User:SoWhy/Philosophy

My WikiPhilosophy

Don't try to remember too many rules, remember their core values. Be nice to other editors, no matter how much you disagree with them. It's quite simple actually and as in real life it will influence others to do the same. I advise this because I know myself, despite being a Wikipedian for four years now, that you cannot know all existing rules by heart. I don't, I simply deduce from the five pillars of Wikipedia (i.e. WP:NOT, WP:NPOV, WP:COPY, WP:EQ and WP:IAR to have them in full length but WP:5 is actually all you need to know for the daily routine or WP:SR if you need some more short advise). All rules are more or less interpretations of those pillars.

To avoid simplifying too much, always remember to be patient. When in doubt, even slightly, research within the guidelines and see if your doubt has been addressed before. Being a law student, I know that no good lawyer or law professor knows more than a dozen articles or clauses by heart. It is the wrong way to treat the subject.

You know the core values, certain very important, everyday clauses and know how to use them. And for all the other, millions of clauses, you need to know how to find them and how to use them, once you did. It is basically the same within Wikipedia, although there are fewer rules than in a common legal system. But the principle holds true: Know the core values, know everything you need to edit when there are no conflicts and if you encounter conflicts, be nice and civil and then research within the guidelines to know how to react.

Enjoy your stay!