Proposals for new projects

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This is an archived version of this page, as edited by Ejmasicampo (talk | contribs) at 20:34, 5 June 2006 (→‎WikiCitizens). It may differ significantly from the current version.
This page host proposals for new projects that are inline with the Wikimedia Foundation goal of spreading and promoting knowledge. Before adding a new proposal, see the New project policy. Please only make proposals on this page if you are willing to take responsibility for it; otherwise, post it on the discussion page.

If you want to propose a new language for an existing project, please do so on Requests for new languages. If you want to propose closing an existing project, see Proposals for closing projects. If you are suggesting an enhancement which requires a change to the MediaWiki software, please file a feature request in MediaZilla. If you have a proposal for any other type of enhancement to an existing project, please visit that project and attempt to gather interest there.

Information

Notes to consider

  • Hosting: Remember that the Wikimedia Foundation is not a free hosting company for any kind of wikis. If your project does not fit the Foundation's ideals, try a wiki hosting site such as Wikia or wikidev.net (see a list of wiki hosts with reviews), or download and host MediaWiki yourself.
  • History: Individuals attempting to create a new project may benefit from reading the Wikipedia timeline and Uses of a wiki.

  • Be persistent. Don't take criticism directed at proposals personally. There have been a number of mistakes made in the past in regards to starting up new project ideas, and several of the "veteran" users are afraid of repeating those same mistakes. New ideas are taken seriously, although it should be admitted that the process of going from an idea for a new project to actually turning on a server that is implementing that idea will take quite a bit of time and effort. If you are proposing these ideas, be willing to take some "arrows" in your back, a lot of criticism, cynicism, and outright disbelief that your ideas are not going to work. If it really is a good idea, there will be others who will be willing to help you out as well. Be persistent and don't give up right away.

    The last major project that made the jump from a project idea to something going on its own was Wikinews. Some veteran users are suggesting that it will be a year or two before any other project idea will be accepted as a new separate project, if ever. If you want to see how a project idea has been successful, it would be wise to see what was done to go from idea to an actual project, please look at the project proposal page for Wikinews. In particular, click on the history button and look back in time over some of the complications they went through before going "live". Any projects that don't live up to this sort of standard for coming into existance will likely not be considered as a new project by the Wikimedia Foundation's Board. Don't get discouraged, but it is not going to be easy either.

    If you see something that doesn't fit into any current Wikimedia project, could be done using MediaWiki software, can be distrbuted using the GFDL (or very similar license) for republishing, please feel free to add a suggestion below.


It has been suggested that many of the current proposals could be merged into one of the main projects below.

  • Wikipedia: One other place to strongly consider is Wikipedia's series of subprojects, WikiProject. Many of the proposals listed below could be incorporated into one of those projects, or perhaps a new WikiProject could be started instead. Wikipedia is evolving and changing over time, and there is already quite a bit that can be adapted from the content on Wikipedia, not to mention involving people who commonly use and edit Wikipedia.
  • Wikisource: Wikisource also has a similar effort for larger subprojects of Wikisource that are focused on original source material that will require quite a bit of effort to transfer to that project. This would be things like historical dictionaries, encyclopedias, or other multi-volume reference works that are of a historical nature and can be copied according to the terms of the GFDL.
  • Wikibooks: In addition, it has been suggested on many of the proposals listed below that a good place to look would be with Wikibooks. If you are trying to put together a large collection of factual information into one place, starting a Wikibook may be a good place to go. If it doesn't quite fit Wikibooks, the other editors at Wikibooks will try to help you get to the correct place as well.

Existing projects

Before proposing a new project, make sure it doesn't already exist; see the list of existing projects below (see also the full list).

Main projects

Special projects


Non-Wikimedia projects that run MediaWiki and have free/open licenses:

Also see Sites using MediaWiki.

