This page is a translated version of the page 2022:Help desk and the translation is 3% complete.

Summary: If you need any need for technical support including Pheedloop:

For general questions and concerns, please contact wikimania@wikimedia.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

For up to date information please refer to the HOME PAGE for the event.

The Event Online

Wikimania 2022 is the Festival Edition! So what does the event look like and what can I expect?

The COT went through a series of co-design sessions. There were several prototypes  where the festival edition had the highest votes. We needed the element of fun for achieving this purpose. The target focus will be about welcoming newcomers, where we will be creating an environment of celebration, networking, and learning with the communities.

What happens in the different ‘tents’?

Festival edition is divided into tents (keynotes, sessions for affiliates, individuals or groups of people, tools and editing equipment.

Here is a brief of how the tents are divided:

Tent 1, 2 and 3:

These are parallel programming tracks with sessions from individuals and Wikimedia movement organizations (chapters, user groups, thematic organizations, and other recognized movement groups). We will have keynotes, endnotes, art, entertainment & culture highlights, meet and greet, and other key content, rotational regional segments to spotlight various projects(individuals and affiliates by region)

Networking Tent

This includes several virtual spaces where attendees can socialize and meet other wikimedians. The Hackahton will take place in the Networking Tent during Hackathon hours, on Day 2 and Day 3.

How do I register?

You can register from Monday the 25th of July and anyone can register before, during and up to the end of the event itself.

How do I change my display name on Pheedloop?

The details you have registered with will be your display name on Pheedloop for the duration of the event. If you would want to change it, please send an email to wikimania@wikimedia.org, with your preferred name and we will adjust this for you as soon as possible.

How and when is the Hackathon taking place this year?

The Wikimania hackathon has been given a special place in this edition, extending the duration to 2 days during Day 2 and Day 3 of Wikimania, from 16:00-22:00 UTC on Day 2 and 12:00-17:00 UTC on Day 3.

What platform is being used for the event this year?

For this year we will use the Pheedloop platform. For a brief introduction to Pheedloop, please watch this video on Commons.

Why is Pheedloop the selected platform for Wikimania 2022?

This platform is focused on virtual and hybrid events, it has an app and we can link the registration to this platform. You can read about additional privacy protections put in place here. One of the features that influenced the selection is that it allows us to translate in a large number of languages player. It also offers multiple accessibility options, speaker interaction and works across mobile and a wide range of browsers. It also enables session hosts to host their sessions within Jitsi (an open source platform) and a feed to be plugged into to pheedloop. You can read more about this and other features in this Diff Blog.

Did you consider open source platforms?

We considered open source and free software platforms such as Workadventure but the price in infrastructure and technical support was high. Platforms such as Jitsi and BigBlueButton were restricted in terms of capacity and without the ability to support multiple languages. We are however exploring the use of Jitsi for session hosts who prefer to host their sessions there. Additionally, a feed from Jitsi will be linked into Pheedloop for attendees to watch and listen.

Are there any platform pre event practice days, so I can learn how to use it?

We will have a FAQ and will be organizing practice days, in the lead up to the event. Check out the pages on the Wikimania Wiki for dates and times.

What language and translation support will there be?

During the conference, there will be language support for all the six UN languages: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Chinese. During the regional days, special languages will be offered according to the regions: Brazilian Portuguese, Indonesian, Japanese, Hindi, Ukrainian, Turkish and Swahili. So we will have 13 in total across the event!

You can access the translations

Within pheedloop:

By clicking play and selecting your language in the widget underneath the video.

Through your browser:

Through the interactio app on Android or on iOS by using the codes below:

For any sessions in Tent1, use the code WIKIMANIATENT1

For any sessions in Tent2, use the code WIKIMANIATENT2

For any sessions in Tent3, use the code WIKIMANIATENT3

How were these decided on?

The final languages were decided on a basis of number of speakers for the region, number of requests in the community survey, and the community presence for the language being requested.

I’m a newbie! How do I meet others or get some tips from more experienced Wikimedians?

We’ll be having a newcomers help desk throughout Wikimania where you will be able to get some help in navigating Wikimania and meeting experienced Wikimedians. But as we say in the Wikimedia movement - BE BOLD! People enjoy meeting new Wikipedians, so don’t be afraid of reaching out to people.

What about timezones - will everyone be able to join? How will the programming work?

Organizing a global conference to accommodate every timezone possible is a logistical challenge. However, given that this year is organized by regions, it will be easier to connect with your region at Wikimania. You can read more about the timezone slots here: https://diff.wikimedia.org/2022/07/12/the-wikimania-festival-goes-global/

How do I find out about the different sessions?

