Wikipedia:WikiProject Syracuse, New York/Project history

This page is dedicated to the history and evolution of WikiProject Syracuse, New York.

Background
This WikiProject started in 2006 with a focus on articles directly relating to Syracuse (as in locations, buildings, parks, etc. that are in the city proper), as well as the towns (and their respective villages) that share a border with the city. Articles were started on each of the neighborhoods of the city of Syracuse. The main early focus was upon developing the Syracuse, New York article, which was pretty well-developed but was failed in its first nomination to Featured Article, in part for lack of adequate supporting articles on Syracuse-area arts and culture and similar topics, which have since been improved.

Another early concern was new Syracuse-related articles that were constantly being created, often by good-intentioned but inexperienced editors who violated copyright, or simply violated NPOV and style guidelines. As the Syracuse scope goes far beyond the main article, a greater level of coordination than what can be achieved on just the Syracuse article's talk page was noted to be required, hence the wikiproject.

Continuing, during 2007 and 2008, some members focus on the numerous sites in Syracuse that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, in part because there is information on each of these that is public, but not too readily available, which we can get to and which can be presented here. This subgroup's interest in historic places is reflected in development of National Register of Historic Places listings in Syracuse, New York and National Register of Historic Places listings in Onondaga County, New York.

An issue that once faced the project was Category:Greater Syracuse, New York vs. Category:Onondaga County, New York. Greater Syracuse was a sub-category of Onondaga County, but Greater Syracuse arguably extends beyond Onondaga County. The situation was rectified when the Greater Syracuse category was renamed to Category:Syracuse, New York in May 2007.

Projects
In its early days, the WikiProject had at least two active projects. Both were eventually discontinued as activity in the project declined.

Photos
As part of the project's efforts to identify good-quality, free use photos, some editors offered to take photos by request:
 * If anyone has any requests, just let me know. I am rather busy at the moment, but I am trying to get around and get some decent shots. -- Gizzakk 19:03, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
 * Same for me. Though I am not formally part of the project, I live near Liverpool High School and do photography, so I can also get some good shots. Contact me through my talk page -- Blown-Upp

Collaboration
A "Cleanup/Expansion of the week" feature was used by the WikiProject to develop the following articles:
 * Syracuse Stage
 * Outer Comstock (Before & After)
 * Syracuse Nationals (Before & After)
 * Onondaga Community College (Before & After)
 * Christian Brothers Academy (Syracuse, New York) (Before & After)
 * Near Westside, Syracuse (No Change)
 * Northside, Syracuse (Before & After)
 * Skunk City (Before & After)
 * North Valley, Syracuse (Before & After)
 * List of annual events in Syracuse (Before & After)
 * Clinton String Quartet (Before & After)
 * Syracuse Cultural Workers (Before & After)

New content
For years, the editors of the project compiled a list of new Syracuse-related articles and pictures. This practice was also eventually discontinued as activity in the project declined.