User:Kim Bruning/Whirlwind tour of policy

Okay, so you're new, or maybe you're old and would like a refresher.

Here's a quick overview of Wikipedia policy for you. (If there's another overview around, please merge and redirect, if you see any errors, feel free to edit. thank ye ;-)

Foundation issues
Okay, first up out of the gates, before you add a single byte to the site, it might be wise to read up on the Foundation issues. These are the principles that all foundation sites follow, including Wikipedia and Wikinews.

The two foundation issues that are most relevant here are:
 * The one that says that ANYONE can edit. Yup, that means you! Cool, eh?
 * The application of NPOV, which is only mentioned, oh, a squillion times a day on Wikipedia. Learn NPOV well!

Casual editor
So you agree with the basic principles of the Wikimedia Foundation? GREAT!

If you're just intending to be a casual editor, then go ahead and edit right now. Go on! Shoo! Find something and edit it!

Though if you like reading a lot, then in addition to the Foundation issues, consider looking at the five pillars (WP:5P). These give you a general guide around policy. Just read them through, you'll be fine.

Regular Editor
Oh hmm, you're coming up on 500 edits or more are you? Ok, you're probably addicted. It might be a good idea to learn how to do things right. Check out the simplified ruleset at WP:SR. The Simplified ruleset looks at the various faux pas that people commonly make, and provides the simplest possible ruleset (hopefully) that make sure you can avoid trouble. If you see something missing, or think you can simplify them further, just BE BOLD, and improve them further!

Getting experienced
Okay, so you're coming up to your 1000th edit, you might already be there after perhaps just 2 months or so. Congratulations, you're getting good!

Now's the time to read up on what turns out to be the trickiest of the policy summaries, the policy trifecta WP:TRI. It's more of an etiquette than a concrete set of guidelines. The trifecta guidelines can be both self- and inter- contradictory. You apply them by balancing them for a particular situation, so that they contradict each other as little as possible. If you can apply the trifecta expertly, you can get away with practically anything, and smile your way out of any situation. :-)

''(What do you mean, I'm showing that scary "innocent" smile again... :-) ? )''

Admin!
Hey! You're at about 1500 edits, and have 3 months or more of experience at Wikipedia?

You have a cool head? Nothing can faze you, you're not nuts, (and you have that killer innocent smile :-) ?

Excellent, you're a prime candidate for adminship!

Either apply yourself at WP:RFA, or better yet, charm someone else into nominating you!

Everyone with sufficient experience may become an admin. So apply today :-)