Wikipedia talk:Meetup/NYC/August 2007

Location

In the Southwest corner of the lawn (Suggestion 1), next to the trees (just across the pedestrian path that goes around the lawn) is a little grassy area that is usually not crowded, since it doesn't get direct sun in the afternoon. Or, north of the lawn (and a little west - Suggestion 2) is a little area called the Pinetum that is, likewise, not too crowded. Are there picnic tables there? I can't remember. -- Ssilvers 04:57, 4 June 2007 (UTC)

• Suggestion 1:40°46′50.82655116147748″N 73°58′5.908699035644531″W - According to NYC Dept. of Parks just north of Delacourt Theatre, there's a WiFi hotspot at the Delacort Theatre. We could maybe edit some articles :D — Gosgood 16:10, 9 June 2007 (UTC)
  • As someone with very little pigment (read: I burn real easy) a shady spot would be nice. Mak (talk) 15:13, 4 June 2007 (UTC)
    • This is going to have to be it. I put in a general request for a Great Lawn spot to the Parks Department, and on the approved permit they put us in the Southwest of the Great Lawn.--Pharos 17:04, 14 July 2007 (UTC)
• Suggestion 2: 40°47′0.24373715757974423″N 73°57′59.96063232421875″W (Ross Pinetum) — Gosgood 16:10, 9 June 2007 (UTC)
• Suggestion 3: +40° 46' 49.20", -73° 58' 3.65" - near Suggestion 1. Near two walkways so no one will miss it. Can someone help with the link to the coordinates. By the way, how do you get such precise locations? Hope to see you all there (at any one of the suggested locations!) CoolGuy 02:55, 13 June 2007 (UTC)

See your talk page. Your suggestion rendered as a link: 40°46′49.2″N 73°58′3.65″W Take care — Gosgood 13:41, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

Questions

• Does anyone know if beer is permitted in my cooler?
• Is a permit required for x number of people? If so, how many? --Aude (talk) 02:56, 6 June 2007 (UTC)

Good questions. This site has a good FAQ - alcohol is not allowed except by special permit, and an event with more than 20 people needs a permit. Hm, maybe we should get one - there were more than 20 people at the last meetup, although maybe this one will be smaller. Mak (talk) 03:13, 6 June 2007 (UTC)

[Edit conflict] Alcohol isn't allowed in NYC parks. That's not to say it isn't there; after all, crack and heroin aren't allowed in NYC parks, either, but I don't think enforcement is quite at 100% on that. ;)

Permits are required for more than 20 people. A permit is about $25, but I'd also say it depends on how formal we're going to make this thing. If we don't have signs and tents and a band, we'll probably be okay without a permit. There's a fine line between an "event" and a bunch of guys hanging out. Kafziel ^Talk 03:15, 6 June 2007 (UTC)

We could do without a permit. It's not such a formal thing. Kaf, will you bring the alcohol? Then I'll take care of the crack :) -- Y not? 04:23, 6 June 2007 (UTC)

I'll see what I can do. :) Kafziel ^Talk 13:15, 6 June 2007 (UTC)

I think we should re-consider getting a permit. I have a feeling that 50 people might show up, and that could actually mean trouble of some sort with the authorities.--Pharos 18:31, 22 June 2007 (UTC)

I concur. 20-30 people might be a live-and-let-live situation, but 50+ people is just inherently disruptive. And hey, a permit is cheap, esp. if we pass the hat. Any (actually local) volunteers? —CComMack (t–c) 22:41, 22 June 2007 (UTC)

How much does a permit cost? Perhaps then we could divide it evenly among the attendants. (messedrocker • talk) 22:56, 22 June 2007 (UTC)

$25 USD Mak (talk) 23:09, 22 June 2007 (UTC)

So, should I just do it? I am a local.--Pharos 05:18, 23 June 2007 (UTC)

