The Cunctator wrote:
A big question that we are in the process of resolving
now is whether we
want to think of Wikipedia as a single project that has multiple
translations, or as a bunch of largely independent projects specific to
particular nations and language sets. I think the first conception is
healthier and more productive over the long term. We really should think
about this issue before we take broad actions that touch upon it.
Neither.
It can't be the first:
1) true translation is impossible, anyone who speaks more than one
language knows that
2) it would be quite insulting to the people who work on the other
pedias to suggest that they are mere translators. The polyglots among us
are the cross-pollinators. :-)
It can't be the 2nd:
1) all projects must work towards an NPOV, open, GFDL encyclopedia.
We have to move in two directions simultanously:
1.) we have to give the other language equal status and more independance
2.) we have to bring them closer in: same software, same name, same
logo, same attitude
We also have to remember that most of the other pedias are way further
behind in their development. -- that doesn't just mean in number of
*articles*.
Look behind you. Read the old english wiki debates on NPOV, on article
names, on how to handle everything. Some of them are still at that
phase. Give them time.