Instructions

  1. Read the detailed information on the policy page.
  2. Create an account and a user page on this wiki, so people can address their questions to you.
  3. Create a page where you describe your plan in detail (where do you create the page??) and add this to the Proposed projects (How??) category.
  4. Add your proposal to this page using the recommended format.
  5. It is recommended that you advertise your project. Good places to do so are on Goings-on and on the Foundation-l mailing-list.

Requests with working demos

wikitextbook.co.uk - A textbook aimed specifically UK students

  • I instigated this site a year ago now and have spent a lot of time deciding upon the internal links and pages.
  • Pages have been created based upon the UK syllabus.
  • Needs content that relates specifically to the UK syllabus (this is where it often differs from wikipedia and therefore a new project was required).
  • Many pages of wikipedia are appropriate - I am thinking about adding information from wikipedia to get certain areas started - I believe this is fine according to the copyright.
  • Lots of debate about wikis in education. Most comments are very positive.
  • Free hosting has been provided by a Publisher who believes in the use of wikis (he is very web content driven)
  • Comments, thoughts, help etc etc more than welcome! (wiki@wikitextbook.co.uk)
* These are great textbooks, but why not just make them on Wikibooks, and just explicitly that all contributors must contribute based on the UK syllabus? -- user:zanimum
  • The reason for starting a new site was the fact that we wanted a site that we could shape to specifically meet the needs to UK students and teachers. It was felt that this would be easier if a whole site was dedicated to UK students rather than having to sift around a large wikibooks site that wasn't designed for them. --Wikitextbook 18:28, 24 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • It is too bad that this couldn't have been dealt with by creating a UK-themed bookshelf at Wikibooks instead. There are seperate projects like Wikijunior and Wikiversity that have essentially their own user community, so this wouldn't have been that much of a difference. I'll try to integrate some links into Wikibooks from the content of this website. --Roberth 04:27, 3 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • I believe that the scope of Wikibooks should be global. As it is, lots of work remains undone at Wikibooks, and having a UK Wikibook would be un-necessary biased. The idea of Wikis I feel should be used for global collaboration. What specific kind of knowledge in Sciences, Maths and Computer Science should be different from the rest of the world?
  • Who decided that all Wikibooks had to be global in scope and nature? Many Wikimedia projects have location-specific content and orentation, including Wikinews and Wikipedia. Wikipedia in particular has location-specific Wikiprojects. For example, b:Wikijunior Math is a proposed Wikibook that would deal with the mathmatics education that follows the curriculum guidelines for the U.S. State of California. It may be adapted to other locations at a later date, but it is being developed to work with a specific location in mind. b:University of Alberta Guide is another Wikibook that is clearly very specific for a particular location. b:FHSST Physics (to cite a nearly finished Wikibook) was developed following the high school physics curriculum for South Africa. I can find others examples, but it certainly is not against Wikibooks policy to have a book that is oriented toward a specific location. I'm mainly suggesting that if this is a serious proposal to get this project adopted by the Wikimedia Foundation rather than an attempt at advertising, you need to overcome the objection as to why it can't be dealt with in Wikibooks. I appreciate that as a seperate project you would have a smaller community to work with and make decisions specific to the needs of the content you are developing. The main point here, however, is what sort of contribution to the rest of the Wikimedia projects would this proposal have and why don't the existing Wikimedia projects effectively deal with the goals of your new project proposal. --Roberth 16:18, 18 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

After some inspection, I decided that WikiTextbook is not free. To be more specific, WikiTextbook is gratis-free, but not libre-free. Unlike Wikimedia projects, WikiTextbook does not offer a license (such as the GNU Free Documentation License) that would allow me to copy content off the site, then modify it. --Kernigh 18:26, 29 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

This clearly does not merit its own project or domain. HOWEVER, it could be very useful as a book in Wikibooks. Pcu123456789 16:04, 20 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Rodovid.org - Fully functional global family tree

Link to Proposal on Mailing List
[1]
Naming Suggestions
There are exists many others, but I think wiki prefix is not nessesary
Domain Name
rodovid.org + "language codes" (see details)
Scope
Rodovid is an attempt to create a free familly tree site, that anyone can use. Example of ancectors tree. 32 generations. http://engine.rodovid.org/wk/Special:Tree/5392
Details
Rodovid.org, Українська, Deutsch
Proposer
User:Baya
People Interested Joining
Comments
Talk:Rodovid.org
    • User JBJ from Wikipedia. What's to think about? This is a stupendous idea!

