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.
This page in a nutshell: Behaving in an exemplary manner is
A Good Thing. Even if the example doesn't spread, you'll feel better about yourself. Sign up and spread the word.
Background
It is quite normal for each generation, as they age, to yearn for the values of the past, in a
rose-tinted spectacles manner. There probably never was a time of Wikipedian harmony, polite collegiality and happiness, but it's nice to think that there was, and to aspire to bring it back.
Some long-term editors have noticed that they've become increasingly grumpy and bad-tempered on Wikipedia. This could be for any number of reasons, but the impact is that they are less happy contributors and the effects become a downward spiral, drawing in more and more grumpy contributors.
By pledging to return to these old-fashioned Wikipedian values, perhaps your example will spread, making the whole environment more pleasant. But even if it does not, you can feel happy about yourself and the contributions you're making. After all, the high ground is a great place to be. But beware the
high horse; it can be painful to fall off this animal.
The pledges
I will:
Be unfailingly polite, even to vandals, let alone regulars with whom I disagree.
Take the mantra of assuming good faith to within a whisker of absurdity.
Apologise for perceived shortcomings, even on occasions when I think it is barely necessary.
Welcome other editors pointing out to me when I fail to meet the first three pledges.
Userbox
Some people like userboxes. If you sign up, feel free to add this one, if you fancy:
I think it's why I have been called naive recently, cloud cuckoo land was also mentioned, - I call it dream. (Look for Peace and Reformation on my user page) - Please let me know when I don't know enough of the "old" values, I still feel new here and learning. Gerda Arendt (
talk) 08:29, 9 April 2013 (UTC)reply
I never edited Old Fashioned Wikipedia, but I found my grandma's rose-colored spectacles in the attic. Good principles on- and off-line.
FourViolas (
talk) 03:39, 19 February 2015 (UTC)reply
Sorry I didn't sign this four or five years ago. ϢereSpielChequers 10:22, 29 June 2015 (UTC)reply
Looking at my own nine-year history on Wikipedia, I realize that as the years have gone by I have become somewhat more snarky and even on occasion uncivil. I am going to take the pledge, starting on 01 July 2015. I encourage others to call me on it if I fall short. --
Guy Macon (
talk) 03:20, 30 June 2015 (UTC)reply
This looks so wonderful. Please count me in, I want to join your gang.--
82.28.140.226 (
talk) 22:26, 1 July 2015 (UTC)reply
Excellent list of principles; will do my best to meet them. --
Khazar2 (
talk) 17:53, 26 October 2015 (UTC)reply
Looks a good idea.
JRPG (
talk) 12:20, 2 November 2015 (UTC)reply
I just came upon this, and I figure I am old enough in fish years. --
Tryptofish (
talk) 23:49, 4 November 2015 (UTC)reply
I am definitely joining now, before it's too late!
With love & kindest regards; Patrick. ツ
Pdebee.(talk)(
guestbook) 22:16, 13 February 2016 (UTC)reply
Disputes never accomplish anything. Acknowledging that we all screw up often and can learn from each other fosters a more constructive environment, and in any event is so much more enjoyable than bickering. My goal shall always be to leave every conversation better than I found it. —
Compassionate727(
T·
C) 14:30, 3 May 2016 (UTC)reply
Late again, but glad I have found this as I have found my patience disappearing somewhere.. I will try.
Edmund Patrick –
confer 15:04, 3 June 2016 (UTC)reply
I've been a member forever without realising it. Now I have no excuses. --
Jack of Oz[pleasantries] 21:29, 7 July 2016 (UTC)reply
Probably should have signed up years ago as I've had this page marked for quite awhile.
Fyunck(click) (
talk) 22:24, 7 July 2016 (UTC)reply
That's a wonderful idea. Hope to have the ability to abide by all the points. --
Mhhosseintalk 12:07, 3 December 2016 (UTC)reply
Just saw this thanks to your signature. I try to do all as this suggests already, and hope I succeed..and that if I don't, I recognize it and/or accept corrective comments from my fellow wikipedians. Can I use the image on the right instead of the bespectacled gent? :) --
Hammersoft (
talk) 00:48, 6 January 2017 (UTC)reply
Need to slap myself in the face to temper the sarcasm that creeps in when dealing with constant little acts of vandalism (minor) and opinionated editors whos views are always 'right' (more major).
Matilda Maniac (
talk) 01:06, 18 February 2017 (UTC)reply
Lets go back to the days when everybody followed
WP:AGF and
WP:BITE, and administrators actually considered collateral damage when issuing blocks, like when the idea of long-term softblocking AOL dial-up was actually a big deal...