The program will be published soon! Watch out for the Wikimania main page, where the final schedule will be published.

Will sessions be recorded so I can watch them back later?

It depends on the session. Some events don’t get recorded. Some speakers might not feel comfortable with having their session recorded. To the extent that’s possible, most sessions will definitely be recorded.

I missed an attendee training on Pheedloop. Is there a way for me to look back at the information that was presented?

Absolutely. You can check out the attendee training here and the slide deck for the session here.

Any modern browser and high-speed internet connection is all that's really needed to run PheedLoop itself. The best setup we've found is using Google Chrome on a laptop or desktop machine, with an internet connection offering at least 5 Mbps download speed.

Can I access Pheedloop on my mobile device?

Yes! You can find the PheedLoop Go app for Android in this link & IOS App in this link. This is recommended for Mobile. Tablet & Mobile Browser are supported but less recommended.

How does networking work on Pheedloop?

You are able to create (see below) or join a networking space on Pheedloop! Once you have logged into the platform, you can click on the “networking” tab. This will allow you to interact with the people in that networking space. The networking functionality allows you to turn on your video, chat and interact with other people in that same space. Please note that on mobile you will only be able to chat. See this slide deck for more information.

How can I create a networking room?

Click on the “networking” tab in Pheedloop. and either; create your own networking group OR you may join an existing networking group. Please note there is a limit of 25 groups at a time. Each group also has a maximum attendance of 25 people at a time. See this slide deck for more information.

Can I join a local event? How?

There are many Wikimania events being organized all over the world. Check this link to see the many events taking place. If you would like to attend one in your region, please get in touch with the organizers as soon as you can. The details are shared by the event organizers.

Can I interact with a speaker during their session? How?

If a speaker has an interactive session (i.e. session breakout, panel discussion, game) and the speaker has indicated to have participant interaction, you will be able to participate in the session by unmuting yourself and interacting with the session presenters and the wider audience.

Can I watch sessions after they have taken place?

Yes, you can watch sessions that have already taken place on Pheedloop itself. You may also choose to watch sessions on Youtube. Sessions will be made available 24 hours after the live stream has taken place. Depending on the session, you will be able to find them either here or here.

How do I access live interpretation translations during sessions?

You will be able to toggle quite easily within a session to the languages provided through live interpretation. If you are curious which languages are being offered per session, on any given day, you will be able to see it indicated on the program page.

Will there be closed captioning available for sessions?

Closed captioning will be available in English during sessions. The day after the session has taken place, you will find captions in all languages supported by YouTube’s Artificial Intelligence service for closed captioning.


Session Speakers

Need help setting up your session? Please see the Wikimania 2022 festival technology guide

How will I know if my session submission has been successful?

There is a COT email that we will  be sending to you that confirms your submission. After you receive it, you will be notified through email that your submission is being studied and will communicate with you our reply to confirm if you have been successful. After that you will also receive information and instructions for hosting and delivering your session.

What options are there for presenting? Can I pre record or is everything live?

You can go for live or recorded options.

You can be present in the recorded session for a LIVE segment with the audience as well.  

Since the festival’s main focus is  interactive to connect communities, we encourage you to choose the LIVE option

Will there be a walk through / training session for speakers?

Yes, when the sessions are announced and submissions winners are announced as well there will be a training from the Community Development team with a previously shared agenda.

I’m a little shy as I haven't presented much before - any tips?

It’s totally normal and understandable to feel nervous and shy! Things that can help include being well prepared, doing some practice runs and making sure all your tech equipment is working properly so you don’t need to worry about that side of things. Also be yourself and if you are talking about something you are passionate about and enjoy - that will come through! Also remember that everyone presenting is in the same boat and we hope everyone enjoys the experience of sharing knowledge, so don’t feel too pressured to be perfect!

How will I be able to communicate or chat with the event organizers in the run up and during the event?

Session hosts and presenters will be emailed information about their session and they will be able to write back with any further questions, which we will endeavor to answer. During the event there will be a Telegram chat channel for any real time general and technical questions. We will also have support from our production company as well as online event staff to help make the process smooth on the day.

Grants & Scholarships

I submitted an application for an affiliate grant or individual scholarship - when will I know if I have this approved?

The organizing team has given updates on whether the application has been approved. Affiliates have received updates in late June or early July. Individuals have received an update by mid-July.

When will the funds be transferred?

The funds will be transferred from July to late August. Exact timing of the transfer for specific scholarship receivers will depend on how quickly the person or the affiliate will respond to the grants administration team and provide all necessary information for processing the payment.

