Forum:SH Archive/A new project in times of changes: the Wookieepedia scholarship journal



I've been toying with the idea for some time, although I never really intended to tell it. However, after Abel G. Peña himself encouraged me to do so during a conversation on Facebook, I think the time has come to open that line of discussion with the community. I propose that we launch an online Star Wars fanzine made by us Wookieepedians. There, I said it. Not just a fanzine, actually, but a "scholarship journal."

Because Wookieepedia was designed as an encyclopedia, our attribution policies forbid, rightly so, to avoid "all that introduces a theory, speculation, or any other original idea." On that level, things are just the way the should be. We've based our procedures on real-life scholarship, and we have the right to be proud of that.

However, academic life goes beyond reference books and scientific dogma. One of the core activities of scholarship is disputation, which suggest debates, theories and speculation. While original research should always stay out of the encyclopedia, it deserves a place of its own. A place where speculative "papers" pertaining to the GFFA could be written. In order to stay professional, we would still adhere to strict rules as regards sources and references, of course. Speculation and original research? Yes, but not without solid foundations.

Hints of my that project appeared in my WOTM interview. When Menkooroo asked me what kind of role Wookieepedia should play in the broader fan community, here is what I answered: "Scholarship is a constant quest, an attempt to tie events together and then give them a sense and meaning. In the past few years, our reputation has grown within the community to the point that we've influenced canon. Voices have been heard concerning our “meddling” with canon, which to me seems an injustice. Granted, we are not Lucasfilm officials, but I do think Wookieepedia has been serving its purpose well and has helped maintaining canon. That is something I'm immensely proud of." Now I'm telling you that we could go even further.

Wookieepedia has proved both its worth and influence of the years. Abel Peña himself told me that the Wook "has many if not most of the most knowledgeable Star Wars fans on Earth. It could become like the mecca of a Star Wars scholarship journal, and a force for influence and good regarding sensible analysis of the mythos." If the very words of Halagad Ventor himself cannot convince you, I doubt anything will.

That journal project is a chance, a new opportunity for us Star Wars scholars to contribute even more to the longevity of our favorite franchise. While I haven't come here expecting torrents of enthusiasm, I still wish I will be agreeably surprised. The franchise is currently undergoing major changes. I believe this is an opportune moment for new ambitions! Might I add this would prove wrong those who think of us as circumspect, passionless fellows.

Sincerely, I have faith in this project, and hope some of you will indeed join me. Wookieepedia has terrific writers within its ranks, and having them writing for the scholarship journal would greatly benefit to the fandom, methinks. I would like to thank in advance all those who will take the time to read this and post a reply, regardless of its content. --LelalMekha (talk) 19:21, August 18, 2013 (UTC)