the colors in a bit. And I have to apologize to whomever had the idea for VG Leads that I borrowed, as I know someone mentioned doing something along those lines somewhere and I can't remember where, but whoever it was, feel free to add more to it. --MASEM 15:17, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Colors are updated. --MASEM 23:19, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

I've got no complaints now. But what exactly are we going to put in the newsletter? Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 15:19, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

One more question, what will the VG footer be? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 15:32, 17 March 2008 (UTC))

Well, from the Good Articles projects newsletter I stoleborrowed this from, it was more typical end-of-page navbox in that case organizing the project pages in that fashion. Easily something can be done by condensing the current VG sidebar to a navbox. --MASEM 15:34, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Sounds good, I added a quick little something in there just so there's something to work with. Please feel to alter it. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 16:51, 17 March 2008 (UTC))

David, the general outline of the proposed newsletter content is above. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 16:51, 17 March 2008 (UTC))

Righto. So then, I'm assuming someone pops up here with an idea for the feature, it gets discussed and drafted, et al? Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 17:29, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Sounds like as good an idea as any. If there are multiple good ideas, we can always just prep them all for future newsletters too. That might make the workload easier. Did you have an idea already in mind? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 17:46, 17 March 2008 (UTC))

Maybe. In any case, the lead article is a good idea, and we should prolly talk about other aspects of an ideal vg article, such as reception, balancing criticism, et al. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 18:01, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

So will we be using the draft as the first newsletter this April? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 17:25, 20 March 2008 (UTC))

Regarding David's update- I like how it gives an update to the achievements of the project, but still think we should list the current FAC, FLC, GAN and FTC to encourage member participation. Also, should we still include the "New articles". There is normally a large amount of new articles created every month. I'm not sure how we'd reasonably limit the listing without bloating the newsletter. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 15:28, 24 March 2008 (UTC))

[edit] Finalize draft for April 9th

April 9, 2008 is a week away, so we should try to finalize the draft to get it ready to send out. I did a little tweak to the "Project at a glance" section, hopefully it covers all basis. Also, how should we spread the word about signing up for it? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 19:56, 1 April 2008 (UTC))

Can we change the talkpage banner template to add it? Something like "WP:VG Newsletter - Last Edition Jan 01, 1901 - Signup Here" perhaps.--Gazimoff (talk) 20:49, 1 April 2008 (UTC)

You mean the "To-do list" at WT:VG? That shouldn't be too hard. It beats spamming everyone with the {{User WPVG}} on their userpage. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 21:33, 1 April 2008 (UTC))

It's looking great overall. I think for the first issue you should send to everyone with the userbox, and then leave a (relatively large) note saying that in future, only those who sign their name somewhere will receive it. Since not everyone is aware of this page (and not everyone watches WT:VG regularly). dihydrogen monoxide (H₂O) 01:52, 5 April 2008 (UTC)

Also, the list of FACs etc. is out of date. Better just to transclude the project's to-do list (the one at the top of WT:VG) somewhere. That's done on the WP:BIO newsletter, etc. - it's always up to date that way. dihydrogen monoxide (H₂O) 01:52, 5 April 2008 (UTC)

I believe the plan is to have it up-to-date on the day newsletter goes out. Mainly to give people a snapshot of how the project is doing and try to get members more active in FAC, GAN, and Peer Review. Though we could make a regularly updated subpage of the newsletter that can be transcluded.
I kinda like the idea of sending out the first one to all members, it would definitely get the word out. But I'm worried some people will see it as spamming. Let's see what others think. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 04:33, 5 April 2008 (UTC))

Ok, as we are two days away (and thanks to that sharp stick in my side from GIB :-) here's what we should or decide:

• Initial delivery? Do we want to put a list of people that want to get it (located on the non-talk page here), and then also "deliver" it to WT:VG, with the notification that subsequent issues will be delivered to the user? (Deliver, here, would be that a teaser box would be linked on their talk page, not the whole thing). I will do the delivery if the list is large enough through AWB, but if like only 10 people show up, well, then... that's not that hard :-).
• Move/copy the draft to "/20080409" just prior to delivery.
• Get word out about this. Again, WT:VG will be known, but we may want to put an announcement at the Pumps or the like.
• Teaser box. Should state date, issue #, etc., and a teaser of the feature(s).
• Finalize "stats". When I stated the first Wed of the first full week as the suggested target date, that would mean that all business up to the start of the week should be included, that means we should update the states as of the 7th. This gives two days to do this, incase of future issues someone doesn't update it.
• Teaser for next issue? Anyone have a topic they want to write about to give a preview for next time? (and I see no problem with two or more such "features") Actually, I'd like to see a "state of the VG project" statement, and then something about improving articles. But this is not high priority for the 9th, though again, if anyone has any ideas, let's set what May's issue will have to include that.

