Week4-Chapter 4 The Puzzle of Openness-LIUJUNYU

 On the Internet, especially in highly anonymous public discussion spaces, quarrels, attacks, sarcasm and personal attacks have long become the norm. However, Wikipedia is an exception. In this collaborative community that is almost entirely organized by volunteers, politeness and goodwill are the foundation. Joseph Reagle deeply analyzed how this unique "civilized collaboration" culture has become one of the core systems of Wikipedia in Chapter 4 "Courtesy" of "Good Faith Collaboration".

"Please be polite": the first rule of Wikipedia

The policy page of Wikipedia says: Always be polite and respectful when dealing with others. This is the cornerstone of the operation of the entire community culture.

Reagle pointed out that this wiki politeness is not only a moral appeal, but also a practical strategy: without polite communication, collaboration will be difficult to sustain; if it is full of hostility and quarrels, Wikipedia will not be able to complete its mission of "jointly writing an encyclopedia".

Politeness not only makes the relationship between collaborators more harmonious, but also helps them more easily achieve the goal of "neutrality". Because Wikipedia pursues a "neutral point of view" (NPOV) rather than a single truth. When opinions differ, only through respect and listening can others have space to express themselves, thus forming a "neutral" statement that is accepted by all parties.

How is the culture of politeness formed?

Reagle believes that the polite culture of Wikipedia is not accidental. It comes from the joint effect of several factors: Inheritance of free software culture: Many of Wikipedia's early editors came from the open source software community. They were accustomed to negotiating and coordinating differences through mailing lists and forums, and politeness became a basic skill.

Procedures and rituals: Small rituals such as "welcome templates" and "discussion page signatures" also enhance the cohesion and polite atmosphere of the community. These seemingly insignificant details are actually the carriers of culture.Politeness is not "weakness", but a kind of strength

Reflection: Do we also need "Wiki-style politeness"?

In today's social media environment full of opposition, polarization and offensive language, Wikipedia's polite culture is undoubtedly particularly valuable. Reagle's research inspires us to rethink: Does Internet collaboration have to come at the cost of quarrels? Can we try to build a communication ecosystem based on respect, patience and kindness, just like Wikipedia?

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