I looked at the form, and there are a whole bunch of things we have to specify like start time, end time, set-up time and clean-up time (I was thinking maybe 3-8 to be safe, with a half-hour on each side for the preps, but I'm really none too sure). Is this good with people? Should I file the $25 on this basis? If someone wants to coordinate this aspect together, please e-mail me. Or is it too much and should we just hazard doing it without the Parks Department?--Pharos 00:40, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

Let's do it. I will be happy to contribute the $25 or part thereof if there are other volunteers. Pharos - will you please fill out and file the form? -- Y not? 02:02, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

I'll contribute the cash or bring some food and other stuff. --David Shankbone 02:19, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

I'm more than happy to contribute to paying for the permit. Could you do it, Pharos? 3:00 - 8:00 sounds fine, and as long as we don't go over by hours I think we should be fine. And I think we should all plan on bringing at least enough food for ourselves. Mak (talk) 02:29, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

OK, thanks for the feedback, I've filed the form online. We should get the permit within 30 days if there are no problems.--Pharos 06:32, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

Thank you. -- Y not? 19:12, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

Approved! They've placed us in the Southwest quadrant of the Great Lawn (see above section and front side). Oh, and please noone bring alcohol, because I will be held liable for it.--Pharos 17:17, 14 July 2007 (UTC)

Brooklynites....

Why aren't you guys inviting the people from Brooklyn? Miranda 12:16, 9 June 2007 (UTC)

I only invited the people who commented on last year's meetup. Please feel free to invite the people from Brooklyn :) -- Y not? 02:12, 10 June 2007 (UTC)

Looks like someone is now, at least User:DavidShankBone has invited me. —MrSomeone ^{( tlk • cntrb )} 02:13, 10 June 2007 (UTC)

New York Shakespeare Festival

Some of you may be interested to know there will be a free outdoor performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream in the park that night at 8PM. See here and this too. If you want to go, you'll have to pick up the (free) tickets earlier in the day, though.--Pharos 23:18, 10 June 2007 (UTC)

By the way, the plays are held at the Delacourt Theatre, which is one of the proposed meetup sites (see above).--Pharos 00:50, 15 June 2007 (UTC)

What happens

If I went it would be my first time, what happens at it. Bernstein2291 21:40, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

Well, last time was at a restaurant while this time is in the park, so it's hard to extrapolate, but basically you get to meet and chat "for real" with all sorts of Wikipedians—some of whom you'll have known online for months, and some of whom will be new to you. Lots of fun, good food, good company, valuable cash prizes! Newyorkbrad 21:43, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

Besides picnicking, possibly some suntanning (not Mak!) and casual frisbee tossing may occur. Or maybe some board games... Discussions about Wikipedia... Dog petting if you bring one... that sort of thing. If you have a passion that can be indulged in with a group of Wikipedians outdoors, feel free to suggest it. -- Ssilvers 01:38, 13 June 2007 (UTC)

Also, my babies will be coming to annoy you. -- Y not? 01:43, 13 June 2007 (UTC)

And Central Park has some Wifi locations. You guys can create User:Central Park Meetup Participants and edit using a multi user account against policy while on the lawn. :) --(Review Me) R ^ParlateContribs_@(Let's Go Yankees!) 01:50, 13 June 2007 (UTC)

In that case, we'll also need to set up a face-to-face method of settling edit wars. I propose a Thunderdome. Rob T Firefly 16:46, 9 August 2007 (UTC)

Question

Are children under 18 allowed? I am 15. I couldn't come anyways, but just for the record. Smartyshoe 18:35, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

Yes. Teenage wikipedians have come to meetups before and had a good time. Plus, I will be bringing my kids. I am sure some others will do likewise. -- Y not? 18:40, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, I haven't understood this "not of age" thing that keeps popping up in the regrets. It's one thing to say your parents won't let you go, but anyone can show up if they have the inclination, means and permission, if necessary. --David Shankbone 18:42, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