--MASEM 22:38, 7 April 2008 (UTC)

I think delivering to the WT:VG is the safest thing to do. That way we don't come across as spammers. I'm not sure where else to get the word out; I belive Kingrock left a note on Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/Newsroom/Suggestions.

I updated the stats over the weekend, so they should be pretty close. Though I don't know how accurate the "Changes to Featured and Good articles, lists, and topics in March" section is. I also just added the todo list at the bottom. Don't know if it really adds to the newsletter, or if it just makes it longer. Feel free to remove it.

One quick question; should the newsletter be collapsed by default?

As far a teaser for the next issue, we can take a snippet from the hopefully soon to be finished how-to guide. I suggest something about doing proper research. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 23:37, 7 April 2008 (UTC))

As for delivery, are we delivering to everyone in the project member cat? I'd be in favour of that. We might just 'reactivate' some people. User:Krator (t c) 20:50, 8 April 2008 (UTC)

I'm not opposed to the idea. I kinda just don't want to us to rub people the wrong way and be accused of spamming. I agree that it would be effective in getting people's attention and drawing in wanning members. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 20:55, 8 April 2008 (UTC))

I say we go for it, and if people accuse us of spamming, we can easily point out to them that if they don't want to be notified of changes to our WikiProject, they can easily remove the {{User WPVG}}. That userbox does after all state "This user is a member of the Video Games WikiProject." If someone no longer wishes to be a member, then that's up to them. We should put in a bot request to post the newsletter. JACOPLANE • 2008-04-8 22:20

sound good to me King Rock ^{Go 'Skins!} 22:22, 8 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] How to spread the word 101

I know that one of the hardest things you can do with something create is getting the word out. I think Guyinblack25 suggested that we send it to all the users of the project but there is alot more things we can do. For one, someone should make an add to post on the WP: VG project page, that will make things much easier. I then think we should announce it on the project page talk page. Then work as hard as possible to get it in the signpost and to try to get as many users to know about the letter. Whoever responds should give more info on the project and then try to get them to spread the word. In a matter of time you guys will have so many responces you'll be shewing them away with a stick. Once u guys get that far, I'll help you with the second step. King Rock ^{Go 'Skins!} 20:33, 8 April 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, I meant to leave a post on WT:VG, but got bogged down yesterday. I'll leave one later today, hopefully after we get the initial delivery method sorted out. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 20:57, 8 April 2008 (UTC))

sounds great to me tell me if you need some more tips on spreading the word King Rock ^{Go 'Skins!} 21:00, 8 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Like Gameinformer?

Will the magizine be like Game Informer with teh preview of games and the responcibility of people making their own reviews of games. If thats what the newletter will be like I would be happy to give a review on games-- King Rock ^{Go 'Skins!} 03:38, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

I would have to say pretty much not. This is not a newsletter for video game players, it is for editors of video game articles on WP on how to improve vg-related articles. I don't know if this necessarily restricts specifically taking about VGs directly, though I'm very tempted to say yes it does. --MASEM 03:43, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

thanks 4 the info-- King Rock ^{Go 'Skins!} 03:45, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Spread the word

Do you guys mind if I spread the word about the newletter-- King Rock ^{Go 'Skins!} 04:15, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

No of course not, you don't have to ask :) WP:BOLD !! JACOPLANE • 2008-04-8 22:09

[edit] Signing up for the newsletter

How do we want to handle this? Are we going to have a sub page of Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Newsletter that people will leave their signature on to receive the monthly updates? Any thoughts? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 00:26, 9 April 2008 (UTC))

The Signpost has a /Suggestions subpage or something like that, or it could be /Workshop, whatever verbage fits your bill. Someplace to discuss changes and new items is a good idea. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 01:27, 10 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Collaboration of the week

I remember there used to be something like this. Never was involved in it though. Either way, I'd like to bring it back. And focus on our essential articles too, if we can. (I know somebody mentioned it. But just want to throw some more weight behind it to get it going.) Randomran (talk) 23:48, 9 April 2008 (UTC)