How will Individual Scholarships be reviewed and awarded?

Once all surveys have successfully been completed and therefore all of the data has been collected, the Core Organizing Team (COT) will jointly determine which people will be eligible as Individual Scholarship Recipients. The COT will give preference to people from Emerging Communities, first time Wikimania participants, and female and non-binary applicants.

When will I receive feedback around my Individual Scholarship Application?

The Individual Scholarship Submission Process ended on 03 June 2022, was extended for a period of approximately one week and then officially closed on 14 June 2022. The COT and the Wikimania Grants and Scholarships Team have reviewed 400+ completed Individual Applications. It's important to note that only 200 Individual Scholarships will be funded.

You can expect to receive a confirmation email from the Wikimania Team, of whether or not your application has been approved, approximately one month prior to Wikimania 2022.

It is significant to highlight that precisely 15 Individual Applications will be processed each week (due to the complexity of processing international transactions), until all selected applicants have successfully received financial support. This means that even after Wikimania 2022 has concluded, Scholarship Applicants that have received confirmation of funding will still receive their Scholarship remitted from the Wikimedia Foundation.

How can I let people know I am running an in person affiliate event? What help is there with promotion?

The Wikimania program will be shared on all platforms, including social media. The COT has a communications team that is happy to support by posting additional information provided about in-person run programs. You can also reach out to the Movement Communications regional specialist for your area, for support.

In-person Events

Are in person events happening this year too?

Yes, instead of having a big international conference like in the past, we encourage movement groups to organize their local events during Wikimania 2022. Wikimedia affiliates and other movement groups were invited to apply for our grant program to hold their local events. A list of funded applications is available on Meta-Wiki. Please contact your local community for more information. You can see the list of in person events here.

Troubleshooting

I have an issue logging in to the platform - who can help?

You can ask for help at the Telegram Help Desk Channel of the Conference. Community Members will help you solve all issues and provide you instructions on how to log in and participate in the Conference. As well, you can contact the Wikimania COT at wikimania@wikimedia.org. The Wikimania COT will identify technical problems and try to find proper ways to solve them.

What if I see a trust and safety issue during the event? How can I report it?

You can contact the Trust and Safety Team and report issues by sending a direct message on Telegram to @wikimania2022safety (search this in the search bar)

I am running a session and now not able to make it or am having issues - how can I let the organizers know?

You can reach out to the Wikimania COT at wikimania@wikimedia.org. As a committee, we will find a way to troubleshoot your matters or to pre-record your session before the Conference.

Wikimania: open space

In the period leading up to Wikimania 2022, we will have monthly community "open space" calls, where community members can get all their Wikimania questions and concerns answered.

Our first ever open space happened on Friday, May 20th at 15:00 UTC. Community members could ask questions to the Wikimania 2022 organizers about the submission of a session proposal, applying for a grant or a scholarship, volunteering and general Wikimania doubts, questions and conversations.

Our second open space happened on Friday, June 24th at 18:00 UTC. Community members could ask questions to the Wikimania 2022 organizers about the programming, registration & platform, and general Wikimania doubts, questions and conversations.

Our third open space will happen on Tuesday, August 2nd at 22:00 UTC. Community members can ask questions to the Wikimania 2022 organizers about the programming, registration & platform, and general Wikimania doubts, questions and conversations.

Our fourth open space will happen on Wednesday, August 3rd at 12:00 UTC. Community members can ask questions to the Wikimania 2022 organizers about the programming, registration & platform, and general Wikimania doubts, questions and conversations.

open space Schedule:
Date Time (UTC) Link to join Notes Etherpad Link
20 May 2022 15:00 UTC https://meet.google.com/opg-npiq-tak بە زمانی ئینگلیزی، بەڵام پرسیارەکان دەتوانن بە زمانەکانی عەرەبی، ئیسپانی، هۆڵەندی، ئۆکراینی، چینی، کانتۆنی و لوو بێت. Link
٢٤ی حوزەیرانی ٢٠٢٢ ١٨:٠٠ بە کاتی جیهانی https://meet.google.com/wtv-rine-ihy ئینگلیزی، بەڵام پرسیارەکان دەتوانن بە زمانەکانی عەرەبی، ئیسپانی، هۆڵەندی، ئۆکراینی، چینی، کانتۆنی و لوو بێت.
2 August 2022 22:00 UTC https://meet.google.com/dss-ymgt-few English, but questions can be in Arabic, Spanish, and Dutch.
3 August 2022 12:00 UTC https://meet.google.com/dzd-toso-cso English, but questions can be in Arabic, Spanish, Dutch, Ukrainian and French.