American attitudes are so silly. In Russia it was appropriate for 9 year olds to travel cross-town alone in daytime. I took the public bus to school since age 7. I took an international flight alone at 13. What's the big deal? -- Y not? 19:35, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

The practcality. So, okay, I'm not saying I can't go alone, I'm saying I can't go without my parents' permission. Did you take the public bus or the plane without consent from your parents? I doubt it. Smartyshoe 19:52, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

With consent, obviously. But would your parents object? I mean, Juliet died by 15 if I am not mistaken! -- Y not? 20:12, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

I went when I was 14. Of course, I had to take my dad along (he was my means to getting there) and he liked it. (messedrocker • talk) 20:10, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

Hey, and what about some after-party at the night? I am from Slovakia, so I like going to a club or a disco. What about the others? --Wizzard 22:43, 21 June 2007 (UTC)

What to bring

What should we each bring? Perhaps we could prepare a list of what everyone is bringing? (messedrocker • talk) 17:49, 4 June 2007 (UTC)

PLEASE SIGN UP FOR ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN BRING, IF YOU ARE COMING FOR SURE:

Perishables/groceries

• Soft drinks/juices (diet/regular):
• Water:
• ice
• Salad and dressings:
• Lunchmeats (or a big sub?):
• Breads (see above), mayo/mustard/lettuce/tomato:
• Vegetarian stuff (Hummus/eggplant spread?):

Hardware, etc.

• Paper cups/plates/plastic utensils/napkins: Marks me down for paper cups and plates.--Pharos 18:33, 14 July 2007 (UTC)
• Frisbee/Softball:
• Namebadge stickers and magic markers: I'll bring a roll of "Hello! My name is:" stickers and a bunch of magic markers. I'll try to get there a half hour early. See my user page for an approximation of what I look like. (allow for 100?) — Gosgood 14:36, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
• Tarp to sit on while eating? Plastic stools?

  I have a 10 foot by 20 foot blue plastic tarp. If no one complains that I "failed to use metric units" to describe its dimensions, I might be prevailed upon to bring it. --Uncle Ed 23:34, 15 July 2007 (UTC)

  Isn't it safe to assume that most of us are Americans and as such accustomed to imperial units? MessedRocker (talk) 06:03, 8 August 2007 (UTC)

• Box of trash bags to pick up after ourselves (big groups have to bag and leave bags by trash receptacles): Thanks for reminding me. I'll bring the trash bags.--Pharos 18:41, 15 July 2007 (UTC)

"Things to do in New York" section

Should we have a "Things to do in New York" section as at Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/December 6, 2006?--Pharos 21:31, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

Next meetup

I definitely won't be there this time (unless it rains and the date changes). When is the next meetup, after this one? --Aude (talk) 21:43, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

It's strange they haven't been held on a more regular basis, considering there's quite a large group of Wikipedians who live in the city and suburbs.--Pharos 21:50, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

If they're only held occasionally, then it's more of a novelty! :) MessedRocker (talk) 06:02, 8 August 2007 (UTC)

Suggestions for what to bring for yourself

Here is your WikipediaNYC Meet-up list of things you should bring to survive; feel free to add or revise:

1. A blanket
2. Snacks for yourself and possible visitors to your blanket
3. Water and/or soda
4. Sunscreen?
5. If you're near a Wi-Fi hotspot, a laptop
6. Stool or small folding chairs if you prefer staying off the ground (no picnic tables are nearby)

GeoNotice

We now can do watchlist notices which only appear for users who have an IP address associated with certian cities.

The advantage of this is that we can us it to announce events like meetups which are primarily interesting only to people within a limited geography. The location detection isn't perfect, some people will be missed, and some people will be mis-identified as being in the area of interest, but it is generally pretty good.

There is currently a test GeoWatchlistNotice for the short notice Washington DC area meetup we're having next week. I fully expect that some of the folks here will see this notice because I set the notice range fairly wide, covering up the east edge of the nation from southern Va to southern New York, which is what I consider to be the range beyond which people become unlikely to travel to DC.

