Latest comment: 10 years ago3 comments3 people in discussion
Adrianne, I find myself at a loss for words. We only crossed paths a few times, but I've spent years ogling at your achievements both on- and off-wiki. I wish you the best with whatever comes after. Ed[talk][majestic titan]06:23, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
SAD........YOUR LEFT YOUR MARK IN THIS WORLD WOMAN!!....Condolences to your family & friends...Thank you. from a seldom but grateful user... 24.46.231.222 (talk) 15:32, 19 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 6 years ago131 comments129 people in discussion
I've just been informed off-wiki that Adrianne died while rock climbing. An experienced editor with dozens of featured and good articles to her name and someone who worked to try and decrease systemic bias and increase contributions from women and other minority groups, Adrianne embodied many of the things which are best about this project. She will be missed by many fellow Wikipedians, and the contributions she did not get a chance to make will be missed by readers. Farewell, Adrianne Wadewitz. —Tom Morris (talk) 06:25, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I'll second Tom's comments. Adrianne was a great voice for Wikipedia, and for female editors specifically. She actively brought her academic background to Wikipedia and brought Wikipedia to her campus. She was an active participant in the various meet-ups, edit-a-thons, and Wikinics in Los Angeles. The Wikipedia community has lost a great contributor and I hope all our thoughts are with the loved ones she left behind. Chris Troutman (talk) 06:40, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I'm so sorry to hear about this. Andrianne was one of the few Wikimedians that I have met in real life, and it was always a pleasure to see her at local meetups. Thank you for everything you've done for this project. --Rschen775406:43, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Oh what terrible news. What an amazing person and great loss. Adrianne was simply one of the best editors this project has ever had. Not only a talented writer and researcher but a great teacher who successfully used Wikipedia in the classroom. Adrianne and friends formed a little FA-making-machine and I was fortunate to be helped and encouraged by her in my own FA. Thank you Adrianne. -- Colin°Talk07:43, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Adrianne was one of the best editors Wikipedia has ever had. I was lucky enough to meet her in person a year or two ago, after having worked with her on-wiki for years; and I was looking forward to getting to know her better after she joined the board of the Wiki Education Foundation a few months ago. This is a sad, sad loss. Mike Christie (talk - contribs - library) 08:20, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I was shocked to hear this. Dear, Adrianne. I met her years ago, at the Wikipedia Academy at the National Institutes of Health, and we kept in touch. She was a true friend, a nerd and such a wonderful person. I miss her so much.//Hannibal (talk) 08:37, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I just found this news and find it desperately sad. You were one of those rare wikimedians who was respected by all - for your content creation volume, quality, cultural-sector outreach, academic work, gender-gap advocacy, everything. Many of us would be lucky to be considered significant in any of these fields, you were significant in all of them.
I interviewed you for the Wikipedia Weekly podcast episode 35Wikipedia Weekly Episode 35 Secretly Famous Interview with Adrianne Wadewitz (archived MP3) in November 2007. At the time you were "secretly famous" (hence the name of the podcast episode) because you had not declared your real name or wanted to be publicly associated with you on-wiki activities out of fear that it would harm your career. This was your first "public" appearance. Not long after you "came out" and made your wiki-work a core part of your career - using it (particularly the Mary Wollstonecraft feature topic [I firmly believe that as a result of this work you are the single most cited/read Wollstonecraft scholar ever]) to bolster your academic CV. I believe you also invented the phrase "wikium vitae" (see the userpage) for that idea!
I first met you at a side-meeting during the lunch break at Wikimania 2008 in Alexandria. You struck me as an intensely thorough, academic type. Since then I met you many times across the world, including at several GLAM events and notably co-lecturing with me at the Indianapolis Museum of Art for the local university course in museum studies. The last time that I saw you was at Wikimania 2012 in D.C.