Definitely, the inactive page is Wikipedia:Gaming Collaboration of the week. This was an idea a lot of members wanted to bring back. I believe the general consensus was leaning towards a monthly collaboration for essential articles, and maybe a second collaboration for articles with lower priorities. Getting it started is high on our list once the newsletter gets up and going; it'll make a great item to include in it as well. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 00:04, 10 April 2008 (UTC))

I might forget about something important like this. So if you guys even mention starting it up again and I'm not around, come and find me :) Randomran (talk) 17:43, 10 April 2008 (UTC)

Sure, not a problem. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 18:12, 10 April 2008 (UTC))

I'm happy to help out with a collab of the week, especially with some of our higher priority articles.--Gazimoff (talk) 07:17, 11 April 2008 (UTC)

If someone wants to get this going again, see: Wikipedia:Gaming Collaboration of the week/Update guide. If this were to become a bi-weekly collaboration, probably {{GCOTWcount}} would have to be somewhat tweaked. I'll help out setting this up, but I don't want to be the one in charge of maintaining pruning nominations and updating the templates, etc. Shouldn't we be discussing this over on WT:VG, though? Maybe we should cut/paste this discussion there. JACOPLANE • 2008-04-11 08:14

[edit] GAN

The newsletter doesn't list GANs... --Mika1h (talk) 11:31, 10 April 2008 (UTC)

Hmmm..... by golly you're right. I'm not sure how to include it, but we can try to get them in for the next newsletter. The draft will remain up to make edits for future editions. If you have any ideas, we're certainly open to input. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 14:40, 10 April 2008 (UTC))

[edit] Handing out

I'll distrubute the newsletter King Rock ^{Go 'Skins!} 11:57, 10 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] 2nd Edition Plans

So, what are the plans/thoughts for Edition 2? Any content to cover off, an article to describe, etc?

Also, any thoughts on archiving this talkpage? --Gazimoff (talk) 19:34, 18 April 2008 (UTC)

I figure we can archive the talk page as needed. I don't see this being as active as WT:VG and probably won't need a bot to archive discussion.

As far as what to cover next, I'm not sure. I'm all for another section about how to write like the last one. I believe Krator and David had some ideas too, but I don't think mentioned any details. Something I'd like to do is maybe create a short list of drafts to include. If 4-5 editors contribute something, then we're set for 4-5 issues, and only the "at a glance" section will need to be updated. Any thoughts? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 19:53, 18 April 2008 (UTC))

Not for the next issue but something that has just flashed across my brain. How about a constant section detailing the life of an article from its creation? Showcasing the various aspects, finding source material, improving refs, adding templates, etc? As I said, this is off the top of my head this very second so I haven't thought it through, but it seems a good idea at the moment. - X201 (talk) 20:14, 18 April 2008 (UTC)

Like you said, it sounds good as it can provide insight on how to really improve an article. But I'm not sure how to do it in a format that will fit into the newsletter. The idea seem worth exploring though. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 20:25, 18 April 2008 (UTC))

My thoughts were since we had an article about the lead, go into all the sections of an article- next would be how to summarize gameplay, i guess, then a good plot section, et al. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 20:41, 18 April 2008 (UTC)

Makes sense. Any other ideas? If not, I say we get the various sections written up here and get them ready for future issues. It would probably be best to keep it to the major sections; gameplay, development, and reception. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 21:24, 18 April 2008 (UTC))

Allright. I'll draft a copy for gameplay in userspace, and you guys can decide if you want to use it or whatnot. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 23:03, 18 April 2008 (UTC)

Maybe we could have an update on initiatives or departments? FInd out what's going well and where help is needed? Maybe we could inspire some more editors to join up and help contribute to departments in need or with backlogs? Gazimoff (talk) 23:57, 19 April 2008 (UTC)

Also sounds like a good idea. Highlight all our various departments, et al - Magazines, Cleanup, Task Force cleanup, et al. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 00:07, 20 April 2008 (UTC)

(outdent) That'd work. You'd only need a paragraph or two for each. Would you want it every month or intersperse it with article suggestions bimonthly?Gazimoff (talk) 00:20, 20 April 2008 (UTC)

Eh, I'd say a little bit every month isn't bad. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 01:30, 20 April 2008 (UTC)

One thing you could add is how many new articles there were. Something like "In March, there were 57 new articles". JACOPLANE • 2008-04-20 16:34

Another thing I could do is create a "WP:VG Top 10" list, based on Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Traffic statistics. Let me know if you guys are interested. JACOPLANE • 2008-04-20 22:34

Maybe we should all just write up what we want, then just present our drafts here, and we can decide which to develop from there? Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 01:49, 21 April 2008 (UTC)

I'm all for that. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 04:15, 21 April 2008 (UTC))

I like the idea of the top ten visited articles a lot. Someone might've already suggested this, but I think like a little help wanted section, where editors request help on articles they're trying to beef up, would be cool too. Evaunit♥666♥ 00:49, 24 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Proposal 1

Here's a possible feature about writing development for a future edition of the newsletter. Though I think a gameplay feature should probably go before it. It's taken word for word from the still in progress guide, so it may need some tweaking.