Wikiversity

Go to Wikiversity/Modified project proposal to help make the Wikiversity proposal modifications that were requested by the Board.

Link to proposal on mailing list
[2]
Naming suggestions
Wikiversity
Domain name
"language code".wikiversity.org
Demo
Scope
An adult education center of learning using Wikimedia projects content as course material.
Details
Wikiversity
Proposer
mav (well, historically speaking... did not add here)
People interested in joining
Relevant links
Comments
    • This is currently up for a Vote for deletion due to the way it was setup in the first place. There are a number of problems with the way that this project got started, and perhaps by starting a "formal" new project proposal this will get to be started the way it ought to be done, or at least get an equal footing with other new project ideas. DO NOT start a project on Wikibooks that mimics how this project got started, as this is more an example of how not to start a new project with the Wikimedia Foundation. There are a number of very good ideas that have been brought forward regarding this project, but had it been listed on this page more recently, it would have been "archived" as an inactive new project proposal and been left in the neither regions of Meta. As it is, there is a semi-official status that seems to be connected with this project, including granting sister project status (for the German version of all things). The VfD above is to decide what the fate of the English version should be, considering that it is not really a Wikibook nor has much to do with Wikibooks specifically. --Roberth 12:02, 14 August 2005 (UTC)[reply]
    • Update: I've set up a time table for what should happen to this proposal, according to the official New project policy of the Wikimedia Foundation. Review the deadlines for the various stages that will be needed to enable this project. --Roberth 18:03, 16 August 2005 (UTC)[reply]
    • mailing list. I guess we should have something for the "Link to proposal on mailing list" that is mentioned at the top of the proposal. Has there already been a wikiversity project proposal notice posted to some mailing list or is this something that should be done now? --Memenen 21:37, 22 August 2005 (UTC)[reply]
    • Identity - Lengthy enough discussion on aspects of Wikiversity's identity, including the place or role of research at wikibooks:Talk:Wikiversity:About - yes, i know this possibly should have been on Meta. We now need to get wider input from the community on these points and include either on Wikiversity or a sub page (Talk:Wikiversity is getting a little long and rambling). Personally I think it would be good if we put our heads together on what we think is both practical in the short term and possible in the long term and how we will implement this and identify any obstacles that need addressing, eg. software needs. You are cordially invited.. Cormaggio 00:04, 23 August 2005 (UTC)[reply]
    • It seems it would be easier and more wiki spirited to create a place for wiki study groups (wikistudy?) where people could post questions, answers links, explanations etc. and let things grow from there, rather than attempt to create formal sylabi and class shedules with designated instructors 167.142.44.109 04:17, 28 August 2005 (UTC)[reply]
    • Is this not also a perfect opportunity to implement Jimbo's call to "free the curriculum"? (From his speech at Wikimania.) I can't remember if he mentioned Wikiversity, though he says in his slides that this could be hosted on Wikibooks. Either way, there's real room for collaboration here. Cormaggio @ 23:16, 30 August 2005 (UTC)[reply]
  • I'd like to see a classroom/grading environment added to Wikiversity. I've outlined a few of my ideas and motivations here.