Your professionalism, commitment, prodigious output of high quality content, and good-humour made you one of, if not the most, respected Wikimedians in my books. When I was worried about what was happening in the wikiverse I would think of you being part of the community and be comforted. You will be sorely missed, by me and by many others. Wittylama10:49, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
My condolences to her family, the project has lost a prolific contributor and a community advocate. May she rest in peace. James(T • C) • 10:04pm •11:04, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Yes, I will miss her comments on the project in particular. She was one of the most interesting voices in the debate of what we are, what we do and how we do it. /Julle (talk) 11:31, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Love and sympathy to Adrianne's family and friends. She was just simply wonderful in every way. A bright spark, now gone. Victoria (tk) 12:16, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
A terrible loss to all who knew her, and to the millions who didn't, but who benefited (and will continue to benefit) from her contributions. Ijon (talk) 12:50, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Adrianne and I didn't have cause to cross paths very often, but over the years did have occasion to come together now and again. People like Adrianne are rare and always a pleasure to deal with. She knew what she was doing, and she did it kindly and gracefully. So, so sorry to hear of her passing. --Moonriddengirl(talk)13:43, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Man, I am lost for words. It's been hard to not cry over this, because I had the utmost respect for Adrianne. Sure, we disagreed on Gender Gap and other things on Not the Wikipedia Weekly/WikiVoices. I only got to meet her once in person, at Wikimania 2012 in DC, but I had known her for years thanks to NTWW. One of the most prolific writers on the English Wikipedia, the coverage of Mary Shelley and Mary Wallstonecraft would have never been better without her. She was the go-to person for anything on English literature and for Wikipedia Education Program, which she was nice enough to email two professors interested in the program. Today I was going to ask her to send another one, but then this came up. Adrianne, we at the English Wikipedia and those formerly of Not the Wikipedia Weekly/WikiVoices are going to miss your great ability to take a topic and make great arguments over it. We're all going to miss you. Mitch32(Any fool can make a rule, And any fool will mind it.)13:47, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Terrible news. Adrianne made huge contributions, both in her own work and her effects on others. After many online interactions, I also met her in DC in 2012, where she was just as impressive in person. A great loss to the project, and my deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Johnbod (talk) 13:52, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I just heard the news this morning, and I'm stunned by the shock of the loss. I never met Adrianne (and really wish I had), but I admired her greatly. I consider her one of my mentors in Wikipedia. She helped me greatly as a female editor and modeled how to write, research, and improve high-quality articles. Her contributions to this project and to academia cannot be measured, and she will be terribly missed throughout this community. Christine (Figureskatingfan) (talk) 13:56, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Such a massive loss for the project, and for the academic world, in many, many ways. Deepest condolences to her family and friends. — foxj14:33, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. I interacted with Adrianne for many years, here on Wikipedia and via email. I was pleased to meet her a few years ago in Bloomington. And I last saw her a couple of weeks back in LA, where she came across town to have lunch with me and we chatted about the Wikipedia education program, among other things. Adrianne was smart, thoughtful, funny, and a delight to know and work with in every way. She touched many people in many different contexts: teaching, online, rock-climbing... This is a great loss. --jbmurray (talk • contribs) 14:33, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
She was an epic Wikipedian, and an epic soul. It was my luck to be able to meet her at a number of Wikimedia gatherings, where she proved every bit as thoughtful and engaging as in her writing; the writing that did so much to make free knowledge a bigger, better, friendlier place. She was the best of us.--Pharos (talk) 14:54, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
It's difficult to know what to say. I didn't know you. I've recently joined this community. You've obviously inspired so many. I'll be thinking of all the knowledge and goodness and affection that you left in your wake, Adrianne. Annaproject15:11, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
This is a great loss. My deep condolences go to Adrianne's family, her partner, and her close friends. As a fellow Wikipedian, I always admired Adrianne for her passion and her intellect. We shared the love for 18th-century history and literature and I will miss her dearly. --Frank Schulenburg (talk) 15:11, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
quelle tristesse et quel choc! Je ne peux réfreiner mon émotion et la tristesse qui m'envahit aujourd'hui. Il n'y a pas de mots. Seulement les larmes et le manque. Adieu Wadewitz, repose en paix! Akseli9 (talk) 16:23, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Just checked in and saw this very sad news. We really only crossed paths at FAC, where Adrianne made many great contributions, but her loss will be felt throughout the community. My condolences to her family and friends. Ian Rose (talk) 16:26, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Rest in peace, dear online friend. Thank you for providing such wonderful and informative articles for us to read, for pushing me to be a better writer, for helping me with research, for celebrating achievements and offering a kind word during defeats. Thank you for inspiring me and so many others to give our best, on WP and in life. You will be missed so, so much. Karanacs (talk) 16:37, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
