Since Wikipedia is an open forum, I do think offering praise for information that has been well presented, is detailed and well defined, is important. Where to post one’s statement of praise is another issue that is not made clear on the wiki etiquette page. Doing so right on the link would/could make the page seem cluttered and biased. I think articles should represent all sides of the argument as also stated in the etiquette page. When different opinions clash, it is important to forgive and forget someone who may be trying to wage a wiki-war with your contributions to an article. The best way to defend an argument is with facts, well-researched facts.
The one main thing I find to be missing is having all of this information, what wikipedia is and the general guidelines for navigating and contributing, on the home page for the site. It would be a good reminder for all us when we log on.
- Cristina
I think the most important thing is to respect one another especially on the internet. I found that some people will say something very irresponsible and unfair, because they assumed that they don't need to be responsible for what they said when no one could see them or find them. The truth is yes, nobody is going to find out who you are, but given that you have the freedom of speech, it doesn't mean you can abuse it. People should be more thoughtful before they criticize or comment on something posted by others. It is good to share thoughts and correct someone's mistake as long as we do it in a respectful way.
As I am also using the Chinese Wikipedia page as well, I feel like sometimes they just translate the information from English to Chinese, and without giving much perspective from one to the other.
-William
To me the most important thing to remember is that text is ambiguous. You don't know for sure if someone will take something the way you meant it. I've had friends get mad at me over instant messages they took the wrong way. The second most important thing you should do is sign your posts. In this case, it's the only way to get credit. And the last one is to give praise where praise is deserved. Everyone one likes hearing they did a good job, no matter how much they deny it. A few things I feel are missing, would be to stay up-to-date on other student's posts, which I'm sorry to say I have not yet been doing, but I plan to from now on. One thing I semi disagree with is the whole staying impersonal about some things. I don't think you need to necessarily stay neutral in your point of view as long as you're able to keep an open mind. And lastly you need to have fun with it. If you're not having fun then it's my belief that you're doing something wrong.
This has been a posting by Wade.
I feel that these three things are most important: Having a neutral point of view, argue facts, not personalities, and recognize and praise the best work: work that is detailed, factual, well-informed, and well-referenced. Having a neutral point of view allows your opinions to be unbiased. Arguing facts and not personalities ties in with the being neutral. It prevents personal opinions from getting in the way of an argument, and it's best to not let personal feelings get involved when what you are arguing has nothing to do with what you, or another person thinks. Recognizing and praising the best work is always good. If something is awesome, then let it be known.
Three things I feel are missing: Be positive, be awesome, and keep moving forward. Being positive allows you to be awesome, because nothing will get you down, and as a result, you will keep moving forward, and always climbing to something better.
-doctorjoe
I feel that working towards a unified understanding is one of the three most important parts of wiki etiquette. Understanding that we are not here to argue each other's personal opinions but to attempt to broaden everyones knowledge on the discussed topic. We must also remember to not ignore each other's questions or try and dismiss them. Questions and curiosity drive discovery and in order to fully learn something you have to see it from every angle. Intellectuals can fear questions cause they can poke holes in their theories but that's okay, through the holes sometimes we catch a glimpse of something more interesting. And remember we all have opinions, that's what drives us, we'd be mindless blobs without them. Opinions are based on a completely unique life only you share and that will inherently get in the way sometimes but one must try and keep neutral when discussing topics in an intellectual forum.
Things I think are missing, yeah I understand this is a school environment but we can still have fun!;) And we can share our opinions as long as we understand that and are careful not to criticize. Neutrality is good however on an actual reference page, in the encyclopedia format. And always praise good ideas and especially good intentions, we might not all have the best ideas or input but we all mean well no matter what!
I
Christopher J
If Wikipedia can be edited from many different countries and cultures, how can we base facts on people’s opinions and thoughts? This is something that Wikipedia fails to discuss. It is very important to realize that these views can be different than others and that many diverse people put in their own personal opinions. It is important that Wiki writer’s acknowledge that people’s feelings are involved. How does anyone say what is written on Wiki are facts? It is important for people who are writing on Wikipedia to recognize their biases and keep them in order. Dates on when pages are posted are important for understanding the substance of material that is being read. But what happens to people that are rude or to people that are stating false claims? Wikipedia fails to state that as well.