I'd like to next try the notice for the NYC park event. If people could suggest what geographies the notice should cover and when it should initially go up it would be useful to me. Thanks. --Gmaxwell 04:57, 14 July 2007 (UTC)

Can you explain a little more about how this will work? Some people may not like it known even the continent where they live, so a talk page notice might effectively "out" them in some way or another. Will it just be through the "e-mail this user" function? Mak (talk) 14:13, 14 July 2007 (UTC)

I think it it only appears when you look at your watchlist (like the election announcements, etc.).--ragesoss 14:23, 14 July 2007 (UTC)

Exactly. It works like a watchlist notice. The only way your location is disclosed in the slightest is if you see the notice then start running around telling everyone else that you see it... and even if you did that you'd leak only a fairly small amount of information about your location: that your IP is one of millions are identified as belonging to the geography the notice is targeted at.

If you don't see the DC one and you're on the eastern seaboard between VA and NYC, go try hitting shift-reload on the watchlist page. It won't catch everyone but most people in that area should get the message. --Gmaxwell 14:35, 14 July 2007 (UTC)

Make sure you encompass all of Long Island. —Gordon P. Hemsley→✉ 17:54, 14 July 2007 (UTC)

Someone should go fill out Wikipedia:Requests_for_Geonotice. For the location, I'd recommend "US eastern seaboard from DC to Boston" and dates from tomorrow until the meetup. Thanks. --Gmaxwell 15:22, 30 July 2007 (UTC)

A recent Geonotice request relating to this project has been accepted. It should be implemented in the next few days. Matt/TheFearow (Talk) (Contribs) (Bot) 09:29, 31 July 2007 (UTC)

A recent Geonotice request relating to this project has been implemented! It should now be active. Once someone confirms this is showing, please place {{RFGNClerk|Confirmed}} ~~~~ on the geonotice request page. Matt/TheFearow (Talk) (Contribs) (Bot) 22:38, 31 July 2007 (UTC)

The Wikipedia Plays

It would be great if one or more Wikipedians could get out to The Wikipedia Plays, a "mini-marathon" of short plays based on Wikipedia articles, and maybe write a review for The Wikipedia Signpost. It's running August 3- August 6 at Ars Nova. Too bad it's not a week later, or it could be part of the meetup activities.--ragesoss 21:34, 18 July 2007 (UTC)

Wow, that's weird and wonderful. It's only $10 (below-average price for a movie in Manhattan), so I think I'll make a visit. I don't exactly have much experience in theatrical criticism (other than reading it very occasionally in the NYT), but I'll be glad to try my hand at yet another subject I have absolutely no expertise with for Wikipedia's sake.--Pharos 22:09, 18 July 2007 (UTC)

Can someone tape it and post it to YouTube? I'd love to see them, but have no way of doing so as I live in Australia. - Ta bu shi da yu 06:57, 19 July 2007 (UTC)

I'm gonna be out of town this weekend, so I actually won't be able to catch it, or at least most of it. I might still go for the last day, Monday, though.--Pharos 14:56, 3 August 2007 (UTC)

I saw The Wikipedia Plays this evening. I am drafting something up for The Signpost if they'll have it. Ta bu, they wouldn't let me photograph or videotape anything (union issues). In lieu of my review/report, I will say that it was only tangentially related to Wikipedia, and you didn't miss much. Pharos, if you want to go, buy your tickets now as its a small venue in a neighborhood with a bunch of yuppies and it will sell out early (if it hasn't yet). --Jeffrey O. Gustafson - Shazaam! - <*> 04:08, 4 August 2007 (UTC)

FYI, I have written a full review/report on the play at User:Jeffrey O. Gustafson/Signpost: Review: The Wikipedia Plays. I am submitting it to the Signpost for review. --Jeffrey O. Gustafson - Shazaam! - <*> 10:22, 4 August 2007 (UTC)