(Guyinblack25 ^talk 20:33, 21 April 2008 (UTC))

[edit] Proposal 2

Did someone say 'Gameplay'? It's prolly riddled with errors, I haven't had time to read your guide, i just followed a formula like above.

--Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 23:38, 22 April 2008 (UTC)

I wouldn't say it's "often overlooked"—in fact, it's often too large, with huge lists of weapons, vehicles, spells, etc. Pagrashtak 23:52, 22 April 2008 (UTC)

I mean in terms of making it accessible to novice readers who don't know about the game- but reword it if you think it's confusing (joy of the wiki and all that!) Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 23:58, 22 April 2008 (UTC)

How about something like, "The Gameplay section of a video game article is a crucial component of a good video game article. Although it is relatively easy for an experienced gamer to write such a section, care must be taken to maintain an appropriate focus. The section should be written for readers with little or no knowledge of video gaming and should not be filled with detailed information about weapons, levels, or other such topics that are only of interest to the video gamer or that might be found in a game guide. etc." (Rough draft there—I've written quite a snake, which I tend to do in first drafts.) Pagrashtak 00:11, 23 April 2008 (UTC)

It's fine with me. It's not sacred scripture, Pagra, you can edit it :P Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 00:25, 23 April 2008 (UTC)

Hope you don't mind, but I gave a shot at combining the content together. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 08:05, 26 April 2008 (UTC))

I did a little copyediting and added that games with little or no plot can cover the plot in the Gameplay section. Pagrashtak 15:02, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

(un-indent) I added some info about adding images to the gameplay section, and copied the content to the newsletter draft. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 20:47, 30 April 2008 (UTC))

[edit] Proposal 3

I think it would be a good idea to give a spotlight to new articles, and to give some incentive to people to create great new articles. If we manage to get a good competitive "best new article of the month" competition going, that would be fantastic. I propose that we have a poll (aka ZOMG polls are evil) once a month where people could nominate their new articles.JACOPLANE • 2008-04-23 22:24

Sounds like a good idea, would we just run it off a section on WT:VG? Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 22:41, 23 April 2008 (UTC)

Yes, I would imagine so. I think we would get the most participation from the community there. I don't think we should make any decision on whether to include this without getting the input of MrKIA11 first, though.JACOPLANE • 2008-04-23 22:46

GUIDE ON HOW TO AVOID PROSELINE. Please. For the love of Duke Nukem, I need to know how to reduce the proseline...I will love you forever if anyone can help me on that. hbdragon88 (talk) 23:21, 23 April 2008 (UTC)

Quick question, as I'm probably being either 1) blonde or 2) needing mroe coffee, but what happens if someone creates a stub to say "this game exists", then some months later someone else comes along, cites it, cleans it up and makes it encyclopedic. Does it count as 'new', as it's new content, or are we just focusing on the new entries into the system? I'm just trying to work out what behaviour you're trying to drive - people who create great articles as a new page, or people who take what's there and add flesh to the bones? I'm just curious - not having a dig or anything. And yes, I have just come out of a 2hr process meeting...Gazimoff ^Write_Read 12:07, 24 April 2008 (UTC)

I don't really like the sound of proposal three. It sounds like it can too easily turn into a backslapping fest between only a small number of editors of the VG project, and if that happens, it won't have a positive effect on the project. That, and not all editors know about that page: me being one, or Species of StarCraft would be on there. I'd prefer to stick away from anything that involves that sort of participation and particularly things involving voting. -- Sabre (talk) 14:50, 24 April 2008 (UTC)

Maybe I'm being too pessimistic, but I also think this proposal has the chance to turn sour. I can see how it could propagate quality in the spirit of competition, but I'm afraid of the amount of cruft that could come with it and the lack of participation from members over time. As an alternative, I was thinking of maybe starting up a "Did you know?" on the Portal. But not restricting it to just new articles. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 16:35, 24 April 2008 (UTC))

