Wikipedia News Desk

When you think of Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia built by volunteers around the world. Also known as the world’s largest crowd-sourced reference, it’s not just a static site—it’s a living project shaped by thousands of editors, policy debates, and tech updates every week. Behind the scenes, the Wikimedia movement, the global network of volunteers, chapters, and organizations supporting Wikipedia is constantly adjusting rules, tools, and priorities. From new anti-vandalism bots to changes in how edits are reviewed, these shifts affect every article you read.

Editor trends are shifting too. Fewer people are joining as regular contributors, while more focus is going into fixing bias, improving citations, and fighting misinformation. Meanwhile, events like Wikimania, the annual global gathering of Wikipedia editors and developers reveal what’s next—whether it’s better mobile tools, AI-assisted editing, or new ways to involve non-English communities.

Here, you’ll find clear, no-nonsense updates on what’s actually changing on Wikipedia—not rumors, not hype. Just what’s happening, why it matters, and who’s driving it.

Leona Whitcombe

Retention Experiments on Wikipedia: What Has Worked

Wikipedia's editor retention crisis isn't about technology-it's about humanity. Simple changes like personalized welcomes, mentorship, and reducing hostile feedback have proven to dramatically increase how many volunteers stay and contribute.

Leona Whitcombe

How WikiProjects Coordinate Topic-Specific Editing on Wikipedia

WikiProjects are volunteer-led groups on Wikipedia that coordinate editing around specific topics. They improve article quality through consensus, assessment tools, and shared guidelines - without top-down control.

Leona Whitcombe

Why Opinion Columns Are Not Reliable Sources for Wikipedia Articles

Wikipedia relies on verifiable facts, not opinions. Opinion columns, even from respected journalists, are not reliable sources because they express personal views instead of documented evidence. Learn why editorials, columns, and commentary are excluded from Wikipedia citations - and what sources to use instead.

Leona Whitcombe

Feature Profiles: Influential Wikipedians and Their Editing Work

Discover the real people behind Wikipedia’s most trusted articles - the influential editors who verify facts, challenge misinformation, and shape global knowledge one edit at a time.

Leona Whitcombe

Recent NPOV Disputes on Wikipedia and How They Were Resolved

Recent NPOV disputes on Wikipedia show how neutrality is maintained through source-based consensus, mediation, and policy-not votes or power. Learn how high-profile conflicts over climate change, war narratives, and historical figures were resolved.

Leona Whitcombe

How to Evaluate Source Reliability for Wikipedia Citations

Learn how to evaluate source reliability for Wikipedia citations by checking publication status, independence, and verifiability. Avoid blogs and press releases-use peer-reviewed journals, major newspapers, and official reports instead.

Leona Whitcombe

Notability for Organizations on Wikipedia: Criteria and Real-World Examples

Wikipedia doesn't judge organizations by their size or mission - only by independent media coverage. Learn the exact criteria and real examples of what gets approved - and what gets deleted.

Leona Whitcombe

Starting a New WikiProject: Step-by-Step Process and Proven Best Practices

Starting a new WikiProject on Wikipedia requires clear goals, targeted recruitment, and consistent tracking. Learn how to identify coverage gaps, build a project page, recruit editors, and sustain momentum without burnout.

Leona Whitcombe

Stubs and Improvements: Articles That Need Expansion

Stub articles are incomplete entries that hurt the credibility of online knowledge bases. Learn how to spot them, why they persist, and how even small improvements make a big difference in content quality.

Leona Whitcombe

Notability Police on Wikipedia: Myths, Perceptions, and Realities

Wikipedia's notability policy isn't about fame or power-it's about independent coverage. Learn what actually gets deleted, why myths about 'notability police' are wrong, and how to get your article approved with real sources.

Leona Whitcombe

Building Smaller Wikipedia Editions: Lessons from Emerging Communities

Small Wikipedia editions in endangered languages are building vital knowledge without funding or tech support. Their methods offer powerful lessons for global knowledge sharing and cultural preservation.

Leona Whitcombe

Wikipedia's Multilingual Expansion: How 340+ Language Editions Share Knowledge

Wikipedia's 340+ language editions let people share knowledge in their own words, breaking language barriers and reshaping who gets to define what's important. From Swahili to Quechua, volunteers build encyclopedias that reflect local culture-not just global norms.