User talk:TParis/Newcomer's guide/Be Bold

Newcomer's Guide: Be Bold

BE BOLD!!! This is one of the most important guidelines on Wikipedia. Without it, no one would have ever taken their first step. Don't hesitate. If you find a mistake or you know something about a particular subject, feel free to correct or add it. If you break it, the worst that will happen is that someone comes along and undoes it. If you get a complaint on your talk page (a message board specifically for you), don't worry. Read the message, maybe read a couple of the blue links in it, and if you still don't understand what you did wrong then: ask! (see below).

Even so, if you stay here for a time, and make many edits, there is a risk that someone will be rude to you by leaving an angry message on your talk page. Please do not be discouraged - we have all faced this as well, and it can be difficult. Usually, the first step is to try to discuss the problem with the person, and if that doesn't work, you can ask for help in dealing with them (see below, in the section "Ask for help"). People who are persistently rude will get a warning, and can be blocked if they persist. That means they won't be able to edit Wikipedia for a short while, usually a week in the first instance.

The most important thing that Wikipedia needs is sourced content. Don't worry about breaking formatting or filling out a citation according to some obscure standard you haven't had a chance to read yet. Someone else will come along and do that for you. Just concern yourself with adding information that is factual and supported by secondary reliable sources.