One of the reasons I enjoyed planning the Los Angeles Wikinic was the pleasure of seeing Adrianne in person. She truly was the epitome of a Wikipedian and I will miss her tremendously. —howcheng {chat}16:43, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Such a huge loss. Awadewit was a major inspiration to me, and I'm glad I "knew" her for the few years I did -- back when we wrote awesome articles, spurned each other on, and kicked major FA ass. Her first message to me from November 2007 says it all: "Always nice to meet another graduate student! We 'lucky few' have to stick together. If you ever need a peer review or something, let me know." Awesome scholar. Awesome human being. María(yllosubmarine) 17:55, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Wow, what terrible, tragic news. She has been such an inspiration -- what a life cut short. I just met Adrianne in person for the first time a month or so ago, and I'm so sad I won't be able to continue working with her on Wikipedia events in LA. Best wishes and sincere condolences for her friends and family. Calliopejen1 (talk) 18:56, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I recently met Adrianne IRL, and was awed by her incredible intellect, wit and warmth. She inspired the work that has come to give meaning and direction to my professional life, and for that, I can never thank her enough. I am deeply, deeply saddened, and I am sending my condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. You will be profoundly missed, but never, ever forgotten. Bluujayy (talk) 19:44, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I had the genuine fortune of encountering “Awadewit” after stumbling upon Lessons for Children, a charming article she had written and nominated for a good article review. Nearly seven years later, I still remember vividly sitting in a hotel room in New Hampshire as the review led to a most unexpected and intellectually stimulating conversation with the (then) internet stranger who had authored it. One simply does not forget such passion and brilliance. I am grateful to have had numerous subsequent opportunities to collaborate with Adrianne over the years, and to have experienced her great insight and humor. Hers is a profound loss. Эlcobbolatalk20:48, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Seconding the many above. She was someone who recognized that Wikipedia had serious problems, but also understood that sitting around complaining wasn't going to make it go away and that someone needed to make concrete suggestions for ways to fix it. Both those who hope Wikipedia grows and prospers, and those who hope Wikipedia in its current form withers away as soon as possible, are poorer for this loss. While I never met her, she also seemed that rarity on Wikipedia, a pleasantly normal and fundamentally decent person. – iridescent21:16, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Yes, a class act definately. She was very encouraging to me (the only person who has been), and was wonderfully articulate, expressing herself clearly and concisely, and passed on her enthusiasm (and didn't need swear words to say what she meant!) Parabolooidal (talk) 21:23, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Adrianne was a person who could have been and perhaps should have been the lead curator of the entirety of Wikipedia. The loss of such a scholar is absolutely heartbreaking. jps (talk) 22:41, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I'm so sad to hear this news—my condolences to all of her family and friends. Adrianne was one of the best contributors to and speakers about the projects, and her writing on and off the projects was among the best. I was always impressed with her ability to be sharply critical without losing motivation, and to be sharply insightful and intelligent while being approachable. This is a huge loss to all of us--and as a friend who did not see her nearly often enough, I will miss her. RIP. Kat Walsh(spill your mind?)22:49, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Adrianne, you were and will continue to be an inspiration to so many people, and especially to women who edit. I so wish I could have thanked you face to face. -Sarasays (talk) 01:12, 11 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I am so sorry and sad to hear this. What a loss. My condolences to her family and all her friends and colleagues here, at HASTAC and Occidental College. --AndreasJN46614:00, 11 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Ugh such a sad loss. You will be sorely missed Adrianne. Very fondly remember the days of Skype chats and long discussions in the Voices channel. Nathan T 14:56, 11 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I remember Adrianne best as a committed and tenacious reviewer of DYK submissions, mine included. I didn't always agree with her, but I never doubted that she was doing anything less than upholding the project's ideals. The featured content she produced, meticulously detailed on her user page, speaks for itself as to what an editor like her can do, and did, for Wikipedia. I wish I'd gotten to meet her in person more than the one brief time I did, near the end of Wikimania 2012 in Washington. Too little, and now, too late. Daniel Case (talk) 16:18, 11 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Thank you for your strong voice and all your work devoted to bridging the gap between education and the Wikimedia community. Crtew (talk) 16:26, 11 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I knew Adrianne as a grad student, we were part of the same dissertation support group. We went on the market at the same time, bitched about advisors, shared strategies for success. She was the first person in the group to finish her dissertation (after I joined). It was great to see her leave the group and an inspiration for the rest of us to finish our work and do the same. I'm astounded by how many people she touched and affected and now I'm thinking a lot about how she affected me - even though I wasn't fully aware of it. --Jose— Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.91.253.4 (talk) 20:39, 11 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I admire Adrianne for her efforts to bring more women into Wikipedia. I was always inspired by her thoughts and ideas. Her passing away is a great loss for Wikipedia. RIP. -- Netha(talk)05:31, 12 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
This is Wikipedia's day of infamy. I came to email Wadewitz the disheartening news of a friend and colleague from the education program, Cindamuse; finding that terrible news can become unimaginably worse as quick as a page can load, and faster than an eye can dry. I am in wikishock.—John Cline (talk) 11:55, 12 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
