From: "Steve Virgin"
<steve(a)mediafocusuk.com>
Date: 29 December 2009 16:57:27 GMT
To: <charles.r.matthews(a)ntlworld.com>
Cc: Wikimedia UK Board mailing list <board(a)wikimedia.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [WMUK Board] [Wikimediauk-l] Press release (Public
Domain Day)
Reply-To: Wikimedia UK Board mailing list <board(a)wikimedia.org.uk>
Charles is quite right that we have been in touch
He was aware that we needed to run this through the Board Meeting
tonight as I pointed this out last week
I think he was aware I might have some reservations (albeit minor)
about the text so I doubt anyone thought it would be issued
prematurely
Any promotion of Britain Loves Wikipedia should be in a section at
the bottom called 'Editor's Notes' that comes at the end of the
press release - it should not come in the main body text as this
will mean more than one single message is being conveyed and this
will be confusing
I'd certainly promote it in the Editor's Notes - but nowhere else.
Or, simply write a new press release all about Britain Loves
Wikipedia and issue that to secure the same
I had a few minor and small doubts about the 70 year rule so on
phrases in the text suggesting 'copyright free on anything' which I
simply modified to sound less harsh. But our collective Board
knowledge on the copyright matter would no doubt be of interest
Hope this helps
Best
Steve
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Charles Matthews" <charles.r.matthews(a)ntlworld.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 4:36 PM
To: "Michael Peel" <email(a)mikepeel.net>
Cc: <wikimediauk-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>rg>; "Steve Virgin"
<steve(a)mediafocusuk.com>
Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Press release (Public Domain Day)
Michael Peel wrote:
In terms of the content of the press release,
there still seem to
be some outstanding questions. Andrew posted on the talk page 5
days ago, pointing out a few things, which it would be good to
discuss. The central point is: are we absolutely positive that
the facts are completely accurate? Also, note that the press
release as it stands is lacking a headline and a date.
I don't agree with the
Talk page comment "release should promote
WMUK and its activities, e.g. Britain Loves Wikipedia, as much as
possible". My views on press releases are probably known to
readers of the list by now. I would go so far as to say that
"corporate identity" material is dead weight in getting media
attention. To put it another way, promotion through simply
contacting the media has to earn its keep.
On the issue of handling, I have been in contact with a Board
member, and I imagine my views will be represented to the Board.
I'll pass on second-guessing the detailed drafting. 70 years is
correct for the UK, that much is clear, and _in the press release_
nothing else should be brought in.
Charles
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