Tag: Wikipedia community - Page 3

Leona Whitcombe

What Wikipedia Administrators Do: Roles and Responsibilities Explained

Wikipedia administrators are unpaid volunteers who maintain the site by enforcing policies, handling vandalism, and mediating disputes. They don't decide what's true-they ensure rules are followed.

Leona Whitcombe

Editor Lifecycle on Wikipedia: From Newcomer to Admin

Discover how Wikipedia editors evolve from newcomers to admins, why most quit, and what keeps the few who stay. Learn the real path to becoming an admin-and how you can help keep Wikipedia alive.

Leona Whitcombe

New WikiProject Launches and Focus Areas on Wikipedia

Six new WikiProjects launched on Wikipedia in 2025 to fix gaps in coverage of Indigenous languages, disability history, rural healthcare, climate migration, women in STEM, and local histories. These community-driven efforts are transforming who gets represented on the world’s largest encyclopedia.

Leona Whitcombe

Longitudinal Studies of Wikipedia Editor Retention and Churn

Longitudinal studies reveal why most Wikipedia editors quit within weeks-and what keeps the few who stay. It’s not about rules. It’s about feeling seen.

Leona Whitcombe

Onboarding New Editors via WikiProjects: Tutorials and Mentors

WikiProjects help new Wikipedia editors stay engaged by offering clear tutorials and personal mentorship. Learn how simple, human-led support turns first-time contributors into long-term volunteers.

Leona Whitcombe

How Mentorship and Coaching Programs Boost Wikipedia Editor Retention

Mentorship and coaching programs on Wikipedia significantly improve editor retention by offering personal support, reducing feelings of isolation, and helping newcomers navigate complex community norms. Data shows those with guidance are far more likely to stay and become leaders.

Leona Whitcombe

How The Signpost Handles Crisis Reporting During Wikipedia Outages

The Signpost is Wikipedia's volunteer-run newspaper that provides real-time, transparent updates during outages-keeping the community informed, calm, and connected when the site goes down.

Leona Whitcombe

How Librarians and Educators Shape Wikipedia's Community and Content

Librarians and educators are the hidden backbone of Wikipedia, ensuring accuracy, neutrality, and reliability. Their training in research and teaching makes them vital contributors to the world's largest encyclopedia.

Leona Whitcombe

WikiConference North America 2025 Recap and Key Takeaways

WikiConference North America 2025 brought together volunteers from across the U.S. and Canada to strengthen Wikipedia's future. Key takeaways include rising participation among women over 45, new AI tools for fact-checking, and efforts to make editing more accessible in rural and Indigenous communities.

Leona Whitcombe

How Wikimedia Grants Shape Wikipedia Community Projects

Wikimedia grants empower local communities to build and expand Wikipedia content in underrepresented languages and regions, driving real change in global knowledge access.

Leona Whitcombe

How The Signpost Chooses Stories About Wikipedia

The Signpost is Wikipedia's volunteer-run newspaper that reports on community decisions, policy changes, and editing trends-not headlines. Learn how stories are chosen based on impact, not clicks.

Leona Whitcombe

What Newcomers Should Know Before Joining Wikipedia Community Discussions

Before joining Wikipedia discussions, newcomers should understand the community’s focus on consensus, reliable sources, and civility. Learn how to edit respectfully, avoid common mistakes, and contribute effectively without triggering backlash.