Hellooo! It's somehow March already, and lots has happened lately - let me share an overview with you folks about the latest developments:

February's Community Culture

Fandom has started a new Community Culture blog series - a monthly post highlighting diverse people, programming, and entertainment aiming to introduce you to new people, communities, and their topics. Keep an eye out for these posts each month and, in the meantime, check out February's post focusing on Black History Month (BHM) and its 2024 theme, Art for Change.

Technical Updates: February 9 and February 23

Check out our last Technical Updates blogs which cover known issues, bug fixes, and experiments. Picking out two important ones:

• CodeMirror - We updated the CodeMirror extension for the 2010 editor (responsible for syntax highlighting). We reverted the first update after community feedback, and we're currently fixing the noted issues. Once we're done, the next upgrade will happen in smaller batches for a more controlled release

• Extra protection - In the coming weeks, wikis directed at children (an option given to a user when founding a new wiki or defined as such by Fandom staff) will require accounts to be emailconfirmed in order to edit. The goal is to increase the protection of our younger userbase against spambots and other malicious actors. You can confirm your email via Special:Preferences. If you have any concerns about this, please let me know!

Read the February 9 Technical Updates blog

Read the February 23 Technical Updates blog

Reorganizing the VisualEditor

We released a minor design update to the VisualEditor, both the Visual Mode and the Source Mode (aka 2017 editor) on February 8. This is with the goal of making your editing experience more accessible and intuitive.

Read the blog about reorganising the Visual Editor

QuickAnswers update

We're continuing work on QuickAnswers improvements - here are some of the latest developments:

• Vetting period - mod teams will have a select time period to edit new Quick Answers before they go live on the wiki.

• Filters - The QA Dashboard filters have a counter that will auto-update as the QAs are processed to give mods a better overview.

If you have any concerns or questions about this upcoming feature, please let me know!

Check out the latest QuickAnswers blog

Fandom's First Transparency Report

Fandom published their first ever transparency report, showing the measures we're taking to keep users safe on the platform. Covering our Trust & Safety actions for the 2023 calendar year, this comes with data that you wouldn't usually see, including everything from the number of JavaScript submissions we reject, to the number of wikis we close.

Read more about Fandom's first Transparency Report

Any questions, issues, comments on this, please do comment below!

Hellooo!

Today, Fandom released an update to their VisualEditor, to both the Visual Mode and the Source Mode (aka, '2017 editor'). This is to make your editing experience more accessible and intuitive!

To not miss out on any information, check out this blog and/or the updated help page.

If you're pressed for time, don't worry, I have the key points handy! To summarise, we:

• Renamed some of the tools (e.g. "paragraph" is now "normal text")

• Shuffled some icons around (e.g. the back and forward arrow buttons are now located on the far left rather than the middle)

• Hid some less-essential tools from view to make the initial editor view less overwhelming in all its glory (the tools are still accessible in dropdown menus)

• For the 2017 source mode: we removed the options available from the menu icon (those three stacked horizontal bars) -- If you want those back, you can customize your toolbar to access them from there)

• For the 2017 source mode: we used the menu icon to replace the gear icon

Are you more of a visual person? Check out the design mocks detailing the changes below:

VisualEditor - Visual Mode

VisualEditor - Source Mode (aka 2017 source mode editor)

Any questions or comments, give me a shout below or send me a message elsewhere. Thanks all!

Hey folks!

We've been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) from September 15 to October 15. This has focused on Hispanic creators in Entertainment that often go unnoticed, such as those behind the scenes including directors, writers, special effects artists, makeup artists - and more!

Read Fandom's Hispanic Heritage Month blog

Fandom is highlighting these people through our Makers Series. We want to hear their stories of how they got into the industry and how're they helping to shape their field.

Check out the first blog in the HHM Makers Series by Fearless Diva!

YOU can help!

• Create blogs or Discussions posts on your wikis, highlighting those creators and their influence on the fandom

• Edit articles about Hispanic creators and make sure they're up to date - you may learn something new too!

• Finally - music! Celebrate HHM by listening to music by Hispanic artists.

