Wikipedia:Welcome anonymous editing
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. |
Editing is a blessing to Wikipedia. The source of edits concerns wikipedia only in terms of how it affects their quality, and their legal status. Therefore anonymous editing should be encouraged whether done by newcomers, or by even old hands wishing a return for renewal of the prime anonymous editor experience.
The true face of Wikipedia is the one we show on first interaction. So every effort should be made that we don't act friendly only to newcomers, but also to passing strangers. If the renown of our welcoming nature spreads outside Wikipedia with those passing strangers, every new visitor will surely repay that reception by accordingly honouring the hospitality by not trashing the place but helping to build it.
[edit] Restricting individuals' anonymous edits should be a last resort
Even those who have transgressed should be welcome to edit anonymously, so long as they are able to do so civilly. The sanction of withdrawing such ability to contribute should only be enacted when the person has not responded to milder forms of rebuke and restriction of privileges. And even then it should always be limited in time.
