User:Kristinam 0330/reflection

When we first began this Wikipedia project, I had no idea what to expect. I had never worked with Wikipedia past the extent of reading its articles for my own knowledge or gain. But with that said, my prior motives for using Wikipedia very much prompted my topic of choice: I wondered to myself, what kinds of topics interest me? What is something I would like to learn about in this process that I feel others may want to know more about themselves? Then it hit me: just last semester in my Gender Studies course, I had done a small amount of research on the controversies regarding the "Free the Nipple" campaign. At the time, my knowledge of the topic was fairly limited to the brief current event report I presented to the class on the subject. So, I figured, this would be the perfect opportunity to expand my own knowledge while also enlightening Wikipedians (and non-Wikipedians) across the board.

Initially, it seemed perhaps my choice was not the best possible option. In fact, Professor Reagle himself even questioned my topic's notability and level of appropriateness: both key considerations in creating the perfect Wikipedia article. After looking further into it, however, I found that indeed the topic was worthwhile; even better, my article would fill a gap not provided by a related, existing article. Searching the terms "free the nipple wikipedia," on Google, my results lead me to "Free the Nipple", a Wikipedia article discussing Lina Esco's 2014 film. While the article is certainly appropriately titled, considering the name of the film, it did not go into the critical details of the campaign itself. And so, I decided to step in—to fill that gap by imparting my more comprehensive, all-inclusive article: "Free the Nipple" (campaign).

Beginning my research, as I collected information from this source or that source, it became clear to me that this would be a topic difficult to steer clear of impassioned arguments. Naturally, most of the pieces I'd been reading were written with serious fervor regarding the cause. After all, these were mostly female authors fighting for rights toward gender equality and resulting equal treatment. Nevertheless, I moved forward in my writing endeavor as I attempted to remain neutral without expressing any sort of conflict of interest. Personally, this movement is certainly an issue I have come to recognize as noteworthy and extremely pivotal in the efforts toward equal rights. However, it was never a crusade I felt particularly preoccupied by or fired up about, which certainly made it easier for me to maintain a more objective perspective of the campaign—or so I thought. As I continued to develop my article, it seemed certain Wikipedians disagreed: one user even felt so obliged as to note, "neutrality, this just sounds as if it was c&ped from a campaign webpage." Despite that comment, I stood and still stand by my original content. While perhaps the information is not expressed particularly apathetically or without feeling, I feel that it fairly reflects the facts and mentioned events as they have occurred over time. As Wikipedian Tyler Haley has edited and concluded over 50,000 articles on Wikipedia, "them's the facts!"

After having made this contribution, it is now especially clear to me just how beneficial of a community Wikipedia is. Over the course of completing this project in addition to our course readings, I have learned that in online communities like Wikipedia, collaborative contribution is at the core of its survival as well as its success—especially considering Wikipedia provides a plethora of information to users and non-users alike, entirely gratis. A collaborative culture by nature, Wikipedia encourages its users to share in the socially creative process by way of participation. This means that users are free to edit and adjust content as they see fit so long as it is productive and prosocial, consistently adhering to Wikipedia's "Ten Simple Rules for Editing". Moreover, as we have read in Kraut and Resnick, existing members within a community should not only encourage new users' commitment through prosocial behaviors, but also be sure to help newcomers feel welcome and comfortable in their new identities. As a matter of fact, Kraut and Resnick explain that, "In many [online] communities, it is the conversations that participants exchange with each other that provide benefits to others in the community" (21). With regards to editors of my own article, their lack of conversation with me prevented me from improving my article. For example, the user who expressed disapproval of my "insufficient" effort toward neutrality might have been more constructive and demonstrative in his input. That way, both Wikipedia and I as a Wikipedian might have maximized the benefits of my contribution. Furthermore, Kraut and Resnick's "six dimensions of organizational socialization tactics" recommend that "newcomers observe and get training from experienced role models, who give newcomers a clear view". Again, I could certainly have stood to better my content had that user acted as more of a role model than Wikipedia elite "looking down on" my attempt. Still, I did appreciate other users assisting in the betterment of my article, with one person adjusting a small bit of information and another categorizing my article; both instances being a fine example of the importance of Wikipedia's collaborative culture.

With all that said, I would really have liked to receive more input from more users. While perhaps I was not necessarily seeking extensive thanks or gratitude for my contribution, some kind of positive recognition might have motivated me to continue my participation in the community. Still, I can recognize that perhaps I did not reach out or show appreciation to enough existing users myself; and considering reciprocation is a key component to persuasion, I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised by my minimal activity and interactions. Ultimately, I do not really see myself upholding active involvement or membership in the Wikipedia community. Though this has been a very eye-opening learning experience, my particular experience simply wasn't motivation enough to see my commitment through. Nonetheless, I now very much appreciate the benefits that Wikipedia's collaborative aspects present to all users, committed or not.