-Arielle Palmer
I feel the three most important guidelines of "wiki etiquette" are to treat others as you would like to be treated, remember that you are dealing with real human beings (albeit in a virtual forum), and to be clear and straightforward in all your endeavors. These words of wisdom apply not just to posts and discussions in an online college course, but to life and the world in general. As humans, we are social creatures, and thus must learn to get along with others in all situations. Treating others as you would like to be treated is a valuable reminder that we are all equally vulnerable, and as such deserve the care and respect of others. This relates to acknowledging other posters or classmates as real people, and not simply disembodied usernames in the internet abyss. Lastly, striving for clarity and directness is the most sensible approach to reaching our common goal of communication. Three additional suggestions would be compassion, sensitivity, and and a sense of humor! Be compassionate and sensitive, and remember the saying that every single person you meet in your life probably has at least one secret that would break your heart. It makes for a lot more kindness and understanding in every aspect of life. Although many posts here may be academic or factual, a sense of humor about the ups and downs in life, and cyberspace, will enhance your daily experiences and those of the people around you.
-Julia
3 Most Important Things About "Wiki Etiquette" (According to Mike)
1) I believe it is the idea that tones and sarcasm can be hard to interpret through the interweb. This idea that words can produce multiple meanings depending on the arrangement, duration, and language use is vital to proper communication. I think it is highly important because I always find myself in communication breakdowns of that nature.
2) I also think sharing what you know is an important aspect to the internet because this I believe is the reason for the creation of the internet.
3) Another important guideline is to Respect others privacy. I know that the internet is open for people to view as they please but at some point you have to know when to stop. It is rude when people read other peoples emails, post (embarrassing) photos/videos, or spread rumors (to name a few).
3 Things "Wiki Etiquette" Is Missing
1) Remember that you are exhibiting yourself and your work to the rest of the world.
2) Have restraint. Know when to post 25 supplementary photos and when to limit yourself to three or four.
3) Keep it concise. Avoid repeating yourself, writing extensive run-ons, and boring the voyeur through dry writing.
Bonjour!
Cynthia Hasbani says:
3 things I thought were amazing and that should be included in Wiki Etiquette:
• The fact that it was suggested to treat the other cyber person with respect is crucial to me. It's extremely personal and I agree that anyone deserves the right to be respected whether in person or not, especially that a lot of people are cowardly and never have the nerve to tell one face to face, what they mention through a blog or a comment.
• Respecting one's privacy: hacking someone's email or reading someone's private blogs are absolutely an invasion of his/her life. It's like entering someone's house without permission, only here, your house becomes the thoughts lurking in your skull.
• When people go obsessive on other people's mistake, then it becomes clear that they have control issues and God complexes. It's good to politely point out a mistake or like the Netiquette core rules mentioned, just email the person and tell them in a private message. Feeding on other people's failure, no matter how minor they are, to make one feel better about him or herself is the peak of ignorance to me.
3 things that were not mentioned:
• If you ever decide to criticize someone or even critique them harshly on whatever they wrote or mentioned, make sure you don't do what u criticized them on in the first place. That would just be hypocritical.
• If you ever disagree with someone about anything, make sure you back up your opinion with a valid knowledgeable, and witty argument. Don't say "just coz" or "because I said so". Why? Well, because you are 5.
• Don't turn an intellectual argument into a sexual conversation. It's a major turn off.
merci :)
Andi's 3 Most Important Things:
1.) Always make clear what point you are addressing
-People will argue and argue then realize "oh, we were trying to say the same thing, just differently, hahahaha" Some such time is wasted in things like this.
2.) Forgive and Forget
- Some people simply can't let things go online, grudges will go for ever, even to the point where no one remembers why.
3.) Articles are meant to represent all views
-People constantly delete things they don't agree with, and ignore the fact that other people have the rights to an opinion as well
Three Things Andi would Include
1.) Do not ramble on
-AKA writing immense wall of texts to explain something that only needed a few words.
2.) Brush the little stuff off
- Ignoring small petty insults and taking the higher ground, instead of starting an argument with someone that just wants to fight for no reason.
3.) Have fun
- if you don't enjoy what you are doing or writing about, chances are something is bound to go wrong, 100% effort makes for 100% satisfaction
Wonwoong Park
3 Most important thing
I . Participation
Some people do not like to participate their class. just finish assinments so Wikki needs chatting rooms or collaborate blog.
2. preparation
Some people just check out their text books or materials when they prepare their assignments so i think Wikki needs to make preparation blog or rehearsal
3. Review
Some people forgot last study so Wikki needs to make people to fix and midify theri works like their paper and article
3 I will
1. Concern
I will show interest in this class
2. passion
I will do not lose basics and always have new mind.
3. dilligence
I will be dilligent.
Comments (1)
JM Venturini said
at 5:56 pm on May 31, 2009
Overall - I am fully impressed with the collective thoughtfulness and honesty in your responses! I'll send you more specific feedback via email!
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