Edit-a-thon

An edit-a-thon (sometimes written editathon) is an event where some editors of online communities such as Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap (also known as a "mapathon"), and LocalWiki edit and improve a specific topic or type of content. The events typically include basic editing training for new editors and may be combined with a more general social meetup.The word is a portmanteau of "edit" and "marathon". An edit-a-thon can either be "in-person" or online or a blended version of both. If it is not in-person, it is usually called a "virtual edit-a-thon" or "online edit-a-thon".

An editathon for university students in Germany

Locations (in-person events)

Wikipedia edit-a-thons have taken place at Wikimedia chapter headquarters; accredited educational institutions, including Sonoma State University, Arizona State University, Middlebury College,[1] and the University of Victoria; scientific research institutions such as the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences;[2] and cultural institutions, such as museums or archives.

Online/remote events

Several Wikipedia edit-a-thons have been held during the COVID-19 pandemic adhering to social distancing measures.[citation needed] These events have been held online using synchronous voice and video chat as well as through asynchronous message boards and forums.[citation needed]

Topics

The events have included topics such as cultural heritage sites, museum collections, women's history, art, feminism, narrowing Wikipedia's gender gap, and social justice issues.[3][4][5][6][7][8]

Women, African Americans, and members of the LGBT community are using edit-a-thons to bridge the gap in Wikipedia's sexual and racial makeup[9] and to challenge the under-representation of Africa-related topics.[10]

Organizers

Some Wikipedia edit-a-thons have been organized by Wikipedians in residence. The OpenStreetMap community has also hosted several edit-a-thons.[11][12]

Examples

Carol Ann Whitehead, organizer of the Ada Lovelace Day Edit-a-thon

Gallery

See also

Click on "►" below to display subcategories:

References

External links