January 2016

January 16, 2016  by

We Need Beta Testers

As we said in the last update, we are opening up the dictionary database to you because it has reached a stage where more hands (and eyes) can help us spot issues we may have missed over the past couple of months. You will have just two weeks for the beta stage and we hope that you enjoy every part of it.

By giving you access to the dashboard, you will be able to do the following:

  1. Add new names to the database. One of the first things people do when they reach the dictionary homepage is to search for their names, the names of their loved one, or a name they love. We will expect that you’d do the same. If the names are not there, you will be able to add them to the database, even if you don’t know everything about all its attributes.
  2. Improve existing names in the database. If the names are there but don’t have all their attributes properly listed, you will have a chance to edit the entry and add all the relevant information necessary. Your submissions will be sent to the administrators who will then approve it for the public.
  3. Suggest changes to the dashboard, homepage, and other functionalities. The work we currently have is not perfect. It will always be a work-in-progress. But our role from now on will be to improve it to be as great as it can possibly get. And for that reason, you will have a chance to let us know what part of the project needs to be improved on, especially before the public launch. Our tech hands are on site to fix any issue raised.

If you are interested in being a beta tester for the Yorùbá Names Dictionary, please send us an email at project@yorubaname.com with “Beta Tester” as the subject. If you can, also, send us a few lines about yourself and your motivations. There are giveaways (including Yorùbá Name T-shirts and postcards) for selected volunteers, but we hope that being a part of this phase of the project will be a sufficient-enough motivation at this stage.

Thank you. We look forward to your mails.

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January 15, 2016  by

Mark your calendar: the complete pre-launch schedule

The time you’ve been waiting for is now almost here! We are ready to show our work of the last one year to you, our public.

Here is an outline of our launch schedule:

  • Internal Testing: January 4 – January 17 | We are currently testing the dashboard with our in-house lexicographers. Their feedback will help us fix all the bugs in the machine before we open it up to you.
  • External Beta Testing: January 18 – January 29 | At this phase, we will open the platform to a few volunteers (that may include YOU) who want to see what the dictionary looks like, before it is fully launched. If you’re interested in providing feedback on the beta version of the site, send us a mail at project@yorubaname.com with “Beta Tester” as your subject.
  • Countdown to Launch: February 9 – February 18 | After a last round of troubleshooting, we begin a 10-day countdown to launch which will include an engaging social media campaign. We have selected ten random names from our database to be showcased as a sneak preview of the dictionary. We also hope to use these ten days to invite you to tell us (1) about your own name and what it means, and (2) about a name you would give your child if you had a chance, and why.

There will be a number of giveaways during this time, including YorubaName branded items (t-shirts, postcards, and other surprise gifts). Please keep an eye on this space for more information about our launch, which will take place both online and in Lagos.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to get involved, wherever you may find yourself at that time. So, stay tuned.

 

Update: The date for the launch has been moved to Friday, February 19 to maximize the exposure of a weekday. The post-launch activities will continue on Saturday February 20th into International Mother Tongue Day, February 21st.

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