Wikipedia:No vested contributors
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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This is an essay; it contains the advice and/or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. It is not a policy or guideline, and editors are not obliged to follow it. |
A cornerstone principle of the wiki model upon which Wikipedia is founded is that anyone can edit - users are highly suggested to be bold but not reckless in updating articles, and to ignore any rules that prevent them from collaborating with the community to improve the encyclopedia. However, as in any project where people dedicate large portions of one's time, the tricky problem arises that some long-term contributors may begin to feel a sense of entitlement and superiority over less prolific editors – known as a vested contributor.
Our prolific contributors are the most valuable piece of this project, and deserve recognition and commendation from the community. However, the existence of vested contributors can often lead to grave problems that are detrimental to the community. Double standards of conduct may develop, disillusioning and demoralizing users who have not been blessed. Vested contributors may be backed by other members of the community, sometimes growing into a clique of affiliated editors who tend to mutually reinforce each other – the often-maligned "cabal." Sadly, a prevalence of this attitude can lead to a breakdown in the growth and development of the project.
Editors are reminded that they are working in an environment of peers; no editors are more equal than others. In lieu of a class system, an atmosphere of mutual honor and respect for each others' work should be promoted.
