User:Sam Barsoom/Five pillars

Five pillars
• •  •  •  • This is my non-expert interpretation of what I have read on the five pillars.


 * Wikipedia is an encyclopedia
 * No original research - Use previously published reliable sources to justify claims because personal opinion is not appropriate for an encyclopedia.
 * Verifiability - Facts must be sourced to a reliable source or removed if they are challenged.
 * What Wikipedia is not - This is an encyclopedia, not anything else. It is not paper so it can be larger.


 * Wikipedia has a neutral point of view
 * Neutral point of view - Show all significant views without bias based on reliable sources weighted based on their significance.


 * Wikipedia is free content
 * GNU Free Documentation License - Text posted here is automatically licensed under the GFDL.
 * Ownership of articles - While I hold the copyright on my contributions, I have licensed them in a way that prevents me from controlling them.


 * Wikipedia has a code of conduct
 * Civility - Be excellent to each other.
 * No personal attacks - Name calling and threats are not allowed. Polite criticism of content is allowed. Discuss content, not the person.
 * Consensus - Consider all parties opinion, come to something we can all agree to abide by even if we don't agree. Consensus can change. (still a little unclear about this one)
 * Edit war - Instead of arguing back and forth by changing the article over and over to your version, discuss the matter on the talk page with the person opposing.
 * Three-revert rule - Repeatedly undoing the action of another person is against the rules, there is a hard limit of 3 per day per article, but less can be seen as disruptive.
 * Do not disrupt Wikipedia to illustrate a point - If you need to prove a point, do it in a manner that is not disruptive.
 * Assume good faith - Assume good motives in people unless it is not reasonable to do so.


 * Wikipedia does not have firm rules
 * Ignore all rules - Don't let the rules prevent you from helping here.
 * Be bold - Edit boldy, but not recklessly. Don't take it personally if what you add is changed or removed. Be careful with templates and categories.
 * Editing policy - An addition need not be perfect before it is added, it can be improved by others. Try to improve, rather than remove others content if it is reasonable to do so. Major changes may require discussion.