User:Sonia/about:config

My name is Sonia. Analysis of my edits across the projects will make it possible to deduce more information about me than I have supplied here; however, I would rather be judged on the merits of my contributions than who I am.

I created an account on the English Wikipedia in October 2008, but regard my activity here as beginning at the start of 2010. My original IRC nick and one of my alternate accounts share the same name, openstrings. I am also available, if it is a necessity, on skype; email me with your id and a reason and I'll try to make time. (I recommend Mumble for voice-based Wikipedia communication though: much easier on the internet connection.)

If you ever need any help, I am probably not the most qualified person– but I will try my best.

things I do on Wikipedia
I do a lot more reading than writing on Wikipedia. When it comes to contributing, I'm very much a jack of all trades: I know just enough about most things, but am not very good at anything!

My physical limitations (see below) mean that generating quality content, while something I enjoy, is not something I can do in great amounts; up to this point I have been a metapedian, and will probably continue to be one. That's not a bad thing. People fascinate me and are of utmost importance to me. Both on-wiki and elsewhere, helping people is my first priority.

my limitations
I do try to check in most days, but I may not always edit or respond immediately to queries—my medical conditions mean that I am sometimes suddenly rendered unable to read or type any more than a few sentences. This doesn't bode well for any tasks that require focus, such as writing content or reviews of articles or editors. Often I have to leave abruptly; if I've left some loose ends untied, I will be most grateful if you fix them.

Please do not feel I am ignoring you if, for example, I am using the AfC script to review articles, but not responding to messages on my talk page. I will get back to you as soon as I physically can.

As I grew up speaking an English-based creole, my English may be overly formal or stilted at times. Despite this, I do not speak any other languages fluently enough to edit the corresponding Wikipedias, so you lot are stuck with me!

working with newbies
I've spent a lot of time working with newcomers on, often finding myself with a couple of informal adoptees along the way. I also keep track of several on-wiki pages like the Help Desk, where new users can seek guidance. For a list of pages I usually stalk for things to do, see my dashboard. AfC really needs help- it often gets backlogged, and it's a lower-stress version of NPP which is a lot more friendly for everyone involved. Please help out if you can- especially if you're a new page patroller, because you'll pick it up quite quickly. One thing though: don't bite the newbies.
 * semi-protected edit requests ()
 * articles for creation ()

promoting Wikipedia in academia
I believe that the place Wikipedia has in our future depends on how it is perceived in educational circles today. If we can reach the leaders of tomorrow, we are setting Wikipedia up (as the 2009 fundraising campaign somewhat aggressively stated) to last forever. As such, I am very excited to be an Online Ambassador, and I hope the expansion of the Global Education Program will lead to a greater focus by large groups of Wikipedians on gaining new contributors through educational projects. It's a fantastic way to obtain both high-quality work and new editors, while raising Wikipedia's profile and reputation in the wider community.

On my own, I've spoken at staff meetings and corresponded with an assortment of powers-that-be at the local primary schools and high schools about utilizing Wikipedia in the classroom– both by reading it and writing it.

simple English Wikipedia
Whilst on wikibreak (enforced by the script) in February 2010, I discovered the Simple English Wikipedia and fell in love with it. I've written more content there than here, as there are a lot more gaps in content that I can fill. Being a smaller community, simplewiki (as it's affectionately dubbed) is quite a nice place to retreat from the crazy-busy pace and drama of this Wikipedia. I find it quite a good place for new users to acclimatize to editing Wikipedia in a mostly bite-free environment. As an extension, simplewiki is also a great place for any editing projects where the users are fairly young (or ESL learners), as it has stricter child safety rules and the manpower to keep track of every edit that is made. The simpler structure and template system, as well as language level expected, are both beneficial to these projects.

The trouble with simplewiki is that it badly needs new contributors. While one of the more productive and successful of the smaller wikis, it naturally lags behind its "big sister" in depth and breadth of content. More editors with specific areas of interest or expertise would be greatly appreciated. Do join us.