User:HortonV/Wikipedia Reflection Paper

Stephen Colbert once stated, “Wikipedia is the first place I go when I’m looking for knowledge… or when I want to create some." Since I was a child and learned how to use a computer, I remember looking up people and places on Wikipedia all the time. Whether it was for general knowledge or for school projects, Wikipedia is a site where knowledge is endless. Unlike many other websites, Wikipedia allows the public to have an influence on the information being displayed. Editing tools and talk pages provide individuals the platform to connect with one another and to create the most accurate and informational Wikipedia pages. In Reagle's, book, Good Faith Collaboration: The Culture of Wikipedia, Reagle states “my use of the term collaborative culture refers to a set of assumptions, values, meanings, and actions pertaining to working together within a community." Therefore, Wikipedia is recognized as a collaborative culture. Excited to join the Wikipedia community, this semester in my Online Communities class, I had the opportunity to contribute to Wikipedia through my own page on The Bromfield Street Educational Foundation.

Over the past few months, I have spent my time collecting sources and information in order to write a credible Wikipedia page. Although the experience was exciting, it was also nerve racking. My whole life I spent perusing through other people’s pages and now it was my turn to become a Wikipedian. The first step was to find a topic that had not yet been written about. This was probably the most difficult step for me. Most of the topics that did not have a page, had limited resources and information. About two weeks into the project, I settled upon the Bromfield Street Educational Foundation. Established in 1973, the Bromfield Street Educational Foundation supported and raised awareness for the gay and lesbian community through numerous projects including The Gay Community News. After my topic was selected, which I am now pleased with, I spent the next few months gathering sources; reading books, finding online sources, and connecting my page to other Wikipedia pages. During this process, I wrote my article in the sandbox section of my Wikipedia account. The sandbox allowed me to write freely without judgement or edits from others.

The most nerve racking step was next and that was taking my article out of the sandbox and posting it on Wikipedia. Many emotions ran through me as I was moving my article out of the sandbox. I was nervous about how other Wikipedians would view my article and if I followed the correct format for a Wikipedia page. Joining an online community is an experience in itself. I have joined online communities such as Facebook and Twitter but joining Wikipedia was a completely different type of experience. On websites such as Facebook or Twitter, I may be judged on stupid comments I make in my tweets or the pictures I post. But with Wikipedia, I am being judged on my writing and my knowledge on one topic that I spent months of my life researching.

In Chapter 5 of Kraut and Resnick’s book they discuss newcomer hazing within online communities. Similar to joining a group offline such as sororities, fraternities, and sports teams, online hazing can be part of the experience of joining a group. The true test is the motivation behind joining a particular group and if one is able to handle the newcomer hazing. A newcomer to any group will have barriers and certain rules they must abide by before becoming a true member of the group. For example, in Wikipedia, once an individual’s article is posted for the public, other Wikipedians can critique grammar, facts, citations, and the wording of any article that they please. Individuals also have the opportunity to share "love" on Wikipedia. A barnstar is shared by the community when recognizing a fellow member of Wikipedia on their accomplishments.

The edits or comments on Wikipedia can be encouraging or discouraging. Although I did not experience hazing necessarily, my article was edited by multiple people. I also received a warning from Wikipedians that if I did not add more secondary sources and fix my citations my article would be deleted. I felt that the warning was a form of RTFM (read the fucking manual). This expression is often used in geek culture to characterize “enthusiasm to learn, to improve, and to share." When first entering a new online community, it takes time to learn the norms and expected behavior within that community. I understand that the online community has the right to guide newbies into behaving the way that is expected because without the members input, how would a newbie learn the way of that particular online community? But I think the term RTFM is too much to say to a newbie and I think it would turn them off from joining or continuing to participate in that community. Thankfully, I was not told this phrase directly, but I felt the warnings were a form of RTFM nonetheless.

Even though I had to respond to critiques of my article, I never lost interest. I was proud of the work I had put into creating the page; as a newcomer to this online community; I understood that I would have to learn the norms along the way. As my journey of creating my first Wikipedia page comes to an end, I am so proud of myself for putting in the time and effort to create the Bromfield Street Educational Foundation page. If it was not for my contribution to the collaborative culture known as Wikipedia, individuals would never know one of the most influential foundations in the gay and lesbian community. There were times of frustration which is normal when joining an online community. Reinforced by members of Wikipedia, I had to learn the norms and the functions of the site in order to become a valid contributor. Having the help of Amanda, Professor Reagle, and my fellow classmates made this assignment a little bit easier as I was not joining this new online community alone. After the semester ends, I hope to continue being an active member on Wikipedia and possibly making further contributions in the future.-HortonV (talk) 02:58, 7 April 2015 (UTC)