Elisabeth:
Sorry to say this, but in my opinion we shouldn't
accept any new
projects at all for the next two years but instead work on improving the
existing ones. There's enough work to do and even the time we discuss
new projects would be better invested in discussing and solving our
current problems.
A blanket injunction against new projects may express popular
sentiments, but is unhelpful. However, I would certainly agree that
technical evaluation needs to take higher precedence for future
projects, and where key technical requirements are not met, new projects
should not be launched. Furthermore, in our own allocation of funds to
development work, we should strongly prioritize existing projects,
unless we receive a grant specifically to develop a new one. This,
combined with the requirement that new projects shouldn't be too narrow
in scope (Wikispecies is an unfortunate exception in this regard) should
be sufficient safeguards against mindless expansion. Artificial barriers
are not needed.
It's also important to note that ever since Wikispecies, we have become
*much* more conservative with launching new projects. I find it highly
unlikely that the majority of the community would support a poorly
planned and insufficiently implemented project at this point.
Nevertheless, open discussion of even the wackiest ideas should be
tolerated. After all, Wikipedia started out as a wacky idea.
Erik