This is horrible! User talk:Cindamuse was a participant in West Coast United States community organization, and a Wikipedia Education Program Supporter, and a supporter of women's outreach! All of these things are so underserved anyway and now we lose two of the most active community members! It is horrible and not fair at all. It must be awful for her family that she died in another country. Blue Rasberry (talk)13:41, 12 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Even though we never had the pleasure of talking, professionally or otherwise. I mourn your loss anyway. Farewell my Wikipedian colleague. Prayers to your family. CRRaysHead90 | #RaysUp05:12, 13 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Condolences to friends and family for such a loss. If it is time for an avid climber to move on, climbing in Joshua Tree with its numerous climbs and brilliant blue skies is a nice place to spend the last days.(Littleolive oil (talk) 18:45, 13 April 2014 (UTC))Reply
Learned of this very heart breaking news this evening while I was at work. Adrianne was my friend since attending our Los Angeles Wikinics since 2012. I'm at a loss for words right now, but I will be attending the memorial service at Occidental College. We will never forget you Adrianne when we meet together at our wikinics in the years ahead. John Francis aka Tinkermen (talk) 07:28, 14 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I've never heard of you before, but I've definitely read some of your featured articles and noted their high quality. You will be missed. Tezero (talk) 23:29, 14 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I just heard this heart-shattering news, and wanted to stop by to express my condolences to Adrianne's family and friends. I've seen some of your work, and it is invaluable, words cannot give enough praise for it. While I do not recall interacting with you during the time that I was active (I may have, but like I said, I cannot remember since it's been so long), I recall seeing your interactions with others as being helpful and kind. May you rest in peace. --Vandalism destroyer03:02, 19 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Adrianne, I don't know what to say or to whom I should address this note. I don't know if you believed in prayer. I don't think either of us do, really. I recall some really great times on WikiVoices, and it was a pleasure to have had the chance to meet you in person the times that I did. You are by far one of the most driven people I know, and you aren't here anymore. This community is at a loss, one from which it cannot ever recover. Your loved ones (and those who you loved) have my strongest condolences. Thank you, Adrianne, for everything that you've done for me, for our community, and for those touched by your presence. Yours, Blurpeace06:51, 19 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
So sorry to hear about the loss of such an incredible Wikipedian and voice for women. Thank you for your contributions, your inspiration. JourneySarah (talk) 16:42, 19 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
RIP, Adrianne. We have never met, but I know the world was made better, and richer, by your presence and your contributions. Thank you, QualityJo 4/19/14 — Preceding unsigned comment added by QualityJo (talk • contribs)
I couldn't stay silent at this heartbreaking news. Like many others above, I guess I'll always remember you as "Awadewit"... All I can say is "Thank you". Thank you for your kindness; for your willingness to devote your time to the increasingly quixotic endeavor that is this project; for some of the finest writing and scholarship ever to grace the pages of Wikipedia. I haven't cried in many years, but I will tonight. RIP. Fvasconcellos (t·c) 21:00, 19 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
What a disproportionate loss. So sorry Adrianne is gone; one of the few women who were allowed to contribute their knowledge to Wikipedia. Most of us with long-term authentic knowledge on women issues and the women's movement have met with such hostility and downright hatred that we've long since given up trying to contribute to Wikipedia. With only nine percent female contribution, they're will be few to replace her, save those approved entry by the male Praetorian Guard and their male rights legion activists who relentlessly purge Wiki contents to reflect their interests. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2601:6:2c00:90:c85d:c9f4:5255:305c (talk • contribs)
So sad to read of Awadewit's passing. She was one of the first editors I collaborated with here. I stumbled into a few edits to Boydell Shakespeare Gallery and discovered she was building a comprehensive treatment of the subject. It was a lot of fun to see the article evolve, and reaching FA status was quite gratifying. Adrianne was gracious enough to credit me as co-editor on her talk page, although I now realize that the work was 90% hers and 10% mine. Working with a fellow editor who held to such high standards but was at the same time so welcoming was a great antidote to the occasional short-tempered or partisan contributor I later encountered. This is a great loss for scholarship at Wikipedia. I trust the WP community will rise to the challenge of continuing her work. Rupert Clayton (talk) 03:12, 23 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
It took me a couple of days to make this connection and realize with a sad heart that I did know Adrianne (as User:Awadewit). I spoke with her years ago about writing about films on Wikipedia, and she opened my eyes about seeing films critically and writing about these analyses on Wikipedia. Since then, I have always kept her insight in the back of my mind. I have sought to write about films in a way I hope she would appreciate, and I have tried to encourage others to do the same. Her insight has led me to grow as a film-lover, to watch films more critically and to read what has been said about them. She will be sorely missed, and I hope the writings about her career (Wikipedia and beyond) will inspire others to follow similar paths. Erik (talk | contrib) (ping me)14:37, 25 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Sorry to hear about this. I didn't know her although the user name is familiar. I am well aware of the top quality work that went into the Mary Wollstonecraft articles though, but I gather she did a lot of other important work here. I've been to Joshua Tree and it's a rugged place. She must have been a very brave person to climb in that park.♦ Dr. Blofeld09:25, 26 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