Check out Fandom's Hispanic Heritage Month Spotify playlist

Spotlighting HHM and other celebrations is important for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). It's about everyone being treated fairly and with respect. Without raising awareness, we may take the contributions people make for granted without realizing the challenges many go through. We can all get involved and make a difference!

Check out our other recent DEI blogs and what you can do to help:

• My experiences with Disability for Disability Pride Month

• The importance of DEI in the entertainment industry

• Fandom's Pride Month celebrations

Technical updates - September 22

Next up, here are a couple of key things from our most recent Technical updates I wanted to draw your attention to!

• Thanks extension - this has been tested for some time on some communities and we've made several styling improvements. Eventually, it'll become a toggle on the Admin dashboard. Until then, if you're an admin on a community with a Wiki Rep assigned and you'd like to have this enabled, feel free to reach out to them or otherwise contact staff

• Reported notifications - this feature allows post reports to appear in notifications under the bell icon. We've rolled this out to 25% of wikis and reviewing the results and feedback from this. Will keep you posted!

If you have any questions on these, feel free to comment below! Plenty more updates in the main tech update blog too.

Check out the the September 22 Technical update blog

Quick Answers

Fandom's been contuining development of Quick Answers and I have a new update on this!

For those of you who don't know what Quick Answers is - it's a module that appears on wiki pages that formats information into questions and answers. This information is relevant to the wiki page it's featured on and only displays for logged out users.

The key takeaway from this latest update is that admins and mods will soon be able to edit the questions and content for Quick Answers. This will be hopefully happen around end of the October (though this could change).

Read more in Brandon's update on Quick Answers

Hey folks!

Can you believe it's May already? Not sure where the time's gone! As we're gearing up for the second half of 2023, time to review the latest Fandom updates - let's dive in!

Asian American Pacific Islander Month

This May, Fandom is celebrating the contributions of Asian-American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) creators in the entertainment industry for Asian American Pacific Islander Month. The theme this month is Breaking the Mold, breaking down stereotypes and showcasing the incredible work of AAPI creators.

There are so many things Fandom has planned for the event, including an AAPI Spotify playlist, highlighting AAPI artists in a diverse range of genres!

What does Breaking the Mold mean to you? Comment below!

Read the Asian American Pacific Islander Month blog

Technical updates

JP recently posted the latest Technical updates, including announcements from Community Connect 2023! There are a lot of exciting things on the way, here's a taster of what's in the blog:

• Community Connect 2023 recap

• GenAI

• Thanks extension

• Fandom Compass

• And more!

Read the May 5 Technical updates blog for more information

Mobile CSS

A highly requested feature is now available for ALL admins - Mobile CSS!

This allows admins to customise more areas on mobile including templates, tables, main pages - and more! As long as updates comply to our Customization Policy, you're good to go!

Want to get started? Admins, head to MediaWiki:FandomMobile.css!

Read the Mobile CSS introduction blog

Star Wars Day!

Last but not least, I posted a blog celebrating Star Wars Day on May 4, highlighting why Star Wars is awesome and what folks can do to celebrate it. As a long time Star Wars fan, I had so much fun writing it and chatting to users as well as highlighting some years old fan art!

We also featured some TERRIFIC Star Wars trading cards in the blog - I'd really appreciate it if you could show them some love!

Check out the Star Wars Day blog and trading cards

That about covers it - if have you questions on anything, please comment below!

Hey everyone! As we near April, I wanted to post two updates from March so you're all up to date. Let's dive in!

Women's History Month

Fandom kicked off of the Women's History Month (WHM) celebrations earlier this month and as we approach the second half I wanted to highlight it again as more initiatives are coming this week!

As a reminder, the national theme for this WHM is Embrace Equity. Equitable opportunities should be matched with equitable action to drive progress. This is about making sure there are inclusive spaces promoting equity and belonging - this has a big impact. Equity requires us to be fair and impartial and to shift from considering opportunities to committing to true equality through action.

Fandom initiatives

• Spotify playlist - This curated Spotify playlist focuses on intersectionality and specifically shines a light on women of color, LGBTQIA+ women, femme-identifying and non-binary artists, disabled women, and women of other minority groups making strides in music. Let us know your favourite song from the list! Listen to Fandom's Women's History Month Spotify playlist.

