Meet the man behind a third of what's on Wikipedia

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the journey of a prominent Wikipedia editor and his significant contributions to the platform. With over 5.7 million articles in English and additional millions in other languages, Wikipedia thrives thanks to the dedication of volunteers. This guide highlights the key aspects of editing Wikipedia, inspired by insights from a notable figure in the Wikipedia community.

Step 1: Understanding Wikipedia's Structure

• Wikipedia is a collaborative platform where articles are created and edited by volunteers worldwide.
• Articles are organized into categories and linked to one another, enabling easy navigation and information retrieval.
• Each article has a discussion page where editors can communicate about improvements and changes.

Step 2: Getting Started with Editing

• Create a Wikipedia account to start editing. This allows you to track your contributions and communicate with other editors.
• Familiarize yourself with Wikipedia's guidelines and policies, including:
  • Notability standards: Ensure your topics are notable enough for inclusion.
  • Neutral point of view: Present information fairly without bias.
  • Verifiability: Back up claims with reliable sources.

Step 3: Finding Articles to Edit

• Identify topics of interest or expertise that are underrepresented or need updates.
• Use the Wikipedia “Wanted Pages” and “Stubs” pages to find articles that need attention.
• Consider translating articles into other languages to broaden accessibility.

Step 4: Making Your First Edit

• Navigate to an article you wish to edit.
• Click the "Edit" button at the top of the page.
• Make your changes in the text editor:
  • Add information or sources.
  • Ensure proper formatting using Wikipedia’s markup language.
• Preview your changes to see how they will appear.
• Write a brief edit summary explaining your changes.
• Click "Save changes" to publish your edit.

Step 5: Collaborating with Other Editors

• Engage with the Wikipedia community:
  • Participate in discussions on article talk pages.
  • Join WikiProjects that align with your interests.
  • Attend Wikipedia edit-a-thons to collaborate with others and learn new editing skills.

Step 6: Maintaining Quality

• Regularly monitor your contributions and seek feedback from experienced editors.
• Be open to constructive criticism and make necessary adjustments to enhance article quality.
• Stay updated on Wikipedia’s evolving policies and community guidelines.

Conclusion

Becoming a Wikipedia editor is a rewarding experience that contributes to global knowledge sharing. By understanding the structure of Wikipedia, actively participating in edits, and collaborating with others, you can make a significant impact. Whether you're passionate about a particular topic or just looking to contribute to a global resource, getting involved in Wikipedia editing is a valuable endeavor.