By writing great articles, Awadewit led by example and gained the respect of the community. I am profoundly saddened by this loss. She is missed. --maclean (talk) 17:29, 1 May 2014 (UTC)Reply
Super sad. She's one of the only Wikipedians I've actually met in person. She reached out to me at a Wikipedia picnic in LA, explained a lot of stuff to me about both Wikipedia and living in LA, gave me her business card, and told me I could call her at Occidental if I ever had questions. Super nice person. It's sad that she's gone. Vojen (talk) 20:22, 15 May 2014 (UTC)Reply
I was going over my backlog of unread Wikipedia Signpost articles and came across this... how horrible! It is still a huge shock. I encountered Awadewit on Wikipedia through another user, who said she was an English professional and could help with language and style. Indeed after talking to her, it was clear that she was not just an experienced professional, but also a Wikipedian of the highest integrity who dedicated countless hours to making the encyclopedia better, especially making excellent articles out of decent ones, and helping others to the same. Once she took some time out of her busy schedule to go over one of my larger and better articles, which I had thought would be difficult to improve—and improved it loads. I regret not working more with Awadewit when she was here, and am deeply saddened by her passing. Rest in peace. —Ynhockey(Talk)14:14, 19 May 2014 (UTC)Reply
I have been off the site for awhile and just came across this news. I'm heartbroken. Awadewit was an amazing editor and person. I will miss her greatly. May she rest in peace. Remember (talk) 12:02, 21 May 2014 (UTC)Reply
I interacted with Awadewit around 2007/2008, in the context of bringing articles to FA (of course!). So sorry to find out, just now, what happened in 2014. Quite happy though to find out that from being a prolific and meticulous editor even back then (working on one FA after another, participating in others' reviews) she went on to become such a prominent proponent of what's best about Wikipedia (which, as always, includes a heavy dose of confronting the things that need improving!). Also, since back then she had mentioned concerns about the compatibility between her Wikipedia activities and her academic career, it's good to see that she managed to reconcile the two so fittingly! A great loss; my condolences to her loved-ones. Wikipedia needed and needs editors like Adrianne, and apart from all other things, it's infinitely sad to think what future articles of her's we're missing out on. (And yes, of course she would have corrected that "infinitely", changing it to something less hyperbolic.) Markus Pössel (talk) 22:20, 14 October 2018 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 10 years ago30 comments23 people in discussion
Of all the terrible things Wikipedia has introduced me to over the years, this is by far the absolute worst. Fuck you once more, Wikipedia. So hard. I do not have words sufficient to describe how awful this news is, and this stupid fucking site for making it so awful. Fuck you, Wikipedia.
Better I direct it to the site in general than to Awadewit, to whom I directed a good share of swearing while I was active here. I was a proficient writer when I wrote my first article here, Ann Bannon. Awadewit reviewed it, encouraged me to make it a Featured Article, then proceeded to block me at every turn so the article eventually became the most informative, authoritative account of Bannon's life available anywhere, in print or online. Awadewit blocked my first attempt to get To Kill A Mockingbird to FA status because the article just was not good enough. Harper Lee outlived Awadewit. Who could wrap their mind around such a thing?
Because of Awadewit, Wikipedia got an extraordinarily thorough account of the issues surrounding the Everglades. She led the FA team effort to review these articles. I was the primary writer. Her enthusiasm propelled these articles from nonexistent to FA status in eight weeks. A discussion about her dissertation led me to write the article for "Amazing Grace". She encouraged me to write articles related to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If anyone reading just snorted in derision, she suggested I rewrite them for your scorn, so that I could add serious critique to them, invalidating your snort. So fuck you too.
It is somehow fitting that since I left Wikipedia some of these articles have devolved into the kind of mediocrity she rejected. She became Wikipedia's champion, while I do not have a vocabulary filthy enough to impart to this site to do it the cursed justice it deserves. I logged in for the first time in more than a year to leave this message. To whom?
Awadewit was active in promoting women's participation here. A repeated theme in criticism directed toward Wikipedia is its collective apathy toward women's issues, both in how topics are handled in article space and how female editors are treated. Awadewit chose to focus on this when she wrote articles, and when she wrote about Wikipedia offsite. The claim that women were treated poorer than editors who identified themselves as male always mystified me. Some of the strongest editors here are women--or were when I was active. Awadewit and SandyGeorgia on their own seemed to invalidate the claim that female editors are maligned and their opinions not taken seriously. Awadewit did more to raise expectations on Wikipedia perhaps than anyone else. My writing changed because of her. I know my reading did too.
Moni, this is so beautiful, even the cursing part. ;) I agree with everything, especially how Adrianne inspired you to write and read and think better, because she inspired me to do the same. Christine (Figureskatingfan) (talk) 15:37, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
If the one-and-only Moni3 has insufficient curse words to do Wikipedia the justice it deserves, less so do I. To whom do you write, Moni3? Yes, Wikipedia is the cursed definition of (dangerous) mediocrity, and most everything here either never rises above that mediocrity, or eventually sinks to that level. You, Moni, on the other hand, change lives, and that is enduring. I'm sorry that so many of us, who once thought we could help this place rise above mediocrity, find ourselves posting now often in times of sorrow, but the way your writing entered and affected my life endures. You inspire.
