It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.
Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, and a community. At times people suffer from high stress levels, and the most important thing to remember is to have fun.
Whilst everyone has roles to play, it's worth remembering that we aren't defined by our roles: in fact it is important on Wikipedia to concentrate on the content rather than the user. This avoids unnecessary conflict and allows people to have a little bit more fun. Sure it's hard to keep from making the odd wisecrack in an edit summary, and who doesn't want to vent their spleen at the odd vandal now and again. But remember, it's a hobby not a job. Don't let the people vandalising Wikipedia have more fun than you! Be creative with your warnings, maintain civility but adapt warnings, perhaps integrate a more personal approach. Don't be a stuffed shirt and substitute a template to a vandal's page. Adapt one and keep it in your user space.
For example, not
This is your last warning. The next time you vandalize a page, you will be blocked from editing Wikipedia.
but
Okay pal, we've all had a laugh, but like your mum said, it's all going to end in tears. Anymore and we take away the toys.
Don't get heated in discussions, don't turn that notch all the way up to eleven, keep calm, put yourself in the other person's shoes and think: I bet you look good on the dance floor. We aren't here to win discussions, we're here to help build an encyclopedia, and to aid that we've formed a community. We should respect each other, and remember that communities work best when we're all happy, which means we all need to have fun.
Look at the wombles. A group of small furry animals that patrolled Wimbledon Common in order to make "good use of the things that we find, things that the everyday folks leave behind." That's all we're doing, taking all the stuff people add and putting it to good use. And the wombles always had fun! So get out there, put a smile on your face, hold your head high and remember:
When it's foggy on the common and you just can't see
Okay pal, we've all had a laugh, but like your mum said, it's all going to end in tears. Anymore and we take away the toys.