Wikipubs

Link to request on mailing list
None
Naming suggestions
Wikipubs
Domain name
Currently registered http://wikipubs.org, http://wikipubs.net, http://wikipubs.com
Scope
Wikipubs seeks to provide a source for the sharing of information relating to pubs, clubs, bars and festivals throughout the world. It will achieve this by encouraging users to post information, stories, anecdotes and reviews of their local pubs, clubs, bars and festivals. Wikipubs will also encourage discussion on pubs, clubs, bars and festivals between patrons of these establishments. Thus building a database for users to refer to when planning an enjoyable night out.
Details
Wikipubs
Proposer
James mail
Demo Site
http://wikipubs.org

Wikireason (demo site)

Naming discussion
Wikireason/naming
Domain name
wikireason.org, wikireason.net (registered by User:AdamRetchless, with active demo site)
Scope
Collecting, cataloging, developing, and analyzing arguments.
Details
Wikibate (original proposed name)
Proposer
User:David Bruhn
People interested joining

Requests without demos

Wikiscope

Link to request on mailing list
N/A
Naming suggestions
Wikiscope, Wikiview
Domain name
en.wikiscope.org, de.wikiscope.org etc.
Scope
A viewer (non-Wikimedian)-based page which ties together the various Wikimedia projects.
Details
See Wikiscope
Proposer
Daniel
Date
2 June 2006
People interested in joining
Comments
Please let me know what you think!

Wikihistory

Link to Proposal on Mailing List

None

Naming Suggestions
Wikihistory, Wikitimeline, Wikichronology
Domain Name
wikihistory.org
Scope
50,000B.C. - 31 Dec 2006.
Details
There will be a dynamic timeline starting from prehistoric extending upto current year end. Users will post historical events in the timeline on specific dates. There would be several mandatory criteria on each event like Geography, Event Type, Significance etc so that anyone can filter the timeline based on the criteria and get a customized chronological list of relevant events of interest.
Proposer
User:Armanaziz
People Interested Joining
    • User:Armanaziz
Comments
Please let me know your comments

Not to derail your idea or anything, but I believe such a timeline would be a better subproject of Wikipedia itself.

I agree. Is it possible to make a dynamic timeline template to add to Wikipedia history articles? Pcu123456789 16:18, 20 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Almanac

Demo site
http://wikinac.info.tm (seems to be br
Naming suggestions
Wikinac, Wikialmanac, WikiSignifica, WikiPeople'sAlmanac
Domain name
en.wikinac.org, en.wikialmanac.org, en.WikiSignifica.org
Scope
A wiki World Almanac
WikiSignifica Scope
An almanac similar to the Book of Lists and People's Almanac created by Irving Wallace, his son David Wallechinsky, and daughter Amy Wallace. It would include interesting facts, obscure historical incidents, interesting links and other esoteric and unknown knowledge.
Details
Wikinac
Proposer
Ryan524 08:28, 24 Jan 2005 (UTC)
Wikialmanac, proposed
--Gary123
People interested joining
Relevant links
Comments

CDT: Lets Make a Map of Wikipedia

Link to proposal on mailing list
(none)
Scope
CDT stands for Context Driven Topologies, an open source system of mathematical mapping, audio-visual presentation, and data structures to serve as a bridge between interactive thinking communities like Wikipedia, large scale digital collections and archives, and everyone with a computer.
Details
[3]
Proposer
Deborah MacPherson
People interested joining
Relevant links
http://www.contextdriventopologies.org
Comments
    • Wait, so, this would be like a map of Wikipedia, linking one page to another in different areas? As in, i could make a map that contains links to all, lets say, movie directors, and show where they are in what genre of movie they generally make (as in Sci-Fi is at top middle, Action is top left, Horror is top right, then Romance is bottom center, etc. and then chart out a point for each director's movies)? Or is this something different alltogether. I.E. I don't really understand this... --Quadraxis 00:50, 23 October 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Debate/Ideas

Inclusive of political, ethical, scientific, religious, and philosophical controversies.

