"WP:OP-ED" redirects here. For the guideline on not editorializing in article content, see MOS:OP-ED. For policy on op-eds and original research, see WP:NOROPED. For guideline on citing op-eds as sources, see WP:NEWSOPED.
Please propose Signpost stories you want to write (or have already begun writing). Submitted stories are published subject to the approval of the Editor-in-Chief, Smallbones. We value the involvement of Wikipedians, and appreciate your submissions. If you have ideas or questions that don't fit neatly into this framework, don't hesitate to address us on our user talk pages, by email, or as a last resort, on the general Signpost talk page.
The Signpost's content guidelines may be useful to aspiring writers; take note, especially, of the statement of purpose section. We encourage you to contact us early in the process of developing a story. Different writers have varying levels of interest in editorial input, and we pride ourselves on finding the right balance with each writer; but in most cases, a brief discussion early on can help all parties shape our expectations, and can help produce a strong finished piece. We aim to support Wikimedians wishing to share news with their peers, and look forward to working with you.
Discussion: This is a continuation of the 2018 and 2019 reports. DTM (talk) 03:33, 12 January 2021 (UTC)
@DiplomatTesterMan: Thanks. I really look forward to this - it's something we owe to our readers as well as to ourselves. I'll assume it'll be ready for the February issue, but please ping me if it'll be ready for January. Smallbones(smalltalk) 17:56, 16 January 2021 (UTC)
As soon as I have something presentable I will link it here and get (your) input/s. I will be busy for two days, after that I can devote ample time to it and then it will be easier to judge the completion date. DTM (talk) 03:26, 18 January 2021 (UTC)
Discussion: This piece is about the Suez Canal obstruction. It's a bit rough around the edges and could be fixed up. xdude (talk) 16:05, 30 March 2021 (UTC)
@Xdude gamer: We almost always need a hook to a subject related to Wikipedia. It's also a bit short. Feel free to try again on a different topic. Smallbones(smalltalk) 17:29, 20 April 2021 (UTC)
Ok, thank you for your feedback. xdude (talk) 18:28, 20 April 2021 (UTC)
Discussion: This is an essay about an aspect of Wikipedia I think is worth drawing attention to and discussing - namely, that we can be no fun at all. Ganesha811 (talk) 01:34, 10 April 2021 (UTC)
This should go in Op-ed, or perhaps "Humour". Smallbones(smalltalk) 17:31, 20 April 2021 (UTC)
Discussion: This piece is about the death of Idriss Déby, the collapse of the Chadian government, and the creation of the Military Council. xdude (talk) 15:57, 23 April 2021 (UTC)
Again, I don't get the connection to Wikipedia. I think what you may be looking for is Wikipedia:In the news/Candidates, where you nominate an article based on recent news, and the if it is approved you write a one paragraph intro. Thanks for thinking of us though. Smallbones(smalltalk) 17:35, 4 May 2021 (UTC)
Discussion: This obituary was written by multiple Wikipedians and is pretty much ready for your assessment. There's also a subpage at User:Ched/Obituary/FA-GA detailing her major contributions. Thank you!— Diannaa 🇨🇦 (talk) 20:21, 27 May 2021 (UTC)
Discussion: This piece is about a future virtual academic translation conference about Wikipedia. The conference is still accepting papers and open for registration. Temp3600 (talk) 14:25, 12 June 2021 (UTC)
@Temp3600 and HaeB: Sorry, I almost missed this submission. It's not long enough for a full article. I'll suggest posting a shorter version to a mailing list under "call for papers" Smallbones(smalltalk) 13:09, 26 June 2021 (UTC)
@Smallbones:Could you share me more information on the mailing list? Thank you!--Temp3600 (talk) 01:33, 27 June 2021 (UTC)
Discussion: This piece is me rambling about some problems that face Wikipedia. It could use some editing. Enterprisey (talk!) 07:45, 16 July 2021 (UTC)
Looks like a good start to an op-ed to me. I like "trying to do bonsai with a chainsaw" as a blurb. - Bri.public (talk) 19:03, 20 July 2021 (UTC)
Thanks! As much as I like the turn of phrase "bonsai with a chainsaw", I must admit I don't think I've used it very accurately. Hopefully I can find a better place for it. Enterprisey (talk!) 05:14, 21 July 2021 (UTC)
We must hang out in different places—I can't remember anyone complaining about how hard it is to modify Wikipedia. The communities in the venues I frequent basically aren't interested in trying to edit Wikipedia. isaacl (talk) 22:55, 20 July 2021 (UTC)
Isaacl, thanks for sharing your experience - is it because they don't realize one can, or because they've given up? Enterprisey (talk!) 05:15, 21 July 2021 (UTC)
It's not germane to the topic under discussion for most people; they're just using Wikipedia as a resource. isaacl (talk) 05:21, 21 July 2021 (UTC)
Well, it's a good start for something! It does ramble, so I'll suggest picking one of the ~ 5 topics and stick with that. It's a bit techy for my taste, but fortunately not everybody shares my taste. If I were writing this (danger, Will Robinson) I'd probably stick with the 4 types (or 7 types - purely arbitrary) of people who criticize Wikipedia online. What they get right, what they're missing, and how the can meaningfully contribute despite everything. Smallbones(smalltalk) 22:18, 22 July 2021 (UTC)
Thanks! I like the suggestion. The first one (editing being a big jump up from just reading) is the most fleshed out, so I'd be happy with removing the rest, perhaps saving them for later. I've started another draft page at User:Enterprisey/Signpost draft - On smaller ways to contribute. Enterprisey (talk!) 05:44, 23 July 2021 (UTC)
This seems to have some traction for publication so I'll add the Signpost formatting later today. - Bri.public (talk) 22:33, 22 July 2021 (UTC)
never mind, the new revision is formatted ☆ Bri (talk) 16:43, 24 July 2021 (UTC)
Discussion: As the subtitle says, I'd like some public appreciation for the live chat supporters out of gratitude. Do you think you can place it somewhere in the Signpost? ΟΥΤΙΣ (talk) 14:13, 4 August 2021 (UTC)
@ΟΥΤΙΣ: It would need to be a bit longer. Concentrate on the helpers, less on yourself. Give some real (or slightly disguised) examples. Say more, opine less. Smallbones(smalltalk) 03:13, 8 September 2021 (UTC)
Discussion: This piece is about nothing much, just a few satirical poems and prose on the Seven Ages. xdude (talk) 16:19, 24 August 2021 (UTC)
@Xdude gamer:You might move it all to prose - poetry is hard! I'll ask that you think of some real editors as you rewrite - it sounds fairly theoretical right now. It might take 3 or 4 rewrites, but you may have something here. Smallbones(smalltalk) 03:17, 8 September 2021 (UTC)
Alright sounds cool! xdude (talk) 20:13, 8 September 2021 (UTC)
I did finish it, so whichever editors you can find would be much appreciated. xdude (talk) 20:33, 8 September 2021 (UTC)
Awesome work Ganesha811 for conducting this interview - "The Random and the Beautiful" - I look forward to reading it :). After this month's interview, I have an interview with WikiProject redirect waiting to go too: User:Tom (LT)/sandbox/WikiProject redirects interview draft. Tom (LT) (talk) 02:23, 14 September 2021 (UTC)
Perspectives of a long-time Wikipedia user and editor[edit]
Discussion: In this Signpost opinion piece I would like to share my perspectives on the actions WMF had taken against zhwiki in 2021. 不爱思考得猪 (talk) 23:14, 30 September 2021 (UTC)
