Monthly Archives: November 2013

Introducing Beta Features

Screenshot of the new Beta Features preferences page. Media Viewer is one of the first Beta Features we're testing on Wikipedia.

Screenshot of the new Beta Features preferences page. Media Viewer is one of the first Beta Features we’re testing on Wikipedia.

I’m happy to announce the launch of Beta Features, a new program that lets you test new features on Wikipedia and other Wikimedia sites before they are released for everyone.

The Beta Features program lets developers roll out new software in an environment where lots of users can use these features, then give feedback to help make them better.

Think of it as a digital laboratory where community members can preview upcoming changes and help designers and engineers make improvements based on their suggestions.

I am product manager for this first version of Beta Features, working with my colleagues James Forrester, Mark Holmquist, Jared Zimmerman and many other Wikimedia Foundation team members to bring it to our community.

Learn more on this project hub.

Mahalo, Hawai’i

Wild horses cross the creek in Waimea Valley on Hawaii's Big Island

Wild horses cross the creek in Waimea Valley on Hawaii’s Big Island

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fabola/sets/72157637795789965/
We had a wonderful vacation in Hawaii’s Big Island, to celebrate our ‘coral anniversary’, after 35 wonderful years together.Our weeklong trip started near the lovely Kealakekua Bay (where I got to swim with spinner dolphins!) and the inspiring Place of Refuge in Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (where ancient islanders could get forgiven for breaking taboos).We then visited the Volcanoes National Park, where we hiked the amazing Kilauea Iki Trail (from lush green rainforest to the eerie crater floor spewing steam from its many vents).From there, we drove north through Hilo to Kukuihaele and the wonderful Waipio Valley (where we crossed the stream with a herd of wild horses), meeting up with our friends Jeffery and Toby.We then completed our tour of the island through the towns of Waimea and Hawi on the Kohala coast, ending up with a couple days of R&R at the fabulous Fairmont Orchid resort.

Overall, it was a truly wonderful journey with many special moments, which we will not soon forget. Mahalo, Hawaii!

For more photos from that trip, check out our photo set on Flickr.