Book Contest Update | The Tensions Behind Wikipedia's Code of Conduct
Plus: INFODEMIC is "War & Peace on an internet encyclopedia."
The Tensions Behind Wikipedia’s Code of Conduct
March 2, 2021
Last month Molly White, age 27, received yet another creepy message: “We have three people who are going to be taking a tour [of your apartment] and looking at it, but you will not know who they are because we wont [sic] disclose that ahead of time, just know that when they do they will be wearing a hidden camera and we will be sharing the deets.” For White, the threat was one more example of the harassment she has received because she is one of Wikipedia’s most prolific female contributors.
Curbing malicious behavior is one goal of the Wikimedia Foundation’s new “Universal Code of Conduct,” which applies to Wikipedia’s many language editions and related projects. The code, which was released Feb. 2, enshrines concepts such as mutual respect and civility, and makes clear that harassment, abuse of power, and content vandalism are unacceptable. According to the foundation, more than 1,500 Wikipedia volunteers representing five continents and 30 languages participated in the creation of the new code.
>> Continue reading my latest story for Slate
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In other news…
On Feb. 28, my novel INFODEMIC placed second in the 2020 Inkshares All Genre Contest! The book finished number 2 out of 383 entrants, which means that the novel will be published. I’m very grateful to all of the readers who read the sample chapters, pre-ordered a copy, or posted a review.
One friendly reviewer described Infodemic as “War & Peace on an internet encyclopedia.” I have not yet read Leo Tolstoy’s 1200 page magnum opus and am considering braving it. Drop me a note if you’ve read War & Peace and want to share your thoughts.
Here is a bit more information on the rest of the publication process for the novel.
WHEN WILL YOU GET YOUR BOOK?
Inkshares estimates that the publishing process takes at least nine months. A few books have been delayed due to COVID-19. I will keep you posted. In the meantime, I will be working with a team of professionals on the manuscript itself as well as the marketing to give Infodemic the best launch possible. Also, Inkshares is known for securing audiobook/film/TV deals for its properties, and I’m certainly excited about that possibility.
HOW CAN YOU CONTINUE TO HELP?
Infodemic can continue to take pre-orders, which will help with hitting bestseller and other industry benchmarks. Tell your friends to reserve their copy on the Infodemic book page.
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To my fellow Texas friends, wishing you peace and security as we recover from the recent storm. As some colleagues at Slate recently put it, “Texans can’t catch a break.”
Best regards,
Stephen