User:Basvb/Ideas/Free Image Hunter
This is a rough idea for a platform to request wanted images. Any input on the idea of interest in working on it with me are very welcome!
In short[edit]
A platform to request images to be photographed which incentivises photographers using a point/rank system and eases the uploading of requested images. Users can request photographs they need for their articles but are unable to make themselves. The platform could also reach a new public, which likes to fulfill other's requests, some competitive incentives and possibly less technical aspects of uploading to Commons while maintaining images with high quality metadata and descriptions. Think of crossing geograph, stackoverflow and current community image wish lists.
Problem statement[edit]
Wikimedia has as a goal to provide the world with free knowledge, Commons is used to illustrate this knowledge. Often writers of articles are not in the position to illustrate the topics they write about. This can be because it is a rare event, not nearby, because they don't have the equipment to make a sufficient image or because of many other reasons. On many projects there are pages such as Commons:Picture requests. These list do however not seem to get to much attention. With only a few requests made and fulfilled each month.
On the other hand there are vast ranges of photographers online which like to show their work and possibly would be willing to release their work under a free license. Some of these are already active on Commons, but I suspect there are many more. Different people work well in different ways. Personally I found out that some form of measurability or competition (also only will myself) makes me more enthousiast to work on a certain task, this could be the same for others. Another aspect which could motivate people is that they work directly on request and thus work in close collaboration and know that their image will likely be used. In short a form of gamified request page could motivate people to fulfill the requests of others.
Solution[edit]
WOrk in progresso