Wikipedia talk:Meetup/NYC/August 2008

August picnic?
Pharos spoke at the meetup in June of a picnic in August? What's the status? [Pharos, we're all staring at you, since you take care of everything. ;)]  Enigma  message 07:38, 30 July 2008 (UTC)


 * A glance at his contributions answers my own question. He hasn't been active for the past month, otherwise I assume he would've had this taken care of. Also see this and this. I'll send him an e-mail.  Enigma  message 07:41, 30 July 2008 (UTC)
 * I'm game for a picnic if one can be arranged, can alsop help arrange if needed. TravellingCari  11:42, 30 July 2008 (UTC)
 * No response to my e-mail. If we want to have this, someone has to take charge, I suppose. I'm not volunteering! :)  Enigma  message 02:21, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

No such luck. Permits require up to 30 days for processing. --harej 02:43, 2 August 2008 (UTC)


 * Our group is too small to require a permit, as long as we don't make too big a deal of ourselves with signage, equipment, blocking pedestrians/traffic, etc. -- Ssilvers (talk) 02:55, 2 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Cool. I will name days in August. --harej 01:29, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Side question
How do we get Brownbot to deliver the invitations? Are we supposed to ask Cbrown at his talk? I notice he has a message up about him being away this summer.  Enigma  message 19:18, 7 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I guess it would be best to wait until we decide on a location, come to think of it. Heh.  Enigma  message 19:19, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Dates to consider
Please sign under dates when you will be able to go. --harej 01:35, 3 August 2008 (UTC)


 * Saturday, August 9
 * Sunday, August 10
 * Note: This is Jewish fast day of Tisha B'Av.
 * Saturday, August 16
 * '''Jim.henderson (talk) 16:52, 5 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Lazulilasher (talk) 01:39, 7 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Sunday, August 17
 * '''Jim.henderson (talk) 16:52, 5 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Saturday, August 23
 * '''Jim.henderson (talk) 16:52, 5 August 2008 (UTC)
 * --ragesoss (talk) 05:02, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Sunday, August 24
 * &mdash;Elipongo (Talk contribs)
 * DGG (talk) 22:47, 4 August 2008 (UTC)
 * '''Becksguy (talk) 07:54, 5 August 2008 (UTC)
 * '''Jim.henderson (talk) 16:52, 5 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Lazulilasher (talk) 01:39, 7 August 2008 (UTC)
 * --harej 17:55, 7 August 2008 (UTC)
 * David  Shankbone  18:12, 7 August 2008 (UTC)
 *  Enigma  message 04:32, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * --ragesoss (talk) 05:02, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Saturday, August 30
 * Note: Labor Day weekend
 * DGG (talk) 22:47, 4 August 2008 (UTC)
 * --ragesoss (talk) 05:02, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Ecoleetage - sadly, this is the only weekend day in August where I am free. Ecoleetage (talk) 15:34, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Sunday, August 31
 * Note: Labor Day weekend
 * Maybe  Enigma  message 17:08, 3 August 2008 (UTC) Can't make it then either. Hopefully I can make the next Meetup.
 * DGG (talk) 22:47, 4 August 2008 (UTC)
 * --ragesoss (talk) 05:02, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * --ragesoss (talk) 05:02, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Ecoleetage - sadly, this is the only weekend day in August where I am free. Ecoleetage (talk) 15:34, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Sunday, August 31
 * Note: Labor Day weekend
 * Maybe  Enigma  message 17:08, 3 August 2008 (UTC) Can't make it then either. Hopefully I can make the next Meetup.
 * DGG (talk) 22:47, 4 August 2008 (UTC)
 * --ragesoss (talk) 05:02, 11 August 2008 (UTC)

Possible places
Where are good places to have it? Do we even have to hold it in Central Park? --harej 01:36, 3 August 2008 (UTC)


 * Battery Park, maybe? &mdash;Elipongo (Talk contribs) 15:52, 3 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Didn't User:DGG or User:Daniel Case say they preferred Prospect Park? Perhaps for a Brooklyn-centered picnic, they'd be able to assist more?  -- David  Shankbone  16:59, 3 August 2008 (UTC)
 * You mean Prospect Park (Brooklyn)? I'm okay with it, from Connecticut they're all about the same distance... &mdash;Elipongo (Talk contribs) 17:52, 3 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I'd like to see a Prospect Park meetup. Lazulilasher (talk) 01:38, 7 August 2008 (UTC)
 * That's not to say I wouldn't go elsewhere. Just prefer Brooklyn :) Lazulilasher (talk) 02:04, 7 August 2008 (UTC)