• Gaming stories - We highlighted women, femme-identifying and non-binary people gamers throughout the community. Check out the WHM gaming stories blog!

• Scream Queens and Final Girls - later this month, we'll be featuring a game card style highlight of some of the best actresses who are prominent and influential in horror films

Happy Women's History Month everyone! Feel free to comment below with how you've been celebrating WHM this month and your favourite song from our Spotify playlist!

Read Fandom's Women's History Month blog.

MediaWiki 1.39 - migrations have started!

As many of you have likely seen from the banners on your wikis, migrations to MediaWiki 1.39 have started! This is just a reminder that if you notice any bugs or have any questions about the migration, feel free to leave a comment here, drop me a message on my message wall, or message me on Discord. Happy to help!

Read more on the MediaWiki 1.39 upgrade.

Hey everyone!

Following on from Fandom's kick off of the Black History Month celebrations, I wanted to post here things YOU can do to celebrate and get involved!

The national theme for this month is Black Resistance, which explores how Black Americans have fought to create safe spaces, equity, and equality. BHM is a great time to reflect, learn, and recognise the important roles Black people have played in history.

Fandom is also exploring Creation and Cultivation: Culture Shifting Moments in Entertainment - celebrating Black creators in media.

Fandom initiatives

Fandom are doing a wide range of activities to make sure communities can get involved in BHM celebrations. This includes a watch party and roundtable, as well as a dedicated Spotify playlist of Black artists from a variety of genres.

We're also developing a Black History Entertainment Timeline, taking you down memory lane as we explore a timeline highlighting the culture-shifting moments in TV history. Keep your eyes peeled for that reveal soon!

Read more in the Fandom Staff blog.

What can you do to celebrate?

There are a range of things wikis can do to celebrate and raise awareness for BHM. Here's what you can do!

• Wiki design - you could change part of your wiki's theme to reflect to reflect the Pan-African flag colors (Black, Red, Green, and Yellow), which are the signature colors of BHM, showing visitors you're joining in the celebrations and reflections.

• Article improvements - encourage editors to work on articles relevant to BHM, such as for Black creators on your wikis. While improving these, editors may gain more insight into the creator and their other works

• Post a blog - get conversations into BHM going on the community by posting a blog or Discussions post! Highlight Black creators on your communities and their contributions to the Fandom. You may find out something new!

These are just a few ideas, feel free to comment more below. Please do share any existing projects you've set up for BHM so we can share it further!

Cartoon Network is Getting a lot of Update in 2023 from Cartoon Network Shows with Dexter’s laboratory, Samurai Jack, The PowerPuff girls, Teen Titans Go!, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Codename Kids Next Door, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, DC SuperHero Girls, Chowder, Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force, Ben 10 Ultimate Alien, Ben 10 Omniverse, Dawn of the Croods,

Were Catching with a New Seires of Digimon Digital Monsters is Coming to Cartoon Network September in 2023

©️ Cartoon Network

Hi all! As 2022 draws to a close, I wanted to post the last updates of the year so let's dive in!

Native American Heritage Month roundup

Read the NAHM round up blog

In November, we celebrated Native American Heritage Month (NAHM), highlighting rich culture and history of Native Americans. Working with the Native American Media Alliance, we explored the nuances of Storytelling and Storytellers through a series of events, including the NAHM Panel and a Roundtable hosted by the fellows from the Native American Media Alliance Feature Film Writer’s Lab.

• Watch the NAHM panel!

• View the NAHM roundtable in the Fandom Discord server

We also wanted to highlight IPs that tell the stories of indigenous people from global perspectives! The blog features an interview from Doane Tulugaq Avery, a film writer of Iñupiaq descent, whose works often focus on feminine, queer, and Indigenous character-driven narratives. We wanted to find out what Storytellers and Storytelling meant to her - please do read the interview in the blog!

Extension Review Nomination

Read the Extension review nomination blog

A highly requested feature is to be able to nominate extensions to be featured on the platform. Once a quarter, we will conduct reviews into which extension should be enabled next. Fandom users will be able to suggest extensions to be enabled. There are lots of extensions to choose from and to submit one for review, you can post a link to it from the relevant MediaWiki.org page, eg, Extension:Thanks.