Oh no. A rock, a go-to editor and critic, a wonderful human being, funny and quirky and serious and in-depth; I respected her greatly. Goodbye Adrianne. Drmies (talk) 19:13, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I would never have done anything meaningful on Wikipedia if not for Awadewit. Coincidentally, I came across this Thich Nhat Hanh clip just days ago. I want you to be the cloud, A, but I guess you gotta be rain now. We love you. Scartol • Tok22:26, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Genuinely appalled about this, and speechless. I scarcely have words. My love and sympathy to all who know this truly amazing woman. Kafka Liz (talk) 23:57, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Thank you Moni for that. She was one of my inspirations during my early work, and I missed her when she reduced her involvement at FA. I see that the last major project Adrianne was working on was Steph Davis, whom she must have admired and is an amazing free spirit. Two women among many, scaling the most amazing walls and living lives that are beacons to others. hamiltonstone (talk) 23:52, 10 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Shocked and saddened. Difficult to believe she has gone. I met Adrianne at Wikimania 2012 and remain proud and grateful to have worked with her when she agreed to assess my first attempt at GA: "Entertainment". Her diligence, intelligence and generosity is a combination needed by any project, and applied to ours, a genuine gift. Whiteghost.ink (talk) 00:49, 11 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
So sad and at a loss for words. Adrianne (who I still think of in some ways as "Awadewit") was so good - at writing, at reviewing, at arguing her point, at inspiring others, at teaching, seemingly at everything. My sincere condolences to her loved ones and family. Ruhrfisch><>°°02:30, 11 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Had Wikipedia ten times as many editors and they ten times as good as they are, we should still feel this loss keenly. Godspeed, Adrianne: a wonderful Wikipedian and a good person. You've left a precious legacy here. Choess (talk) 11:14, 11 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
A sickening loss. Like Ruhrfisch, above, I always thought of her as Awadewit; she was an inspirational reviewer when I began writing featured content, and I missed her wisdom and encouragement greatly when she became less active. Her reappearances from time to time lifted me up, and I always hoped to see her return to regular editing. Only last week I saw she had nominated an article at peer review, Fanny Bullock Workman, about one of the first female professional mountaineers. I intended to review it - too late now, alas. She intended that it should be a featured article; perhaps an editor with a better knowledge of the subject than me can help to get it there; knowing Adrianne's standards, there won't be much wrong with it. It would be a small tribute. Brianboulton (talk) 23:25, 12 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
There certainly is nothing wrong with the last articles she had started to improve about women mountaineers and women rock climbers. Especially the article about Fanny Bullock Workman is very close to the best an encyclopaedia has to offer. The last one she was working on is Steph Davis, and she did an excellent job expanding it. She was planning to improve some more, including Catherine Destivelle and Alison Hargreaves. So soon after losing Nathan Johnson, it's now yet another one of the best Wikipedia editors who is immensely missed at the WikiProject Climbing. Akseli9 (talk) 08:40, 13 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I had forgotten that Adrianne had asked me--yes, me!--to copyedit/review this article back in late October. I was so incredibly honored that she would even ask me, was daunted by it, and it's made me shed lots of tears all over again. I said at the time that I thought that it was already good enough to just bypass the GAC process, so I was willing to just pass it and list it as a GA, but she refused because as she put it, "I'll probably do formal GA just because I like lots of reviews!" Not that I want to go against her wishes, but I'm inclined to go ahead and pass it to GA, and then take it to FAC, or at the very least, submit it to GAC. There are a few writers here that should get their articles passed to higher levels just on the basis of their reputation, and Adrianne was one of them. It speaks volume that she was willing to go through all aspects of the review process, though, just like everyone else. Christine (Figureskatingfan) (talk) 15:49, 13 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Aren't we getting a little carried away now? If Adrianne wanted a proper GA review then I'll give her one, but nobody should "have their articles passed to higher levels" simply on the basis of their reputation. Nobody. EricCorbett16:00, 13 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I agree with Eric Corbett, and I think that would be also Adrianne's point of view. I wish Christine and you had time to review both articles (Fanny Bullock Workman and Steph Davis), because the Steph Davis one, as it is now so efficiently expanded, will be very difficult to improve, and IMO could perhaps get to another level too? I'm too new here to judge myself, at least I can tell you that these are probably the most complete articles in this field (mountaineering and rock climbing) that can be found anywhere in specialized magazines or in mainstream papers articles. Akseli9 (talk) 16:23, 13 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Of course you guys are right, and it's exactly what Adrianne would have told me. I'm going to re-submit Workman to PR and follow it, and then I'll submit it to GAC. After that, we can discuss more. In the next couple of days, I'll take a look at Davis. How cool and appropriate it is that we're talking about article improvement here? She would've liked that, I think. Christine (Figureskatingfan) (talk) 17:39, 13 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I am within driving distance of Worcester, Mass. Again, I reiterate that I do not intent to return to Wikipedia, but I can take a shot of someone's tomb and load it. Leave a note on my talk page if this is necessary and I will do it this week at some point. --Moni3 (talk) 18:41, 13 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Though you are no longer with us, we will continue to celebrate the ways you have made us better, and how you inspired us through the edits you've made, the relationships you've fostered and the ideals you brought to the project. Thank you for being bold, and doing the Wikipedia Weekly interview that connected you to the greater community and motivated so many other female editors and academics. Your work and your time with us will live on, as long as Wikipedia lives on. -- Fuzheado | Talk22:17, 14 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Adrianne was extraordinary. I worked with her, wrote with her, went to events with her, and counted her as a friend who I wished