W15.2 June 13 (Fri)-What did I learn while editing Wikipedia?-ZHONG QI(종기)

1.Materials Overview and Key Points

Before editing Wikipedia pages, I studied its core rules:

Neutral Point of View: Content must state facts fairly, without personal bias.

Verifiability: All facts and claims need reliable sources like books, news, or journals.

No Original Research: You cannot add ideas based on your own research or unpublished data.

Next, I learned "Wiki markup". I practiced adding internal links ([[Page Name]]), external links, references (using <ref> tags), and common templates like {{Infobox}}. On "Talk pages", I saw long debates settled through a simple process: suggest ideas, discuss, agree, then update the page. This work is not just writing—it needs teamwork and following rules.

2. New, Fun, or Unusual Learning Experiences

Real-time teamwork like an "open class": Unlike regular homework, Wikipedia edits happen on a global platform. My small changes got reviewed by others in minutes—approved or rejected. This quick feedback felt like a live group thinking experiment.

Mixing tech and writing skills: Using the "Source Editor" to fix reference formats, template settings, or add multilingual sources made me find beauty in formatting.

Safe practice in the "Sandbox": Wikipedia’s sandbox page let me test layouts and templates freely without breaking real pages. This "trial space" is rare in normal writing classes and made learning feel like exploring.

3.Questions and Concerns

"Reliable sources" aren’t always clear

Rules demand "reliable sources", but editors disagree on what counts. For example, some accept local newspapers while others argue about their trustworthiness.

Edit wars and closed groups

On sensitive topics (like history debates or famous people), "edit wars" often happen. Experienced editors might form closed groups, creating hidden barriers for newcomers.

Information gaps across languages

The same topic in English, Chinese, or French versions shows content differences or missing translations. Making multilingual entries fair and complete remains unsolved.

Closing Thoughts

Even with strict neutrality and source rules, deciding what counts as "reliable" often depends on people’s opinions. Also, differences between language versions worry me about "information gaps". In future class talks, I hope to discuss:

How to balance entries fairly across cultures?

Could community decision-making accidentally push some people away?

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