See wikireason (above) which has demo site. Similar proposals can be found below and on Wikibate/similar. Similar projects outside of Wikimedia can be found at Wikireason:Wikireason:related projects

Wikidea / Wikitheory / Wikipolitics

Link to request on mailing list
(none)
Naming suggestions
Wikidea, Wikitheory, Wikipolitics
Domain name
en.wikidea.org
Scope
This will be a wiki for sharing theories, ideas, and insights into how the world works.
Details
Wikidea
Proposer
User:Vikram Vaka
People interested joining
Relevant links

Wiki Theory

Naming Suggestions
Wikieory, Wikiory, Wikiry
Domain Name
www.en.wikieory.org/... (suggestion)
Scope
an open forum to develop and/or disscuss theories on science, politics, series like Harry Potter, etc., as well as discuss government systems, cultural habits, etc.(Wikitution part of Wikieory????)
Proposer
Merlin of Eragon
People intrested in joining
    • Kraken
    • Ahamay :Great idea! Wikitution should be included here
    • User: Centroles - Brilliant idea
    • This is very similar to the wikibate proposal. User:Colignatus 2005-02-25
Relevant links

Wikiopinions / Wikiexperiences

Link to proposal on mailing list
(none)
Naming suggestions
Wikiopinions, Wikiexperences, Wikomments
Domain name
en.wikiopinions.org, it.wikiopinions.org, ecc.
Scope
Giving for every concept or object described in Wikipedia own opinion or personal experience
Details
Wikiopinions
Proposer
Thom
People interested joining
Comments
      • This is very similar to the wikibate proposal: you would not mention an opinion unless it has value for the community. User:Colignatus 2005-02-25
      • I like this idea, there is already alot of this content that can be used on the usenet archives. If the name is still up in the air, its worth saying that this semester im working on a project for my bachelors thesis called "wikipinion". It is an unrelated project, and i havent decided on the name definetly either. so whatever. msg me at wikipedia talk:Spencerk if you'd like.
Relevant links

Wiki Conspiracy

Link to proposal on mailing list
(none)
Naming suggestions
Wikiconspiracy, ConspiriWiki, Wikspiracy,
Domain name
none
Scope
Ive noticed that people get upset when conspiracy theories leak into regular articles. but some topics have more conspiracy than anything. I think it would be neat to creat a wiki that features conpiracy theories. Then we could keep regular sites clean and still give the full flavorful rich part of our culture known as crazy conspiracy theories spread its wings. plus with peer editing alot of those long ramblings could be rendered coherent. could be fun--Olsdude 01:44, 21 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Details
Wikiconspiracy
Proposer
--Olsdude 01:44, 21 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]
People interested joining

Geospatial

WikiEarth (Using Google Maps)

Link to request on mailing list
(none)
Naming suggestions
WikiEarth, Wikiography, Wikiplaces
Domain name
wikiearth.org
Scope
make use of google maps in a wiki, to search and hold interesting locations in the world.
Details
here you could see an example of this wiki http://www.inopia.org/wikiearth. In a short time it will be referred as http://www.wikiearth.org
Proposer
F. Terran, mail.
People interested joining
    • Scifiintel
Relevant links
WikiEarth
Comments
    • Neither of the links you give in the Details section appear to work. --Quadraxis 00:59, 23 October 2005 (UTC)[reply]
    • Sorry, but this proposal wouldn't work. Google Maps is copyrighted. - Kookykman|(t)(c)
    • I believe there are other map sources that are not copyrighted - "Cheesejoff"
    • Have you considered the possibility of using NASA maps instead? --Mauro 17:24, 19 December 2005 (UTC)[reply]
    • So, if I'm understanding this right, anyone could add their own house to this project? WOW YOU CAN NOW VANDALISE BUILDINGS WITHOUT TOUCHING THEM!! or if not, what would be the point, exactly? Most buisinesses are already listed (in the United States anyway) --Nerd42 01:29, 6 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]
    • This could be good for reviews of restaurants etc, places may listed but that doesn't tell you what there like it could lead to a portal for each town and subcategories for food clothing etc people could rate and then you could see what’s the best in your area, could also have menus etc included.