 * I'm game for most locations, possible bias toward Central Park as it's walking distance ;) but anything works since they're all fairly accessible. I can make most dates at this moment, Labor Day weekend is unlikely. TravellingCari  18:31, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Same here, and agree about labor day weekend. — Becksguy (talk) 19:25, 3 August 2008 (UTC)
 * There is Riverside Park on the UWS -- less crowded than Central Park. Ecoleetage (talk) 01:55, 4 August 2008 (UTC)
 * CP is best if we can still get a place. I'll go anywhere. But Labor day weekend is probably not a good idea. Alternative, following weekend in September. DGG (talk) 22:48, 4 August 2008 (UTC)


 * I can't do Labor Day Weekend - I'm already on a Wiki trip. -- David  Shankbone  03:38, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

The best option
By the looks of it, and pardon me for judging ahead of time, but I think our best option is for August 24. --harej 00:19, 5 August 2008 (UTC)


 * Agreed. I have to be in New Jersey at 11 AM. I suppose if it were scheduled for like 3 or later I would have a chance at making it, but it's not a big deal. I'm not a picnic guy anyway.  Enigma  message 16:58, 5 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Okay, I am going to cement it as the 24th. What should we pick as a rain date, or, barring a rain date, where would be a good indoors alternative? --harej 17:56, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Location poll
Considering our different options, let's vote on where to hold it. Voting is simple. You pick the place where you would like it to be held the most and you sign your name. There might be a runoff poll. --harej 18:45, 7 August 2008 (UTC)


 * Any of the Manhattan parks are fine with me.  Enigma  message 04:30, 11 August 2008 (UTC)


 * Any park is fine with me. Since I assume we're going for a Sunday, Prospect Park would be a time issue, even though it's closer to where I actually live, it's farther from where I attend church.  Bryant seems likely too small.  --Scottandrewhutchins (talk) 04:03, 12 August 2008 (UTC)

Central Park

 * Central Park's my first pick but I'm fine with any of the others listed assuming the venue can handle us. (wrt size, etc.) Jeremyb (talk) 04:41, 11 August 2008 (UTC)

Battery Park

 * -- Y not? 03:33, 12 August 2008 (UTC)

Prospect Park

 * Lazulilasher (talk) 18:51, 7 August 2008 (UTC)
 * --The Fat Man Who Never Came Back (talk) 03:30, 8 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Never been, want to. Plus, I'm itching for a chance to return to the BBG.--ragesoss (talk) 05:00, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Great idea! Best place in NYC, imo! Lazulilasher (talk) 20:57, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * -- David  Shankbone  16:51, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Shoreranger (talk) 01:33, 13 August 2008 (UTC)

Bryant Park

 * How about Bryant Park? There's free Wi-Fi there as well as the New York Public Library Main Branch if you should need to look up a reference on short notice. It's also close to Grand Central Terminal and... an award winning public bathroom! &mdash;Elipongo (Talk contribs) 23:20, 8 August 2008 (UTC) (transplanted from "Other" section)
 * --harej 00:43, 9 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Easiest one for me to get to. Nbauman (talk) 17:42, 9 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I would suggest that if there are going to be more than 5 or 6 people, this is probably not a good place--though central, it's small, & it might not b a good idea to go over that size without a permit--especially on a Sunday with midtown full or tourists.DGG (talk) 01:12, 11 August 2008 (UTC).
 * Having tried to just get some space for 5 friends today, I'll second that. Today was somewhat compounded by traffic surrounding the DOminican Day Parade, the park was quieter than normal with the threat of dicey weather but it was still very congested and hard to seat a small group. TravellingCari  02:34, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Location-wise, this is perfect. It tends to get crowded, but we can always scare people away. :) Ecoleetage (talk) 15:33, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Never been here. Sounds good to me. I doubt we get even 10 people.  Enigma  message 16:42, 11 August 2008 (UTC)

Food/beverage/equipment signup
See Things to bring.