Naming: WikNYC Picnic

I'm surprised no one's thought of this yet. Could we officially call the event the WikNYC Picnic? Great rhyme scheme, and it'll look good on a t-shirt! samwaltz 12:49, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

"NYC" is not supposed to be pronounced as "nick", ever, ever, ever, ever. MessedRocker (talk) 06:00, 8 August 2007 (UTC)

So? Thinboy00 ^talk/_contribs 21:19, 10 August 2007 (UTC)

Seeking a NYC Editor for this Weekend

Hey, guys. I was going to come down this weekend and review the Wikipedia Plays for the Signpost, but I had a med emergency that means I can't even afford the Fung Wah. I'm writing a feature article on the theatre and creation of the plays and such, but I need someone in the NYC area to go and see the plays and write a review to accompany the research I've done.

I can arrange for 2 tickets to be held for you tonight, tomorrow or Sunday, according to what works for you. Deadline for the signpost is Noon, Monday, so the review needs to be written by then. Because you need to tell me your *real* name for the tickets to be held, I ask that people send me email to ask for the tickets. I'm waiting to hear back from the theatre company about the arrangements, pickup location, etc. --Thespian 17:55, 3 August 2007 (UTC)

Facebook event?

I don't know how many people on Wikipedia use Facebook, but maybe someone should create an event for the NYC meetup? I'd be willing to do it, if it garners enough positive response. I'd, of course, need to know who to invite, which may prove difficult.... —Gordon P. Hemsley→✉ 19:05, 4 August 2007 (UTC)

Bad idea. People don't necessarily want their real identities known. -- Y not? 02:44, 5 August 2007 (UTC)

Then why are they coming out to meet other people? —Gordon P. Hemsley→✉ 14:36, 5 August 2007 (UTC)

People can meet without telling each other their last names, can't they? -- Y not? 15:28, 5 August 2007 (UTC)

Refreshment Committee

There are a few good local restaurants around here and I'll do what I can to buy platters of all sorts of food, however it may cost me upwards of $100. Would any of you be ready to reimburse me? (Seeing the number of people who are going, you would each only need to pay a dollar or so!) MessedRocker (talk) 06:14, 8 August 2007 (UTC)

I intend to show up with some cold cola and cups and give that away while studying the situation. If warranted, walk over to Zabar or Dallas or some pizza place or wherever, and pick up whatever a bunch want. For all I know someone may bring 'way more food than anyone wants to eat. It's not like we can or should avoid surprises; the West Side can be ready for anything. Jim.henderson 16:57, 8 August 2007 (UTC)

I would be ready to help if we need more food from a local place. But I'm really hoping we can do this collaboratively, wiki-style, with everyone bringing something.--Pharos 05:22, 10 August 2007 (UTC)

If anyone is willing to help me carry food and beverages, I'm willing to buy some. I can afford up to $200 for the refreshments budget.

Volunteers, please email with your phone number; we can talk about it today and tomorrow.

By the way, I'm the one who paid the restaurant at the last meeting. I used my credit card, and collected cash from everyone else. --Uncle Ed 22:09, 10 August 2007 (UTC)

I was going to get a platter of something but I underestimated the prices and it turns out I can't afford it. Maybe my dad can... anyways, this Greek restaurant has different platters ranging in prices from $35 to... I think $75? There's this other place with a catering service but that's far too formal (especially since I only really want to buy a platter and then handle the rest myself). MessedRocker (talk) 00:32, 11 August 2007 (UTC)

Pharos telephoned me. We talked about cold cuts, salad and cold drinks. Let's try to coordinate our shopping list. --Uncle Ed 00:46, 11 August 2007 (UTC)

Update:

