Wikipedia:How to put a pole straight up by pushing it at an angle
 | This is a humorous essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors and is made to be humorous. This page is not one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. This essay isn't meant to be taken seriously. |
 | This page in a nutshell: Wikipedia articles eventually reach neutrality because warring parties push their POV, not in spite of it. Wikipedia therefore depends on POV warriors. Which is just as well, as there are lots of them. So, don't despair. |
One would expect, when putting up a pole (like a flagpole), that making sure it's straight is a result of trying to put it up straight.
However, consider the matter – if your feet are not on a flat surface, if your eyes are wonky or if the pole has some defect, it'll end up slanted.
On Wikipedia, most reputable editors try to put up poles straight. They get very irritated by "POV pushers" who want to push the pole in a certain direction. However, the straightest of straight poles should ensue, so long as there's an equally energetic group of warriors pushing the pole in the other direction.
Importantly, pole straightening is not a function of numbers of people pushing, as one very enthusiastic warrior can be the equal of any number of people half-heartedly pushing the other way.
When there are three different groups pushing in different directions, it's even better. The more the merrier. Or the more the straighter.
Which is not to say that we endorse POV-pushing. More that we need not despair. Once one POV pusher comes along, it's almost inevitable another will pop along to push in the opposite direction pretty shortly afterwards. We know that is the right way to end up with a nice straight pole, always.