Bryant Park vs. Prospect Park
It is clear that the most popular choices are Bryant Park and Prospect Park. Bryant Park is apparently the more popular choice, but I am concerned about size. I visited Bryant Park on Saturday, and I noticed that it does not appear that it would accommodate a picnic of less than or equal to 20 people that well. How much of a problem would the other-people-being-there be? And if Bryant Park is infeasible, would Prospect Park be fine? --harej 09:04, 12 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I don't think we'll get that many people either way, so size isn't that big of a problem.  Enigma  message 16:30, 12 August 2008 (UTC)
 * We usually get many people, though. I am anticipating up to 20 people. The invitations haven't been sent out yet; that's why there aren't many people signed up yet. --harej 19:37, 12 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Speaking for myself, I'd prefer one of the Manhattan parks. If it has to be in Prospect Park, I'll probably be able to make it as well, although I'll get there significantly later. We should wrap this up quickly so we can send out the invitations (get BrownBot to do it) by the end of the week.  Enigma  message 22:27, 12 August 2008 (UTC)

Bryant Park will present less freedom to play around (softball, games, general fooling around, whatever). Can we bring food and drinkage there? I live in Manhattan, so I have a bias toward the parks here (and could almost roll out of bed into Riverside Park). Central Park apparently worked well last year. Prospect Park as a change would be OK also. If I had a forced choice, of the two, I would pick Brooklyn, since it's "parkness" is much higher and more real, with more trees and grass and park stuff. — Becksguy (talk) 03:33, 13 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Okay. I have decided that it is to be held in Prospect Park. --harej 05:37, 13 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Send out the invites. -- David  Shankbone  17:49, 13 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I have given the orders to BrownBot. --harej 18:47, 13 August 2008 (UTC)

Prospect Park it is
That's what we need; someone who can make a decision. That's not me; I'm a much better follower. So, what part? I'm not as familiar as people who live in Brooklyn, but it's about as big as Central Park. The north end is convenient to the IRT Eastern Parkway Line, the east side to BMT Brighton Line, and the west side to IND Culver Line. Me, I'll be puffing up the hill after crossing Brooklyn Bridge on my little bicycle no matter where, and like the south side, but subway access is not as good there and I assume that's how the majority will get there. Jim.henderson (talk) 16:26, 13 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Observing the park map, I'd like to have it in the Long Meadow. There's a portion in the center of the park with both picnic tables and a restroom. I'd like to have it there, if possible. --harej 17:48, 13 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I think the IRT is slightly more reliable on weekends (as long as they aren't doing that bizarro-world flip through Battery Park/South Ferry, the one where the East Side IRT goes down the East up the West), and is generally more central for non-Brooklynites. The lawn directly past the entrance by Grand Army Plaza and the library, might be good. Lazulilasher (talk) 20:21, 13 August 2008 (UTC)
 * North end of Long Meadow is generally the most crowded, but seldom as crowded as any prominent part of Central Park. Bathroom facilities are fairly distant from there.  Middle west part of Long Meadow is closest to the torlets under Picnic House (reservations only, topside) and most convenient to the F line unless, as sometimes on weekends, the F is running through East New York instead of Park Slope.  Jim.henderson (talk) 01:12, 15 August 2008 (UTC)

Rain date?
Is there a backup date in case of rain delay? I also recommend moving it to Saturday to coincide with Summer Streets but any day can be fine. --Blue387 (talk) 11:11, 16 August 2008 (UTC)
 * This particular Sunday date was the most convenient time. How about rain date is seven days from August 24? --harej 16:39, 16 August 2008 (UTC)
 * By direction of the Arbitration Committee, it will not rain on this date. Newyorkbrad (talk) 16:59, 16 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Prefer rewording "it is encouraged not to rain on this date" in order not to exceed ArbCom's remit. Wb, btw. Jd2718 (talk) 17:10, 16 August 2008 (UTC)
 * @Newyorkbrad, LMAO. Harej, following week is Labor Day weekend, may not work for as many people. If it rains, we worry about it then. Are there sheltered locations in the park? TravellingCari  20:46, 16 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Well, there are lots of trees. Lazulilasher (talk) 22:23, 16 August 2008 (UTC)
 * And, yes, as a matter of fact there are at least three shelters listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the park, all needing photos for wikipedia! These are:  Grecian Shelter, Litchfield Villa, and Boathouse on the Lullwater of the Lake in Prospect Park.  Honestly, i don't know if those are open for you to take shelter in, and i won't be there myself, but it would be really grand if you could take pics and upload them.  :)  Check out List of Registered Historic Places in Kings County, New York for a list of other historic places you might photograph, on your way....  Almost all have coordinates and you should soon be able to click to a Google map to see, in satellite view, exactly where they are (just tinkering with the map display now).  Have fun at your picnic! doncram (talk) 22:28, 16 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Absolutely, I will. I was looking for a list of things needing to be photographed in Brooklyn. Lazulilasher (talk) 23:44, 16 August 2008 (UTC)