Suggest an Extension to be added to the platform

We will then move to a public voting stage after suggestions are entered to select a winner - you can vote as many times as you'd like! We'll provide another update at the top of the year with what nominations made it through. We will continue with quarterly nominations throughout 2023. This quarter's suggestion period closes on December 21 so be sure to get your suggestions in!

Technical Updates: December 16, 2022

Read the December 16 Tech Update blog

Picking out some key areas in this edition of the tech update, though please do check out the blog for more!

• Code freeze - This is the final technical update of 2022 as we enter a code freeze to get ready for MW 1.39 announced earlier this year. I will have updates for you all on this in 2023!

• Link colour - with the addition of mobile theming and contrast checking, releasing soon is that links may now be underlined if they have less than a 1.5 contrast rating with the surrounding body text. We can fix if it comes up!

• Discussions Post/Reply history - This has proven more complex and roll out to all communities has been delayed until next year.

• Advanced Mobile Contributions (AMC) - We're still on track to have AMC enabled by default in early 2023. As a reminder, if you want to enable advanced mode, go to your settings page on the mobile site and select "Mobile options".

• Preferences resetting - There is currently an issue where preferences are resetting for some users - we're aware of this and set up a log to see if we can track down when these issues are happening.

The blog features a lot more as well, please do check it out!

Admin Plus Update

Read the Admin Plus Update blog

Admin Plus was an initiative released earlier this year, designed to help admins learn new skills and also gain badges from this that could be used on resumes, LinkedIn, or wherever you want. This benefits individual admins, and now these can benefit the wiki as a whole!

If all admins have completed the three A+ courses, the wiki could qualify for A+ Wiki status. Find out more about this on the Admin Plus help page. A+ Wiki status helps show community members admins are committed to creating a safe space for users. There are other perks including prizes to be won - check out the blog for more details!

Note: From December 21 to January 4, Admin+ quiz submissions & A+ Wiki applications will not be reviewed. Please feel free to submit quizzes & applications during this time, but they will not be reviewed until the new year.

That just about wraps it up! Have a fantastic and safe Christmas all! :D

Hi all - there was some key staff blogs that were posted recently and I want to keep you updated on so let's dive in!

Native American Heritage Month

Read the Native American Heritage Month Staff blog

Fandom is celebrating Native American Heritage Month this November, to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Native American people. We will also be discussing the challenges the community faces how we can become allies and support each other.

This year on Fandom we are exploring the themes of storytellers and storytelling. We will be involving community members including in a Discord roundtable and a Twitch panel!

In the Discord roundtable, we explore Native American IP including movies, games, television, and more! This roundtable takes place in the Fandom Discord server on Wednesday November 16 at 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm GMT.

Express interest in the Native American Heritage Month panel.

MediaWiki upgrade in 2023

Read the MediaWiki upgrade Staff blog

In 2023, wikis will be upgrading to MediaWiki 1.39. This is part of our work on the Unified Community Platform (UCP) to enable us to upgrade MediaWiki regularly to get new features and updates to come with it.

Upgrading ensures we keep tools up to date for editors, with more modern features and improvements on the platform. Upgrading on a regular basis means changes for each upgrade are more manageable compared to if left for longer.

We're looking at an early 2023 period for the update, with backend work starting in November with work on updates on MediaWiki 1.37 being frozen around the holiday period in December. Feel free to message me though if you spot a bug!

Admin Plus AMA in Fandom Discord

On Friday November 18 at 12pm PT / 3pm EST / 8pm GMT we are hosting an AMA on Admin Plus, the program designed to help admins with technical, content, and community skills. If you complete the courses successfully, you will receive badges that you can use anywhere you want, including on LinkedIn!

Join us for an AMA with our Senior Community Manager of Safety and program lead, Jenny Uchisawa, to learn more!

Express interest in the Admin Plus AMA

Two-factor authentication is coming to Fandom accounts

Read the 2FA staff blog

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is coming to Fandom accounts soon to help increase account security. This is optional and will involve the use of an authenticator app which can be used when you log into your account. This means that if your password is compromised, your account is still secure as there is another barrier in the authenticator app that is needed to be completed. I encourage you to read the staff blog to find out more about this.