I had known better and spent more time with. She was full of life and intensity; she was a superstar. We will continue to work for her goals and passions. We are all richer for having known her, and the world is richer for her contributions. -- phoebe / (talk to me) 23:54, 14 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I did not know Adrianne in person, but I knew of her through her work in education, in outreach to women and to new users in general. Her loss is a deeply sad blow to the community and to the wider movement for free knowledge. On Wikipedia, we can easily get fixated with our own little areas, our individual achievements, or our petty disagreements. Adrianne had her eyes on the big picture; on what Wikipedia and Wikimedia are really about, and the change for good they can be in the wider world. She knew that Wikipedia is not just for Wikipedians: it's for everybody. We should all think how we can build on her work, whether in terms of content, education or outreach to new users. Best wishes to the friends and family of this extraordinary person. MartinPoulter (talk) 14:53, 15 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I just learned about this from the NYT article. I spoke to this gifted scholar for many hours online about all kinds of topics. I met her in person as well last summer. I am shocked and saddened.--Filll (talk | wpc) 20:50, 19 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
My thoughts are with Adrianne's family and friends. Our community is so lucky to have had an advocate and champion such as her. gobonobo+c04:27, 23 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
I just saw the news, which is very sad. Awadewit wrote a lot of great articles for us, but it's her constant pushing for higher quality standards that will be missed most. Rest in peace, Adrianna, and rest assured that you have left Wikipedia a better place. Giants2008 (Talk) 00:25, 24 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
There will be a memorial service and reception for Adrianne this coming Monday, April 14 in Los Angeles. There will also be a service on Saturday, April 26 in Indiana. Any interested Wikipedians should contact me if you would like to attend.
Thank you, everyone, for your incredible outpouring of love and support! It's amazing to see just how many people Adrianne has positively affected in her decade on Wikipedia. I hope we can all work together to keep her amazing energy and passion alive on Wikipedia by making it as good a resource as she could imagine it possibly becoming.
Peter - I am immensely sorry for your loss! There are a number of people attending a Wikimedia conference in Berlin that knew Adrianne. Perhaps we can hold a brief memorial or moment of silence while folks are here. --Varnent (talk)(COI)14:40, 11 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Thank you for letting us know, Peter, and I am so so sorry for you, her family, and all of us. Please let us know if there's anything we can do, publicly or otherwise. I know you're in touch with many folks, but let me know if you need a contact at the WMF. -- phoebe / (talk to me) 23:46, 14 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Like most, I didn't know Dr. Wadewitz personally, but I work for a radio reading service in Fort Wayne, IN. I noticed her obituary while I was preparing the paper this morning [2], because it mentioned Wikipedia. I am very sorry for your loss, and hope that her legacy here will be carried on by others. Fortdj33 (talk) 14:51, 23 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Media tribute to Adrianne Wadewitz at Occidental College
Latest comment: 10 years ago2 comments2 people in discussion
A Star
I didn't know you personally, but I love Wikipedia, and I thank you for being apart of this website. God bless you. Rest in peace. May your family be comforted. Arlenerogers58 (talk) 05:02, 19 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Thank you Ms. Wadewitz, for all that you taught me. You will be missed. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 107.213.237.223 (talk • contribs)
Latest comment: 10 years ago3 comments3 people in discussion
In honor of Adrianne Wadewitz it might be nice to create articles on the winners of the Ginetta Sagan Fund Award and turn those that don't already exist from red to blue. I know I would be interested to learn about the work of these human rights campaigners and I think it would be consistent with the constructive efforts of Adrianne. I am currently working on Sima Wali. (If someone could add the 2013 winner (not sure when the 2014 award takes places but maybe it hasn't happened yet..) that would be helpful.
Latest comment: 10 years ago1 comment1 person in discussion
Thank you, Adrianne, for your contributions to the world through Wiki! You will be missed by so many. Rest in peace and condolences to your family.Ilubumywiki (talk) 15:04, 24 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 10 years ago1 comment1 person in discussion
Display at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Ft. Wayne
Today, Sue, SJ and I attended Adrianne's memorial service in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her parents were moved by the tremendous amount of sympathy and respect for their daughter expressed on this talk page and otherwise. They allowed me to upload a couple of images that I took prior to the service, so you could share the moment. Best, --Frank Schulenburg (talk) 01:05, 27 April 2014 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 10 years ago1 comment1 person in discussion
I have been away from Wikipedia for over four years. I accidentally came across the sad news. Had to relogin under my old account and say goodbye. We never met, but I really felt like I knew you. You were the best critic for my amateurish writing. You set high standards. Awadewit, Adrianne, why did you have to go home so soon??? RelHistBuff (talk) 20:44, 11 September 2014 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 9 years ago1 comment1 person in discussion
User:Koavf, who has my profoundest thanks for this, and I have recently finished the wikisource transcription of the book at s:Original Stories from Real Life in an effort to honor this editor, who brought our own article on that subject found at Original Stories from Real Life, up to GA level. If anyone has any idea of how to maybe prepare some sort of template which might be added to a talk page here at wikipedia or elsewhere, maybe at wikisource for instance, to indicate such "thank you" efforts for editors who are no longer with us for whatever reason, I and others would I think be very grateful. John Carter (talk) 20:11, 27 February 2015 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 9 years ago1 comment1 person in discussion
Hard to believe she has already been gone for a year. Thank you to everyone who has carried on with a memory of her passion, dedication, and tenacity to help move Wikipedia forward, and worked to continue her legacy of inclusive advancement of knowledge. I know she will continue to inspire us all. Your contributions are the best tribute possible!
