Overcoming Negativity as a New Wikipedian

 

Overcoming Negativity as a New Wikipedian

When I was first introduced to Wikipedia ten years ago, I encountered a wave of negativity from people unfamiliar with the Wikipedia environment. Many of them were not contributors and had never attended a Wikipedia event or presentation. Yet, they often shared harsh criticisms with surprising intensity whenever I mentioned my involvement.

The most common remark I heard was, “Wikipedia isn't accurate because anyone can edit it.” These comments came from individuals who had no direct experience with Wikipedia’s editing process or the wider Wikimedia projects. Their opinions were based on misconceptions rather than informed understanding.

At times, this negativity made me question my enthusiasm for contributing. Fortunately, a conversation with a fellow New York City Wikipedian helped shift my perspective. I shared with him the barrage of dismissive and insulting comments I was receiving. He responded with simple but powerful advice: “Just be accurate, do your best, and make it better.”

Those words stayed with me. They helped me focus on what truly matters—contributing to the collective effort of building and improving a global knowledge resource. Wikipedia isn’t perfect, but it’s a living project that grows stronger through participation, care, and a commitment to accuracy.

That conversation grounded me. It reminded me that constructive contribution outweighs criticism from the sidelines. And that’s a message I now share with others entering the Wikipedia world for the first time: Your contributions matter. 

Stay focused, stay curious, and help make it better.





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