Technical updates - November 4, 2022

Read the November 4 technical update blog

There was a new technical updates blog released earlier in the month and I encourage you to read it to find out more about what we're working on.

Thanks all! Any questions/comments, please let me know. :)

Hey everyone - today I bring news that mobile theming is here!

This means that the colors set in the Theme Designer will apply to both desktop and mobile. The following variables apply for this:

• background

• sticky nav

• header

• accent

• link

• article background color

• background image

• heading font

Admins will receive a prompt to check Special:ThemeDesigner for wiki contrast issues. Read about why having proper color contrast is so important for the creation of accessible web content.

Once there are no contrast issues anymore, admins can enable mobile theming on the wiki. Without fixing these issues, it will no longer be possible to make any theming changes.

There's more! With this new update, theme designer now also shows a mobile preview! Admins can thus verify how their chosen color theme will look on either version.

To enable mobile theming:

• Are you an admin? Head over to Special:ThemeDesigner!

• Not an admin but there are active admins? Reach out to them to make it happen!

• Not an admin and there aren't any? Reach out to the Wiki Representative if one is assigned. You can check via Special:Community, accessible through the explore menu. If you don't have a Wiki Rep, you can reach out to Fandom Staff instead via Special:Support

For more information:

• Read more in the Announcement blog

• Read the updated Help:Theme Designer page

• Read about making accessible web content on Fandom

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please do leave a comment in the comments on the announcement blog. Feel free to contact me as well.

Thanks all!

Hi everyone - I bring some more updates as we head into the Fall. Hope everyone is safe and well!

Hispanic Heritage Month

Fandom is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, recognising the contributions and influence of the Hispanic Americans to their history, culture, and achievements. The theme at Fandom this year is Las Voces, continuing to represent and amplify community voices.

We are introducing initiatives this month, including launching a new interactive map which highlights famous IPs, characters, and actors from a variety of hispanic countries. There is more to come!

Read more about Hispanic Heritage Month on Fandom!

Interactive map updates!

Interactive maps have been a highly requested feature on the platform and users have used them in a variety of ways. Now we have made more updates to them! Feel free to check out interactive maps yourselves on wikis you visit.

Read more about interactive map updates!

Discussions AbuseFilter and Mobile Theming are coming!

Discussion AbuseFilter and Mobile Theming are currently being beta tested, for release soon! As well as this, we will also see mobile editing improvements. Keep your eyes peeled for these and feel free to drop me a message if I can help with anything!

• Read more about Discussions Abuse Filter

• Read more about Mobile Theming

Technical Updates: September 9, 2022

Every other Friday, we’ll share notable changes on the site on Community Central. This update is meant to keep the community informed of changes on the platform that may affect you. Be sure to keep an eye on the staff blogs!

Read the September 9, 2022 Technical Update

So I finally made today Bentuition galleries. Anyone wants to finish them?

Hey all!

Happy July! I wanted to update you on Fandom updates that came in June... and it's A LOT! Will try to keep it TL;DR and any questions/comments/feedback, please let me know!

Celebrate Pride Month with Fandom (click for blog post)

Fandom celebrated Pride month in June with roundtables and community events! Wikis made new themes, we highlighted the work of the LGBTQIA+ Wiki admins, users got together to discuss their experiences, and more!

Community Connect May 27-31, 2022 announcements (click for blog post)

Fandom held an in-person event in LA where many Fandom users and staff met! It was a brilliant occasion, where new friends and connections were made. There were many features and iniatives announced too, read the blog here to find an overview of the event!

Update to the community guidelines (click for blog post)

We sign Fandom's Terms of Use when we make an account. Many may not have read it and we recommend you do - despite it's length! If you're short for time, we have a simpler version of the user conduct section, freshly updated, to help everyone follow along with it. These offer a good starting point and cover some of the most important things for everyone to know. Read them here.

Mobile Editing Fixes and Mobile Theme Designer Are Coming! (click for blog post)

Two highly requested mobile improvements are on the way! Let's break it down...

