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Hi SignWriting List,<br>
<br>
I was privileged to take part in the Wikimedia Hackathon in
Amsterdam this year. A three day event that covered all things
Wikipedia and more.<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Hackathon_2013">http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Hackathon_2013</a><br>
<br>
<br>
At the beginning of the event, everyone introduced themselves and a
big board was created that covered all of the people and topics.<br>
<img src="cid:part1.04080004.04040108@signpuddle.net" alt=""><br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/File:Proposed_projects_for_the_Wikimedia_Hackathon_2013.jpg">http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/File:Proposed_projects_for_the_Wikimedia_Hackathon_2013.jpg</a><br>
<br>
My sticky for SignWriting is on the far right, second group from the
end.<br>
<img src="cid:part2.09060401.07020206@signpuddle.net" alt=""><br>
<br>
<br>
Before any language can have a new Wikipedia (or other project), it
needs to start on Incubator and reach a certain level of activity.
Previously, it was impossible for Incubator to support sign
languages, so a special server needed to be built on Wikimedia Labs
for each sign language project. <br>
<br>
My main goal for the hackathon was to enable a SignWriting viewer on
Incubator. Mission accomplished! Soon, we will start the
transition from Wikimedia Labs to Incubator for the ASL Wikipedia
Project.<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://incubator.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wp/ase">http://incubator.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wp/ase</a><br>
<br>
<br>
I have been informed by the language committee that any sign
language (with a valid language code) will be automatically approved
for the Incubator now that this technology exists. We still have
lots of work to continue, but this basic level of support is enough
to start.<br>
<br>
Additionally, I have a user script available on the English
Wikipedia that anyone can enable to view SignWriting on the English
Wikipedia.<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Slevinski">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Slevinski</a><br>
<br>
<br>
There were many people at the hackathon that were interested in and
supportive of written sign language. I was informed that the idea
of SignWriting is supported throughout the Wikimedia organization
and various committees. Several people reviewed the technical basis
of the project and approved of the design. It was a very positive
event and I'm deeply grateful I was able to attend.<br>
<br>
Sometimes it seems like an overwhelming amount of work still needs
to be completed, but today I celebrate the achievements that our
team has made possible.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
∼Steve
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