It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article or aWikipedia policy, as it has not beenreviewed by the community.
An impression of the abstract concept of WikiLove WikiLove can be invoked from any user page by clicking the "Heart" icon.
WikiLove is a term that refers to a general spirit ofcollegiality and mutual understanding amongwiki users. It was actually coined over time on themailing lists. Because people coming from substantially different perspectives work on Wikipedia together –religious fundamentalists andsecular humanists,conservatives andliberals, etc. – it is easy for discussions to degenerate intoflamewars. But we are all here for one reason: welove accumulating, ordering, structuring, and making freely available what knowledge we have in the form of anencyclopedia of unprecedented size.Wikipedia is not just another discussion forum, it is a project to describe and collect what we know.
If we keep this common goal, this love of great knowledge, in mind, if we concentrate on achieving aneutral point of view even when it is difficult, and if we try to actually "understand" what the other side has to say, then we can reach the state of "WikiLove". If we fail to achieve WikiLove, this will only mean that the encyclopedia and its mission as a whole will suffer. Constant flamewars will scare contributors off,biased articles will drive readers away, and both will harm our reputation in the long term.
There isn't a secret formula to achieve WikiLove, but here are some key components:
Forgive and forget – remember, this is the Internet. Don't allow yourself to be hurt; do try to accommodate other people's views. Rather try to follow the spirit ofAhimsa: neither mentally, verbally, or physically do injury, whether by doing it oneself, getting it done by others, or approving it when done by others.
Remember that your fellow editors are not part of your operating system, or 'genies in a lamp', etc.,everyone likes to feel appreciated. When making a comment, it's often good to start with a thank you or something positive when there is a reason for it, and maybe end with a thank you if making a request. Some examples:
"Hi, thank you for your comments on my edit, which you reverted. I would appreciate it if you would please look at this version (...) Again, thank you for your time."
"Hi, and thank you for contributing to the article onBird migration. However, I believe you are mistaken about (...) I have edited it for factuality, would you mind reading it again when you can? Thanks again."
"Cheers on your good work onClothing! Since you seem knowledgeable on the subject, could you explain what you meant by (...) I read it, but the meaning wasn't clear from the context. Perhaps you could make it more understandable to the layman, or provide some links for further study? Thanks!"
Happy editing, and spread WikiLove all over the Internet to users who deserve it!
Some users are strictly against templated "WikiLove" messages. For those who seek to opt out of them, use either the template{{NoWikiLove}} or the userbox {{User:Hans Adler/No WikiLove}}.
For a listing of current collaborations, tasks, and news, see theCommunity portal. For a listing of ongoing discussions and current requests, see theDashboard.