• Mobile Editing Fixes

- Tackling quality of life issues

- Improvements including adding a mobile preview and making moderation easier with things like better mobile page history and it will be easier to undo/revert changes

• Mobile Theme Designer

- Admins will be able to customise the mobile theme, which includes supporting light and dark themes with an easy-to-use interface

Welcome Breanna, Fandom's new Senior Community Manager, Gaming on the Community Experience (click for blog post)

Breanna has joined the Gaming vertical and I had the pleasure of meeting her at Connect. She has been amazing in supporting Gaming wikis and is great to talk to! Don't hesitate to hop over to Central to her intro blog to say hi!

New Discussions Moderation Tools, Including Discussions AbuseFilter, Are Coming This Year (click for blog post)

Cutting to the chase... ABUSE FILTER FOR DISCUSSIONS IS COMING!

More is being looked at too with the detail being worked out:

- Making moderation tools easier to access and a smoother moderation experience

- Quickly remove problematic images without having to edit posts manually

- Adding support for post/reply edit history

Introducing Admin Plus! (click for blog post)

Every wanted to know how to be a good admin? Do you want to add the skills you gain from being admin to your resume? Admin+ is the answer! This is still being built, but this free admin certification program is made up of three online courses for eligible admins to take. Once completed, a badge will be awarded, which you can showcase on social media, resumes, or wherever you want!

Fandom Stars, Fandom's New(ish) Creator Recognition Program (click for blog post)

Last up we have Fandom Stars! This is the ultimate program designed to recognize and amplify Fandom’s most prolific creators and primarily editors, who go the extra mile to help others and serve as ambassadors of communities. Stars become eligible to attend events, giveaways, AMAs, and more! You can become a Fandom Star by taking a brief moment to complete a self-nomination form. Read more about it on its own landing page!

We had A LOT to cover but if you have any questions, please reach out! Leave a comment on this thread, post on my message wall, or message me on Discord at Spongebob456#7402. Thanks folks!

Hey all.

In June, Fandom is celebrating Pride Month! Fandom is excited to celebrate Pride and the accomplishments of creators in the LGBTQIA+ community. Our theme for Pride this year is Love Will Keep Us Together - and it would be great if all if you could join in the celebrations!

We want to raise awareness and celebrate through a variety of events which you can find out more about in this blog.

We are spotlighting content in upcoming events, including roundtables and hosting a tournament bracket on Drag Race Wiki! The Movies/TV roundtable has already happened, but below are some other great upcoming ones! Roundtables are a great opportunity for users to discuss their favourite franchises. They are easy to join, you just need to be in Fandom's Discord server and start chatting!

Roundtable about LGBTQIA+ in Video games

June 15 - 9AM PST / 6PM CET

Discord link

Roundtable about LGBTQIA+ Icons and Activists

June 22 - 9AM PST / 6PM CET

Discord link

Roundtable about LGBTQIA+ Fandom Admins

June 29 - 9AM PST / 6PM CET

Discord link

See you in the Fandom Discord server!

I haven't been active since I was in other fandoms but let me try to restart my duties in here.

If any of you remember me, I am mostly into the reboot because it's funny and cool. I kinda like the Classic since when I was younger, I used to watch Omniverse, I watched a few clips of the first generation of Ben 10 (And Then There Were 10) and listen to theme songs.

I have to admit, I still like the shipping (mostly for reboot aliens, please don't hate me for this). But I find the episodes cool and the characters. I would like to apologize for my absence since I'm mostly into Glitter Force/PreCure, Mixels, and other fandoms I know.

So today, I added a lot of new pages, this include:

• The rest of all Bentuition shorts (add galleries if necessary)

• Several Book pages

• Online Game pages (including Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: Xenodrome!)

• I Also edited out all aliens appearance.

Man, I just love this place!

Added pages for Cannonbolt, Overflow, Heatblast and XLR8 Bentuition shorts.

Also, can anybody rename Bentuition: Overflow 2 page to Bentuition: Overflow 02, I think I made typo.

Added final comics from the Action Pack series to this wiki. Now we have them all!

Also fixed all alien appearances in comics.