• Garry called me and will be doing a survey of the picnic area this afternoon
• Plans are to meet - Pharos, Garry, and me - sometime between 1:30 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. to buy and/or deliver refreshments.
• Anyone else who wants to supply money or "carrying services" is welcome! I'll be the tall guy with a white tee shirt and glasses (190 cm = 6'3"). --Uncle Ed 19:39, 11 August 2007 (UTC)
  • I've proposed going to Fairway Market, about here: 40°46′49.21798851762503″N 73°58′54.18846130371094″W (74th and Broadway) at 2 PM. Anyone willing to join us to help carry booty, please meet us there. If you are willing to 'donate food' (spend your own money), you may do so here as well. We'll be getting low-no preparation foodstuff for general consumption. — Gosgood 10:54, 12 August 2007 (UTC)
    • I have some other plans before 3:00 so won't be able to help at the market, but will certainly be glad to contribute post hoc to the refreshment fund. See everyone later. Newyorkbrad 13:38, 12 August 2007 (UTC)
  • I'm in the city and will prolly be free from noon on. I have a car here too for the day in case you need to move anything but I'm a little worried about parking by the park. (I already have a spot good for the day but it's about 20 blocks away) I'd also be interested in meeting up to set up/get food/whatever else is needed. Also, I have a huge grounded extension cord and surge protector just in case we need 'em. Sent contact info to Ed Poor and Pharos. --Jeremyb 14:02, 12 August 2007 (UTC)

Picnic baskets and the GFDL

Will we be allowed to freely edit the contents of other Wikipedians' picnic baskets? Rob T Firefly 19:25, 8 August 2007 (UTC)

Maybe - but I plan on roguely full-protecting my own. Hah! -- Y not? 02:48, 9 August 2007 (UTC)

Please, do this again.

I actually went to the Great Lawn at 3:30, but I couldn't find anyone. (I didn't know it was supposed to be in the SW corner...) Abeg92contribs 00:52, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

Very sorry to hear that...you came close... -- Y not? 04:11, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

Sorry I had to leave so early. My brother dragged me out of there, while people were still arriving! I enjoyed the time very much. Bearian 16:19, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

There will be another event in the fall. Watch this space for further details. Newyorkbrad 16:23, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

We did a restaurant and a picnic. How about something Wiki-related, like a tour of the New York Public Library main branch, followed by, say, a meal in Chinatown? -- Ssilvers 01:32, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

Pictures

Where's one of those babies, Y? Sorry I missed it - will try for next one.Tvoz |talk 18:18, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

User:Nightscream emailed me some photos from the Wiknic. How do I upload them properly to my user page? Bearian 14:59, 17 August 2007 (UTC)

Upload it, then edit your talk page to include it Raul654 14:03, 21 August 2007 (UTC)

Opportunity for photos and story

Attention Wikipedians within easy travel distance of Fairfield, CT (that's you, New Yorkers): Have you always wanted an opportunity to take a picture of a famous person for Wikipedia? Now's your chance! E. O. Wilson and James D. Watson are speaking at a CT Audubon Society dinner tonight, and tickets are free. You could even bring a notepad and write up a Wikinews story. http://www.ctaudubon.org/

--ragesoss 16:35, 16 August 2007 (UTC)

• Hmmm - I've always wanted to take a photograph of a famous person for Wikipedia... --David Shankbone 18:54, 16 August 2007 (UTC)
  • Well, go to this event. Who knows, maybe this could be your start towards becoming the next DavidShankBone... oh, wait--ragesoss 19:43, 16 August 2007 (UTC)

Things discussed

Can anyone summarize the discussions on the project page with respect to any of the issues discussed (no names, of course)? Best regards, -- Ssilvers 19:37, 21 August 2007 (UTC)

Something for the Signpost?

So will of you submit an article to the Signpost about the picnic? Reports of meetups have been sparse lately, & the news might inspire a few more. -- llywrch 20:28, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

• Excellent idea; I showed up at the very very end, so I would be a poor candidate to do it. I vote User:Y - he's a good writer, and he was there through the whole thing. But anyone else would be good as well. --David Shankbone 20:35, 26 August 2007 (UTC)
  • Appreciate the compliment but I decline. I have too much on my plate IRL. -- Y not? 03:10, 27 August 2007 (UTC)