The sheer number of tribute-editathons that sprang up around the world in memory of Adrianne Wadewitz inspired this woman to get more active in Wikipedia -- and then also in Wikimedia.
Latest comment: 8 years ago1 comment1 person in discussion
Back in 2007 you gave me a Wiki award for my work on William Shakespeare with a note that "choosing to edit such a high-profile, controversial and research-intensive article is a mark of patience, perseverance and dedication to Wikipedia that is rarely seen." Those words should have instead been applied to your work here. You did so much to improve literary articles at Wikipedia and your excellence remains a guide to all editors. Thank you. Your contributions and example won't be forgotten.--SouthernNights (talk) 15:18, 9 January 2016 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 7 years ago1 comment1 person in discussion
Hey Wadewitz--I just ran into a former colleague of yours, a poet and French professor. It's a small world, isn't it? She tells me she still rides the bike you gave her years ago. Much love, and I still miss you.
Latest comment: 3 years ago1 comment1 person in discussion
We thank her (Awadewit in 2008) and conom for the article about Mary Shelley, introduced: "We are happy to nominate this article on an important Romantic writer, whom most will know as the author of Frankenstein. As we researched and wrote this article, we were delighted to learn about all of Mary Shelley's other works and we hope the reviewers will enjoy reading about them as well. Mary Shelley's life is the stuff of melodrama, but we have attempted to write that story in a subdued tone and to keep the wild speculation that often creeps into the story of the Shelleys at bay."
Latest comment: 2 years ago2 comments1 person in discussion
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman is a 1792 book of feminist philosophy by Mary Wollstonecraft. Wollstonecraft argues that women ought to have an education commensurate with their position in society, claiming that women are essential to the nation because they educate its children and could be "companions" to their husbands. Instead of viewing women as ornaments or property, she maintains that they are human beings deserving of the same fundamental rights as men. Wollstonecraft was prompted to write the Rights of Woman by Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord's 1791 report to the French National Assembly which stated that women should only receive a domestic education; she commented to launch a broad attack against sexual double standards and to indict men for encouraging women to be excessively emotional. She wrote the Rights of Woman hurriedly in order to respond quickly; she died before completing a more thoughtful second volume. (This article is part of a featured topic: Mary Wollstonecraft.)
Latest comment: 1 year ago2 comments2 people in discussion
Entertainment has been nominated for a good article reassessment. If you are interested in the discussion, please participate by adding your comments to the reassessment page. If concerns are not addressed during the review period, the good article status may be removed from the article. Onegreatjoke (talk) 14:38, 10 February 2023 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 1 year ago1 comment1 person in discussion
I am new here, so I did not know Wadewitz. However, with just a glance over her user page, I can tell she was a great asset to Wikipedia, and is dearly missed by many. I would like to offer my condolences. QuicoleJR (talk) 00:15, 7 March 2023 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 1 year ago1 comment1 person in discussion
I only joined in April of this year, so I didn't get the chance to know Wadewitz. After reading through the talk page, I can tell she has touched the lives of many and was taken from us far to soon. I would like to offer my condolences to her loved ones. Rest in peace, Wadewitz. You are dearly missed. Grumpylawnchair (talk)19:03, 1 August 2023 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 8 months ago3 comments3 people in discussion
Thanks for uploading File:PriestleyStamp.jpg. I noticed that this file is being used under a claim of non-free use. However, I think that the way it is being used fails the first non-free content criterion. This criterion states that files used under claims of non-free use may have no free equivalent; in other words, if the file could be adequately covered by a freely-licensed file or by text alone, then it may not be used on Wikipedia. If you believe this file is not replaceable, please:
If you have uploaded other non-free media, consider checking that you have specified how these media fully satisfy our non-free content criteria. You can find a list of description pages you have edited by clicking on this link. Note that even if you follow steps 1 and 2 above, non-free media which could be replaced by freely licensed alternatives will be deleted 2 days after this notification, per the non-free content policy. If you have any questions, please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you. Vanjagenije(talk)19:37, 22 March 2024 (UTC)Reply
Latest comment: 1 month ago1 comment1 person in discussion
Fleance has been nominated for a good article reassessment. If you are interested in the discussion, please participate by adding your comments to the reassessment page. If concerns are not addressed during the review period, the good article status may be removed from the article. Z1720 (talk) 16:59, 5 October 2024 (UTC)Reply
The Impact of Wikipedia - Adrianne Wadewitz retrieved 4/10/2014.jpg){kind=link}
