Odelach

Wikipedia Report Analysis

Wikipedia, often known as the "encyclopedia anyone can edit," embodies the essence of an online community in its truest form. Founded on the principles of collaborative knowledge creation, Wikipedia thrives on the contributions of a vast and diverse community of volunteers from across the globe. Understanding the dynamics of this community and the intricate process of creating, writing, and publishing an article provides valuable insights into the power and potential of online collaboration. Since its beginning, they have strived to always come together and bring real, accurate, and insightful information to the internet.

At the heart of the community is a network of editors, administrators, and users united by a common goal of creating and curating comprehensive articles of human knowledge. This community operates on the ethos of openness, transparency and consensus-building. Anyone with internet access can become a part of this community, contributing their expertise and perspectives to shape the content of Wikipedia articles. I found Wikipedia to have both a normative commitment but also identity-based. It is a place where people can feel a part of the community while also contributing large amounts of information to it as well. Comparatively to Reddit, Wikipedia is more than articles and information. It is about the community and the obligation of rightness to the audience.

A part of my analysis of this community, I would like to include my own experience joining, creating, and publishing within Wikipedia. The process began with the idea of contributing to a lower class article and improving it to be more reputable. Before diving into my writing, it was essential to conduct my own research to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information I was presenting. Wikipedia emphasizes the use of verifiable sources, such as books, scholarly articles, and reputable websites to support the content of articles. Once my research was complete, I started drafting my article and gathering everything into one sandbox. Wikipedia provided a user-friendly editing interface, allowing myself and others to add text, citations, images, and other media to the article. A crucial part to joining a community such as Wikipedia is adhering to its content guidelines, including neutrality, verifiability, and notability to ensures the article meeds the platform's standards.

Something that came of interest to me when joining and contributing to this article was the way we can interact with others on Wikipedia versus other platforms such as Reddit. I found that the guidelines for communities such as these are more direct and serious in their intentions. Because wikipedia is entirely written by contributors, they are keen on making sure their guidelines are seen and followed on a daily basis. Writing for Wikipedia requires a unique approach characterized by clarity, conciseness, and impartiality. We are asked to strive to present information in neutral tone, avoiding bias or opinionated language. Each statement should be supported by reliable sources, cited using inline citations to enable readers to verify the information independently. Collaboration plays a significant role in the writing process on Wikipedia. Contributors often work together to improve articles, refining language, adding new information, and addressing any factual inaccuracies or gaps in coverage. This iterative process of editing and revision ensures that articles evolve over time, becoming more comprehensive and accurate with each iteration.

Before publishing, contributors may choose to submit their articles for peer review or seek feedback from other members of the Wikipedia community. Within my own work as well I had my article peer reviewed. Wikipedia not only provides a great template for how to do so, but helps everyone in their community to improve what they have done. This collaborative review process helps identify and rectify any remaining issues or concerns with the article. Once the article is deemed ready for publication, it can be saved and submitted for review by Wikipedia's community of editors. Articles undergo scrutiny to ensure compliance with Wikipedia's content policies and guidelines. Editors may make further revisions or corrections as needed before the article is officially published on the platform.

I feel that Wikipedia can be both extrinsic and intrinsic. While Wikipedia is sole based on an individuals means to contribute, this could be extrinsic because while it means coming from the outside, this can still be included within the Wikipedia community. Peer reviews, comments, and article evaluations can prompt users to do more from they already have. Wikipedia offers a platform for contributors to gain recognition and visibility for their contributions. Achievements such as earning badges, receiving barnstars (awards), or being mentioned in acknowledgments provide validation and encouragement for continued participation. Contributing to this community also allows individuals to have a tangible impact on the dissemination of knowledge and the shaping of public discourse. Knowing that their contributions reach a wide audience and potentially influence people's understanding of various topics can be a powerful motivator. But, an intrinsic view of this could be the sole obligation of spreading what we know. Wikipedia offers a sense of belonging and community for its contributors, engaging with like-minded individuals. The participation within this also provides opportunities for personal growth and skill development. Contributors hone their research, writing, and critical thinking skills while collaborating with others in a diverse and inclusive environment.

In essence, the process of creating, writing, and publishing an article on Wikipedia embodies the principles of collaborative knowledge creation and community-driven governance. Through the collective efforts of its diverse community, Wikipedia continues to grow and evolve, serving as a testament to the power of online collaboration in democratizing access to information and knowledge. My own journey into the Wikipedia community underscored the importance of adherence to content guidelines, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The process of creating, writing, and publishing an article on Wikipedia is not merely a solitary endeavor but a collaborative effort that thrives on peer review, feedback, and iterative refinement. As we navigate an increasingly digital world, the Wikipedia model offers valuable lessons on the potential of online communities to drive positive change and foster collective intelligence.