October 2011 Coding Challenge/Messaging

= Overview =

Here's what we're trying to accomplish, in a nutshell:


 * You can do it! Make the contest feel achievable.
 * Which means copious documentation.
 * And if there isn't copious documentation, there shouldn't be a contest.
 * You should do it! Make the contest feel important.
 * Find inspirational messaging for editor recruiting and riff off that?
 * Radical transparency and innovation not only for editors, but for coders.
 * What's in it for you? Make the prizes compelling.
 * Certificate = valuable resume fodder
 * Main prize = work hand in hand with world's great engineers
 * Opportunities to do more and more cool work
 * Hinty hinty, could be a job at wmf, you never know...

= Outline: Contest Page =

Right at the top: prominent link to the signup -- signup is the key call to action.

Wikipedia needs coders:


 * Wikipedia is one of the most collaborative projects in the history of mankind.
 * One of the great untapped opportunities is for engineers.
 * There are lots of engineering projects waiting to be completed. (FIXME: link to them.)
 * We need help to tackle those projects. We work with volunteers, contractors, and permanent staff members. Let us know how you'd like to engage with us in future.
 * 400 million people could use your code!

Wikipedia announces Weekends of Code challenge:


 * Announcing the challenge!
 * Summation of the rules.
 * Link to the rules.
 * Realistic, yet welcoming, assessment of experience required.
 * Links to installation, since running your own MW instance will be required.
 * Another prominent link to the signup.

What can I win?


 * Explanation of prizes and why they're awesome.
 * Everyone who meets basic requirements gets a certificate award.
 * Grand Prize winners get a free trip to a WMF conference! Oh yeah!!!

Closing appeal.

= Banner Ideas =


 * "Wikipedia is looking for the smartest, most dedicated engineers and product visionaries on the planet. Do you have what it takes to work for a non-profit that’s changing the world? Complete one of our October 15 weekend challenges!"  (Too heavy on the "working for" angle?)
 * Great challenges call for great engineers. Wikimedia is constantly looking for the best engineers in the world.  (But the best engineers don't necessarily know they're the best engineers...?)
 * "Fall 2011: Volunteer, Wikipedia Project. Participated in the Weekends of Code challenge.  Wrote a software module used by 400 million people worldwide."  Want this on your CV?  Sign up for the challenge now.  (Appeals to career aspirations.)