[edit] Newsletter bot

Though i dont mind distributing the newsletter, how about we have a bot made especially for the newsletter to distribute the newsletter to those people on the list. Feel free to use my bot User:KingRbot as the bot, just tell me what you think(but my bot has yet to be approved so we would have to go through the process and I have no experience with bots at all) King Rock ^{Go 'Skins!} 01:02, 27 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Where to link FA / GA

I noticed that the current issue links to Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles. Wouldn't it be more relevant to link to Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Featured articles and Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Good articles? Also, I think something like the newsletter could be useful to put a spotlight on the Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Essential articles page, which for some reason gets almost no views. Most of our essential articles suck badly. JACOPLANE • 2008-05-6 11:28

Makes sense, I'll edit the draft to include the VG links. Though I'm not sure where to put the essential articles link. Any thoughts? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 14:44, 6 May 2008 (UTC))

[edit] Let's decide on a distribution method

Let's get this sorted out so we don't have too many lose ends. The membership list is currently 51 editors and I'm sure it'll only continue to grow. Does that sounds like enough to get a bot to automate the process? Kingrock has offered up a bot and I believe another editor did as well, but I forgot who. Any thoughts?

In the mean time, do we have any volunteers to distribute the second issue tomorrow? I remember reading AWB could be used for something like this does? Kingrock took care of it last time, but 51 repetitive edits like that is a lot for a single person (I'm assuming he does not have AWB, correct me if I'm wrong Kingrock). Any takers? (Guyinblack25 ^talk 16:56, 6 May 2008 (UTC))

I've got AWB, and I can distro it. I've been looking into getting bot approved as well, but 51 users is not overwhelming for an human-driven AWB distro. xenocidic (talk) 17:04, 6 May 2008 (UTC)

Much appreciated. I'll transfer the draft over to Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Newsletter/20080507 this evening—to give some time for last minute changes. Feel free to distribute it anytime after that. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 17:33, 6 May 2008 (UTC))

Shall do, cheers. xenocidic (talk) 17:35, 6 May 2008 (UTC)

Y Done. May is delivered. Thanks for adding those subpage delivery instructions GIB, I was going to, but then I got lazy and figured people who are meticulous enough to create subpages would figure it out for themselves. ;> xenocidic (talk) 03:54, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

No problem. Thanks for delivering the newsletter. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 14:49, 7 May 2008 (UTC))

[edit] Redirect "current issue" talk page

I've redirected the "current issue" talk page to this talk page, here was the only comment on that talk page: JACOPLANE • 2008-05-9 20:42

I've created a separate page for the current newsletter. This way, people who want to keep up but don't want to suscribe (like me) can simply watch /Current and know when it updates. This is similar to how the Signpost does it, at Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/Issue. hbdragon88 (talk) 00:16, 12 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] 3rd edition

I've done a partial update of the draft for the next newsletter. Any ideas, comments, and/or suggestions are welcome.

Delivery via AWB worked pretty well last time, so we might as well stick with that until the delivery list gets too big. xenocidic was kind enough to distribute the last newsletter. Do we have any other volunteers? I think if a group of 2-3 editors take turns doing this, the workload won't be too big.

Also, is there anyone who would like to do the final updates for June 4th? If someone is aprehensive about doing it, I'll watch over it to make sure everything is in order. I'm a firm believer in sharing responsibilities and having redundancies built into a system. I figure the more people help out, the less each one has to do. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 16:51, 21 May 2008 (UTC))

I guess I could do "final updates", what exactly does that entail? Adding the final GA/FA passes, that sort of thing? [[User:David Fuchs|Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 22:01, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

Pretty much. Basically all the info in the "Project At a Glance" section needs to be current. The number of FAs, GAs, FL, PR, etc.; list of promoted and demoted articles; the number of new articles in the month of May. I left some hidden comments in there to let others know when I stopped counting/tracking some things.

