wikipedian

A Wikipedian is a person who contributes to Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia. Wikipedians may be registered users or anonymous editors who create, edit, and improve articles, add references, and help correct errors. They work within the norms and guidelines of the Wikipedia community, with the aim of producing reliable, verifiable content under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license.

Contributors range from casual editors to long-term specialists. Common roles include article editors who improve content, page patrollers who identify and revert vandalism, and administrators who have elevated tools to manage pages and user privileges. Some Wikimedians work on particular topics, languages, or local communities, while others focus on editing policy guidance, documentation, or community processes.

Key norms include verifiability, neutral point of view, and no original research. Editors cite reliable sources, discuss contentious edits on Talk pages, and seek consensus. Disputes may be resolved through discussion, guidelines, or formal processes in more contested cases. The collaborative nature of the project emphasizes openness, ongoing review, and the shared goal of improving encyclopedia quality.

Common tools and practices include the editing interface, diff views, watchlists, page protection, redirection, categories, and templates. Vandalism is addressed by quick reversions, informative edit summaries, and community coordination. The etiquette of the community stresses respect, constructive criticism, and a focus on verifiable information rather than personal disputes.

Wikipedians constitute a global, volunteer-driven community. While the overarching aim is free knowledge, participation varies widely in scope and commitment. The term also encompasses roles that connect Wikipedia with institutions and initiatives, such as Wikimedians in Residence, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve coverage and accessibility across languages and regions.