Wikiworld

We need a free interactive Atlas, free sources for world economy, populations / peoples, languages and other thinks arround our world! Thank you! --202.88.129.254 11:14, 18 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I agree; this is an excellent idea. There are 2 problems, however:
1. Speed. Wikimedia servers are admittedly slow, presumably do to the great popularity of wikipediua. It would compete with Yahoo and Google, which generally responds much faster.
2. How would you edit a map? This may require writing specialized software; possible, but would require much work.
Pcu123456789 16:07, 20 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]
3. Would like to see maps on Wiki. I think it would be a good idea but will take A LOT OF TIME!!!! VZDSL 03:08, 27 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Cooperation with Google?

Can you not cooperate with Google for this project? --200.237.79.194 15:24, 22 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wikicorpus

  • Link to request on mailing list:

(none)

  • Naming suggestions:

Wikicorpus

  • Domain name:

en.wikicorpus.org<---for English

zh.wikicorpus.org<---for Chinese(suggestion)

  • Scope:

An open corpus for people to write their own essay, but the essays must not use any filthy language; People can write some novel, stort composition or poem in there, and other people can discuss the essays in the discussion.

  • Details:

Wikicorpus

  • Proposer: User:Matin Luther
  • Date:20/5/2006
  • People interested joining:
  • Comments:
    • This project would do well in a private wiki; but I don't think it's appropriate for Wikimedia, as its concept does not match the notions of "factuality" and "neutrality" that is withheld in all other Wikimedia projects. Also, would you care to explain where the name Wikicorpus comes from? -- tonync (talk) (講) 13:00, 28 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]
    • This is inappropriate to wipe out "vulgar language" in literature, as literature pieces contain vulgar in many occasions, such as A Thousand and One Nights, Decameron or Tropic of Cancer. If vulgar language is a must to be kicked out, this place for literature and creation is not a place for literature at all.Father vice 02:29, 29 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

WikiBrain

  • Naming suggestions: WikiBrain
  • Scope: This would basically be like Wikipedia- a communal brain, a pool of knowledge and wisdom- but this Wiki would be a place for all that knowledge and wisdom that's a.) not good enough for Wikipedia ('List of Pickup Lines') and b.) not verifiable enough for Wikipedia; it would contain opinions often (not the same as Wikiopinions proposed above), and debatable material, so users of this site would have to be able to not freak out about biased knowledge/wisdom.
  • Details: http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiBrain
  • Proposer: I am user:andrewdt85, email: andrewdt85@hotmail.com
  • Date: 5/26/06
  • People interested in joining: Me Andrewdt85 15:34, 26 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

WikiCitizens

Link to request on mailing list
(none)
Naming suggestions
WikiCitizens
Domain name
wikicitizens.org
Scope
WikiCitizens will serve as a forum for accessing information on and discussing all socio-political issues. The goal is to be able to type in any topic and be provided with the perspectives from either side of the issue. When a stance is taken, the website will also allow one to see (and hopefully contribute to) a list of things he or she can do to support that position. Ideally, this will include organizations to join, businesses to solicit, products to buy, political candidates to vote for, representatives to write, bills to support, petitions to sign, and small lifestyles changes to make in order to push policy in favor of that particular cause. It is my hope that this information will be made available at the local, national, and international levels.
Details
wikicitizens
Proposer
E.J. Masicampo - ejmasicampo@gmail.com
Demo site
demo has been proposed at wikia.com
Date
June 5th, 2006
People interested in joining
  • E.J. Masicampo

Aramaic/Syriac Wiktionary

I propose that the should be a new wiktionary intended for aramaic/syriac speakers. I propose that it be titled "syr.wiktionary.org". This would be a good resource for Chaldeans, Assyrians, Maronites, other Syriac speaking people. I do speak the language, know its spellings, and I wish to administate this webpage to prevent false definitions of words or mispelled words. I need to know how to establish this wiktionary and to change the fonts used within it. I am Makkow makkow and i would greatly appreciate the help. Thank you!

Good idea, but move it to Requests for new languages. Dbmag9 20:17, 5 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
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