I normally did an update two weeks from the delivery to make it easier on myself, and then a final update the night before. The only other major thing is to switch the class from "navbox collapsible" to "navbox collapsible collapsed", and copy it over to Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Newsletter/20080604. Someone else will deliver it and that's pretty much it. Thanks for volunteering. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 22:23, 21 May 2008 (UTC))

Yeah, ok, that's simple enough for even me to remember... but I prolly won't, so when the deadline comes, send me a message 'cause I'll have forgotten. When are we planning on shooting this out? Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs ^(talk) 02:09, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

I'll leave you a note on your talk page the day before. The scheduled delivery date is June 4th. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 15:56, 22 May 2008 (UTC))

← I don't mind delivering it again. It really didn't take that long at all. (And will take even less time since the readership list is prepared all good-like) xenocidic ( talk ¿ review ) 15:57, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

Much appreciated xenocidic. I just don't want editors to feel burdened to do this because they're the only ones doing it. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 16:05, 22 May 2008 (UTC))

Oh god, don't deliver it manually mate! Giggabot is ready to go for this sort of thing. dihydrogen monoxide (H₂O) 01:03, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Or KingRbot is always up for grabs.Gears Of War 01:16, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

That bot has not been approved. dihydrogen monoxide (H₂O) 01:35, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

So then you guys could help me get it workin. Also I have some thoughts for future editions. Instead of just telling the susribers how to make a article. Maybe we should actually write articles about the way the Projects works(Task Forces etc.), maybe even tell them about some of the Projects best articles and stuff like that.Gears Of War 13:34, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Also I will archive the talkpage everytime it hits 80 kilobytes

I kinda like the idea of having a feature to explain the features of the Project. Maybe that'll get members more active in stuff like AfDs, task forces, etc. Let's wait until we've finished cleaning up the inactive ones first though. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 16:09, 24 May 2008 (UTC))

[edit] Lets talk about distribution...(again)

Okay there are multiple proposals for distribution of the newsletter. Our current way is a user using AWB. dihydrogen monoxide offered Giggabot. I offered KingRbot, so whats it gonna be? I personally think we should have a vote. You know the usual:

Either:

• KingRbotWith your reason here

• User with AWBWith your reason here

or

• GiggabotWith you reason here.

Gears Of War 00:31, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

Honestly, I think any of the three ways would be fine. But the path of least resistance would probably be best. And with the number of readers steadily growing (almost 70 now), I think a bot would be the best choice. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 04:47, 29 May 2008 (UTC))

again, it doesn't really matter to me. right now, clicking a mouse 70 times isn't that bad, but it makes no sense not to let GiggaBot go for it as it is approved for this task.(KingRbot is not approved). xenocidic (talk) 15:09, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

Lol, he makes a good point that with a click of a button 70 times the task is done, but still, when the newletter recipiants starts hitting the 100-900 what then, just asking but hpow will you feel about hitting a button 900 times?Gears Of War 01:56, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Again, I've no objections to running it (I've delivered 200+ newsletter batches so it's not a big deal at the moment), and I also have no objections to an approved newsletter bot doing it. KingRbot can have a BRFA if it likes, and the BAG may then approve it (part of the BRFA can be this newsletter). I don't care which bot does it, I just want to see the newsletters delivered on time. dihydrogen monoxide (H₂O) 09:07, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Y Done. June 2008 is delivered. xenocidic (talk) 23:06, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

[edit] 4th edition

Okay plai and simple...this newsletter is awesome, but it could be better. I have already mentioned that I think we should write articles in the newsletter like the signpost talking about the way the projects works. I think we should do that. Also, in the news why wasn't the issue with MGS4 and EGM not mentioned.

For those of you who dont know MGS4 has a 90 minute cutscene in the middle of the game. That is horrid and of course any reviewer would want to mention that in their review of a game. But when EGM prepared to review the game, the got a call telling them not to mention the fact that the game has REALLY long cut-scenes in their review. Thus, EGM's review has been delayed and they will now make another un-truthful review of the game. other reviewers have also been asked not to mention those problems. (Just thought that should be in the news).

Any other suggestions.Gears Of War 23:04, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Also note that when you make a draft, make sure you stay current with events. While the newletter said 0 article were under GA review, I was reviewing an article, so everyday we have to update that list.Gears Of War 23:08, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Well, the purpose of the newsletter is not really to keep current with video game and video game industry news. It's main purpose is to be a tool for members and help keep them up-to-date with the workings of the project. That's why features on how the project works is a good addition, but a feature on a website or magazine doesn't really fall into that same scope.

In regard to the GA review, it doesn't refer to the number of reviews on Wikipedia:Good article nominations, but it refers to Wikipedia:Good article reassessment where articles in GA status are reviewed to see if they still meet the GA criteria. At the time of the newsletter, there were no VG articles at WP:GAR.

For the next issue, we should probably finish up the series on "how to write" article sections, then move on to features about the project. Any body feel up to writing a draft for a "How to write about Reception"? If not we can always take it from the writing guide draft. (Guyinblack25 ^talk 04:05, 5 June 2008 (UTC))