Wikipedia:Meetup/London 7/Old Discussion

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THIS IS AN ARCHIVED DISCUSSION

This is the discussion/planning page for the upcoming London Wikipedia meetup.

Note: Of course this is short notice, but I thought we could get a small meetup together at least for the coming week. If it turns out okay and the location chosen serves it purpose I will probably turn this into a regular thing at least until I leave London for land of blocked Wikipedia. If you are not from London, can't make it that day or something: Don't panic, it will happen again soon enough and I will warn you early enough next time round!

Deadline: I will leave this discussion going until no later than Thursday, 10 January 2008. Then I will try and find the consensus made by then. Once something has been brewed up I will replace this page with a "invitation" and repost a message to people on their talk pages.

Hopefully we can make this work and if all goes well I will be working on the London Meetup page and next meeting in February. See you Saturday, Poeloq (talk) 21:01, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Editors attending[edit]

If you plan on coming please sign here:

  1. Poeloq (talk) 21:04, 7 January 2008 (UTC), 100% :)[reply]
  2. Gordo (talk) almost certain to attend an evening meeting
  3. Nicholas will attend an evening meeting as he happens to be passing through London.
  4. Theresa Knott will more than likely attend.
  5. And don't forget me! --Jasper!!! ;D (talk) 16:39, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  6. haz (talk) will make it, providing earlier events don't overrun.
    Now looking unlikely. Apologies.
  7. Thryduulf (talk) More likely than not, but not definite.
  8. DuSanne (talk) Tricky logistics but if they work out would be glad to do it, if not then next time around.
  9. Psychonaut (talk)
  10. Kbthompson (talk) (Could attend day time meeting, or evening in Hackney)
  11. OwenBlacker (Talk), depending on location
  12. Pafcool2 (talk), depending on the location I might be able to come.
  13. Possibly in evening if I can get back to Hornchurch OK and if can handle being the "thick one" (you all sound too intellectual for me). Sue Wallace (talk) 13:01, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  14. Would hopefully make the evening. I'm prone to fatigue. It depends whether I have energy left after the footie.--Peter cohen (talk) 14:27, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Date[edit]

Saturday, 12 January 2007

Time[edit]

Please put your vote in the category, specify a exact time if you have a preference.

Afternoon (1pm-5pm)[edit]

Count: Support: 1 Neutral: 0 Oppose: 3

Support:

Support. Fine with me. Psychonaut (talk) 06:19, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Neutral:

Oppose:

Oppose, I would really prefer a evening meeting. I find them more sociable and are a good evening out. Afternoon meetings kind of split the day in two and I can't get anything else done. Poeloq (talk) 21:09, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose I've got a football match to go to 3-5.--Peter cohen (talk) 21:27, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose, as per Poeloq. — OwenBlacker (Talk) 09:56, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Evening[edit]

Count: Support: 5 Neutral: 1 Oppose: 4

Support:

Support I would be interested in coming but have a football match to watch starting at 3. So full meetup at 7 is fine, as is s start at 12 as that would allow me to say hallo. Something in the Kensington area would be of interest as it is about 1/2 an hour's walk from the football.--Peter cohen (talk) 11:15, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment Peter, maybe you could google a little and find something suitable? Something preferably close to the tube. Once you found something suitable, post it under suggestions in the section below. Cheers, enjoy the football, Poeloq (talk) 12:22, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support I will be visiting my girlfriend's parents on saturday, so can stay around in London on my way home, and bring +1 soul who probably has no idea what we're all talking about :-) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 195.137.85.17 (talk • contribs) 10:46, 8 January 2008
Support. Some of us work weekends, folks... there's no way I could make it for 1pm. Also, I completely agree with Poeloq, in that evening events tend to be far more sociable. haz (talk) 21:08, 8 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. Fine with me. Psychonaut (talk) 06:19, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. Definitely preferable than getting people to brave travelling into Central with all the shoppers and tourists. — OwenBlacker (Talk) 09:57, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Neutral:

I am not opposed to an evening meeting, but I wouldn't be able to come this time as I'm off to Brussels early on the Sunday. SilkTork *SilkyTalk 10:00, 8 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment:There will be a meetup on or around the 12th, however I plan to make this into semi-regular thing. So no worries about the people who can't make it this time round. So instead of commenting on the date (range), look at the time if that suits you more or less. Poeloq (talk) 19:05, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oppose: *I'd like to go to this. 12th is much too early though. Can you not make it later? Majorly (talk) 16:30, 6 January 2008 (UTC) [reply]

    • How late do you want it? Suggest a date, maybe we could have two anyway? Theresa Knott | The otter sank 16:35, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
      • Well, enough to get cheap tickets :) (I'm up in Manchester) Majorly (talk) 16:36, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • That is right before an exam for me, so I could not attend. I would prefer February/March for cheap train tickets and/or been able to plan. I am on holiday in April. Camaron1 | Chris (talk) 16:51, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose:Still bad timing... why not during the day? Majorly (talk) 19:21, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose:Agree with Majorly's point, why not during the day? More people likely to attend as they'd probably feel, as I do, happier trying to find and get back from somewhere they don't know in London during the day. Having it in the evening really rules it out for people who are going to have to travel anything beyond a relatively short distance. Whilst I won't be able to attend this meet as I'll be on holiday, I note the suggestion that this could become a more regular event so I'm keen to keep aware of the plans. Adambro (talk) 23:06, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Suggest twin events. One during the day for those who want to start early will full meetup at 7.Geni 23:28, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose: That "dual meet" suggestion sounds pretty good. From past experience of organising similar meets I would recommend a daytime meet centered around the British Museum or the Natural History Museum (plenty of amazing stuff for out-of-towners to see). The latter is really convenient for Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens, and there are also lots of very good restaurants and cafes there. The former is currently showing its unique "The First Emperor" exhibition [1] comprising terracotta warriors and other artifacts from the tomb of Qin Shihuangdi. Both museums are free but the exhibition costs £12 for an adult and it's best to book in advance. --Tony Sidaway 10:22, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment: Tony, I agree that the museums are fantastic, however this is supposed to be a Wikipedia social meet that turns into something regular. Also, of course out-of-towners are welcome - the more the merrier- but this meeting will primarily be for in-towners. Somebody is organizing an UK meetup though that specifically tries to cater to all needs. Poeloq (talk) 12:22, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes in manchester. For anyone south of london that is into serious here be dragons territory. Not sure about the british museam with the terracotta warriors thing won't it be rather crowded?Geni 21:36, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The Terracotta Warriors exhibition is pretty much sold out for weekends for the foreseeable future. There were time slots left when my wife checked a week back, but they were for 10.30 in the evening. Same for the King Tut exhibition - though we were lucky enough to get invited to the Golden Preview for that. Big glamour night out with unlimited free champagne. Some guests, Bianca Jagger for one, spent more time with the champagne than in the exhibition itself! SilkTork *SilkyTalk 10:00, 8 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oppose - If in the evening there would be no chance for me to be able to attend the meeting.

Location[edit]

Pembury Tavern[edit]

Suggestion 01:May I suggest the Pembury Tavern in Hackney? Not Central London, but a great venue with free Wifi, Python driven till etc and great beer and food. Gordo (talk) 10:30, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support:

  1. Support, seems like a nice place and prices don't seem to be over the top. Poeloq (talk) 16:15, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  2. Support - I'd be keen on this as I've been meaning to get to the Pembury for some time. It's THE buzz pub of the moment - so a chance of meeting fellow Wikipedians AND checking out the Pembury would be an attractive offer. Though I'd be thinking around lunchtime rather than the evening. SilkTork *SilkyTalk 23:29, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  3. Support since The Pembury Tavern has a large number of bus and train connections and is a very fine pub. Trains to Liverpool Street take ten minutes, and the staff can print a timetable on request Gordo (talk) 21:28, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  4. Support. My favourite pub! Nice and quiet (no music or sports TV). No tube access, but easy to get to by train or bus. —Psychonaut (talk) 06:21, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  5. Support. If I were to attend an evening meet, it would be this one (it's a short stagger for me). However, I do realise these things aren't set up for my convenience and consensus amongst the various combinations of availability and accessibility is probably a better way to deal with the issue than a straight vote. If it helps, I can bring a couple of enabled laptops. Cheers. Kbthompson (talk) 08:57, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oppose:

  1. Not close to a tube station, which makes it difficult for people to get to. Theresa Knott | The otter sank 16:27, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    Comment: Actually, Hackney Central, on the North London Line, is the closest station – less than 500yds away, according to Google Maps. It's on the new Overground network, so it's essentially the Underground by any other name. Closest Underground changes are Stratford and Highbury & Islington, both of which take about 10 minutes. haz (talk) 21:08, 8 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  2. Even using public transport it's a hell of a journey for people travelling from out of london.Pi
    Comment: Depends where you're coming from. The pub is next to Hackney Downs, which is just a seven-minute journey from Liverpool Street Station. Those coming from out of London (or even from within London) should check http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ and be sure to try both Hackney Downs (HAC) and Hackney Central (HKC) as the destination. —Psychonaut (talk) 11:39, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  3. too far from the tube.Geni 23:39, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  1. I need it to be near a tube station -- Nicholas
  2. I live near Stratford and this would still be an arse to get to. — OwenBlacker (Talk)

Neutral:

  1. Nice place that is not to expensive and won't kick me out because I am under 18. Getting there could be an issue - would prefer a place close to a tube station, I am not experienced with London transport outside the London Underground, but I might be able to manage. Camaron1 | Chris (talk) 17:02, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  2. A bit out of the way, doesn't affect me since I live in and know London but it really isn't ideal not being central or close to a tube station. - Zeibura (Talk) 17:25, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  3. To make it a feasible meetup for people coming from outside London it really needs to be fairly central with good tube links. The Pembury doesn't seem to satisfy this. I think most people would rather pay a little more for food and drinks and have a meetup more people can get to. Adambro (talk) 20:23, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  4. Nice pub, but quite a journey from western mainline stations. haz (talk) 21:04, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  5. OpposeNeutral for reasons given above. Not on tube but handy for both the North London Line and on a line out of Liverpool Street Station--Peter cohen (talk) 11:21, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The Enterprise[edit]

Suggestion 02: The Enterprise, NW3. This one is closer to a tube (Chalk Farm Tube Station), a train station (Camden Lock Station) and is also served by several buses. They also offers WiFi. Poeloq (talk) 20:55, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support:

  1. Yep, the enterprise is a nice enough place and easy to get to. - Zeibura (Talk) 21:44, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  2. Support, far easier. Apparantly the guitar's good. haz (talk) 21:04, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Neutral:

  1. Would settle for this if the Kensington ideas are not taken up. Chalk Farm is handy from mainline Stations heading North (Kings X, Euston, St Panc). Less good for other mainline stations, but still no more than one change. If people do go to the museusms, then somewhere in central West London would be more sensible--Peter cohen (talk) 11:21, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  2. I guess it'd do but, given we're gonna be travelling in from all sorts of parts of London, I'd definitely prefer something more central. — OwenBlacker (Talk) 09:59, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oppose:

Shakespeare's Head[edit]

Suggestion 03: Shakespeare's Head next to Holborn tube station.Where we ended up last time. Seemed reasonable.Geni 20:56, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support:

  1. Yes, large pub with plenty of space, central location easy to get to. 86.145.49.154 (talk) 22:05, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  2. Definitely a strong support. Nice pub, good selection of drinks-types (for ale drinkers / spirits drinkers / non-drinkers etc), central, easy to get to. Not that bothered by wifi access myself, but I can understand why other people might be. Though isn't this an opportunity for us to meet up and chat, rather than sit at tables with laptops out, hacking away on here? ;o) — OwenBlacker (Talk) 10:00, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Neutral:

  1. I know Shakespeare's Head very well. It's a decent Wetherspoon with a good range of beers and reasonably priced food in a very central location. Though busy during the week, it does offer a good chance of seating for a small group during a Saturday lunchtime. I'm neutral because its simply a practical pub that I have visited many time, so the pub itself isn't a draw. SilkTork *SilkyTalk 09:51, 8 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oppose:

Comment: No wifi Gordo (talk) 08:59, 8 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  1. Oppose. Lack of wireless internet is going to be an issue with a party of internet geeks! haz (talk) 21:04, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Things to do[edit]

We can either make this a pure social gathering, a collaboration meeting (i.e. we edit a article(s?) together for GA or even FA) or a meeting with talks/projects etc.. Ideas, inputs, comments? Poeloq (talk) 16:26, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Prefer it to be more sociable than anything else. Majorly (talk) 17:10, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Each of us do different things for the project, so I would expect it would be mostly a social event, to get to know each other more. Camaron1 | Chris (talk) 17:30, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
7pm is a fairly late start for those of us arriveing from outside london an earlier event (say photographing museam displays or something) might be worthwhile.Geni 22:43, 6 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'm easy but would be mainly interested in meeting people.--Peter cohen (talk) 11:23, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
See above for daytime suggestions involving the British Museum in Bloomsbury and the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. --Tony Sidaway 11:27, 7 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

General discussion[edit]

It appears that four people signed so far. Are others planning to attend who have not signed up, or are those lurkers waiting for a definite time and place? Gordo (talk) 10:46, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'm still waiting for one conformation from another potential attendee. I've added my name to the list anyway. haz (talk) 13:51, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I think most people just haven' noticed yet. I'll bet posting a message to all users in tonight using AWB. Poeloq (talk) 14:09, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I removed the Pembury Tavern as it had more oppose than support votes. Theresa Knott | The otter sank 16:45, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Theresa, I re-added the Pembury Tavern, as the vote is not yet over yet and: it has more votes for it than any other. I don't really care where we go, but will review the situation tomorrow. Also, many of the oppose votes are from ppl who will not be attending, that will be taken into account! Poeloq (talk) 18:38, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That's a fair point. I just looked at the number of oppose votes and noted they were greater than the votes for. Time is ticking on and people tend to organise these things as if they were editing a wikipedia article, trying to come to a concensus and so on.Someone (you) needs to largely take charge. Otherwise we'll get the situation where it's Saturday morning and the venue hasn't been decided! Theresa Knott | The otter sank 20:02, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Have you sent the invites out yet? haz (talk) 21:04, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Still WIP! Sorry, Poeloq (talk) 23:32, 9 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I posted to all the users in the category - more than 300 - by hand! Poeloq (talk) 03:32, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Numbers[edit]

Looks like eleven names above! Gordo (talk) 10:39, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

All of whom have conditions as to time and venue! Moving forward, I'd suggest a rolling programme of meets in different parts of London. For instance, there are a lot of votes for the Pembury - but as many against, so, the Pembury is a possible venue for one such meeting ... Kbthompson (talk) 11:39, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'd suggest the opposite. Why would we want to arrange mutiple small meets instead of one big one? Let's go with one evening meet and arrange a daytime one in a month or two. Let's choose one bar that is relitively central and easy to get to so that people from all over london will want to attend. Theresa Knott | The otter sank 13:04, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'm with Theresa on this one :o) — OwenBlacker (Talk) 13:27, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Easy public transport access is the key. Also, I'm now probably not going to be able to make this one - got a hockey match in the late afternoon. haz (talk) 14:04, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Can't make it[edit]

Bummer! I'm off kayaking this weekend. I would definately come along for beers and wikipedia chat at an event like this, So thanks to Poeloq for kicking this off. Hopefully it will be successful and we'll do another one soon! No doubt I'll see Gordo at the next London Wiki Wednesday (more wikipedians would be welcome!). -- Harry Wood (talk) 13:00, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I went to one in the summer. Saw Tim and Angela but didn't recognise any other wikipedians Theresa Knott | The otter sank 13:06, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yeah Tim & Angela have been to a few of them. Normally Wiki Wednesdays have quite a corporate feel to them (still lots of fun wiki ideas bouncing around though), but the last one in December was hijacked by the wikimedia UK folks, so that made a nice change -- Harry Wood (talk) 13:21, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the invite, but I'm out of London on Saturday. Will watchlist Wikipedia:Meetup/London 8 and see what happens! Have fun. BencherliteTalk 16:55, 10 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

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