All the above, far as I remember, are farther from Long Meadow than I'd like to run while unexpected rain comes pelting down. Litchfield? Don't remember. Anyway it's a LONNNG Meadow so we need to be more specific, such as east (downslope) from Picnic House which is a good landmark and we can crowd into the basement in case of rain. If forecast is unfavorable, I can make it Labor Day weekend but many can't, so a two week postponement would be better.

I just came back from biking the Summer Streets event, and it was pleasant but not relevant since it is only in Manhattan and doesn't much matter except for us bicyclers. Were we to change to Saturday, Park Avenue/Lafayette Street would become a pleasant route but otherwise the usual way by Hudson River Greenway will suffice. Let's not change a date that's only a week away.

MTA Service Notices for subway changes for next weekend are all for midnight bours, or not in Brooklyn, or far away or otherwise irrelevant, far as I see. Jim.henderson (talk) 22:46, 16 August 2008 (UTC)

Subway question
(Cross posted from the project page where it may not get noticed) Of the various subway lines mentioned as going to the park, which one has a station closest to the actual picnic site? Newyorkbrad (talk) 23:13, 18 August 2008 (UTC)


 * The Fat Man assumes you are going to meet at the northeastern end of the Long Meadow (he finds the southwestern end to be full of baseball diamonds and soccer-playing kids). If this assumption is correct, the Grand Army Plaza stop (subway lines 2 & 3) is the closest.  But the walk there from the 15th Street-Prospect Park (F line) or even the Prospect Park stop (Q line) or is not particularly long (perhaps a 5-7 minute stroll).  If you're meeting in the middle of the Long meadow, then the latter 2 stops become slightly closer.--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back (talk) 23:37, 18 August 2008 (UTC)
 * And, ahem, if you are like me you would prefer the downhill version. Thus, I would recommend the 2,3 :) Lazulilasher (talk) 02:10, 19 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Also, I would hasten to add, you can take the 4,5 to Franklin Ave for a short stroll down Eastern Parkway, in which you'll pass the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Gardens. This would make it about a ten minute walk. Lazulilasher (talk) 15:44, 19 August 2008 (UTC)

Follow-up from picnic
In reference to the New York Post article that Newyorkbrad brought (thanks Brad!), I think a place to start to address problems is just in our own homes. If each person here pledges to adopt their neighborhood's article and check for accuracy, image quality, format and MOS issues, categories, sentence flow, et al. then we can make a big change right off the bat. I've been doing a ton of work on East Village, Manhattan and Tompkins Square Park. There are far more articles in my neighborhood, though. Includes the streets, the landmarks, the mini-hoods. If you're up for it, put your adopted neighborhood (it could be one near you, if you don't feel comfortable telling) and your name next to it:
 * East Village, Manhattan -- David  Shankbone  00:32, 25 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Carnegie Hill is the one I have worked on, in my vicinity/where I am depending on whose saying it I are also Yorkville, Manhattan and Upper East Side. Given my interest in/obsession with museums and landmarks I am working on a number of those both in my neighborhood and others on this mess. I really haven't tackled streets, public transport or other things within the neighborhood or where I work TravellingCari  00:48, 25 August 2008 (UTC)
 * South Beach, Staten Island is where I live, but I've lived here only since November 2005, so I did not see anything in the article that I know to be inaccurate. --Scottandrewhutchins (talk) 02:12, 25 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I am unwilling to disclose my location, but I have reviewed several of the articles relating to my location and they are reasonably well-written and there are no factual inaccuracies that I've had to correct.  Enigma  message 02:15, 25 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Bedford-Stuyvesant Have always wanted to work on the article, anyway. Also, would like to gather momentum for the Brooklyn article, in general. Lazulilasher (talk) 03:11, 25 August 2008 (UTC)

Blog post about picnic
I wrote about the main thing I discussed at the picnic, which was the potential for Wikinews and Wikipedia. Here is a blog post as a follow-up. Comments welcome. -- David  Shankbone  00:11, 26 August 2008 (UTC)