PCHS-NJROTC(Messages)Have a blessed day. 02:49, 1 June 2018 (UTC)reply
Nope, just a group of people aiming to make wiki a better place! Seems a good set of principles to stick to! Greenleader (
talk. 09:35, 11 August 2018 (UTC)reply
Definitely! Haven't always kept to the old values and will try harder everyday. Paine Ellsworthput'r there 10:13, 30 August 2018 (UTC)reply
Where to sign up? I'm in!
meloras (
talk) 12:38, 24 February 2019 (UTC)reply
AGF to a whisker of abusdity? how about way past absurdity‽ Seriously though, I agree with this wholeheartedly.
Gaelan💬✏️ 04:15, 6 March 2019 (UTC)reply
I've long been a sucker for nostalgia.
Benjamin (
talk) 10:43, 6 March 2019 (UTC)reply
I think I already follow this, but no reason not to sign up formally. (Do I get cashback for getting others to sign up?)
Nick Moyes (
talk) 14:47, 12 March 2019 (UTC)reply
This makes a lot of sense, I will join this cause as a self-proclaimed SGYT (Sophisticated Gentleman YouTuber).
MK8 Master (
talk) 7:52pm, 5th of October 2019 (AEST)
Renewing after all this time. –
SJ + 22:17, 8 December 2019 (UTC)reply
Marvellous - have subscribed!
Kilboshtalk 14:29, 14 January 2020 (UTC)reply
I absolutely agree. please sign me up. thanks for posting this here!!! --
Sm8900 (
talk) 18:48, 16 January 2020 (UTC)reply
Markworthen How did you drag me to this page?! I resent you calling me old and grumpy! You must not be assuming good faith—am I right? (I know I am.) Anyone who joins this club must need help.
- Mark D Worthen PsyD(talk) (I'm a man—traditional male pronouns are fine.) 21:37, 16 February 2020 (UTC)reply
Why haven't I found this before? The author should have told me! --
Silverije 22:21, 14 March 2020 (UTC)reply
(March 28, 2020 less corny comment) I think this is a WP movement that should gain more traction, because it sure would make this site a better place. I think this will also help how I interact with others in the future.
StrangeloveFan101 (
talk) 22:25, 28 March 2020 (UTC)reply
I've just stumbled across this group. SethWhales talk 02:00, 10 May 2020 (UTC)reply
Count me in! –
MonAllt·
c 14:35, 3 June 2020 (UTC)reply
This is actually how I experienced Wikipedia when I was a newbie, thanks to some wonderful people here. Count me in!
ἀνυπόδητος (
talk) 08:31, 4 June 2020 (UTC)reply
I was bullied a lot & wronged so many times when I joined this project in 2016 so today I hereby solemnly swear to abide by this 'doctrine'. I’m In!
Celestina007 (
talk) 07:48, 9 July 2020 (UTC)reply
Sounds like a plan. Used to be Wikipedia welcomed good edits. These days, far too many people act as if they own public articles and summarily reject good, even outstanding edits with poor excuses.
Clepsydrae (
talk) 23:44, 23 July 2020 (UTC)reply
This should be part of everyone's editing philosophy.
Scorpions13256 (
talk) 04:35, 4 September 2020 (UTC)reply
H e l l o t h e r e. I know, your dahhhling is late and somebody did the wrong note before I came so HAHAHA we love everyyyone here ;)
VincentLUFan (
talk) (
Kenton!) 18:45, 9 September 2020 (UTC)reply
I wholeheartedly endorse the above.
PiRSquared17 (
talk) 15:18, 14 September 2020 (UTC)reply
Well, as the essay says, "there probably never was" but, even so, it's always a worthy goal to put people first and treat them as people. Will add the userbox to my collection and hope any visitors will notice and adopt it.
No Great Shaker (
talk) 05:43, 24 September 2020 (UTC)reply
Always felt like a traditionalist, so count me in
Knightoften 03:06, 14 February 2021 (UTC)reply
I'm a believer!
Liz's userbox display brought me here.
Consider myself pledged! Savvyjack23 (
talk) 03:21, 20 February 2021 (UTC)reply
I confess to Almighty God and you here present that I also hold Old Fashioned Wikipedian Values --
Whiteguru (
talk) 06:54, 24 February 2021 (UTC)reply
If everyone followed these the Wikipedia community would be so much better βӪᑸᙥӴ •
Talk •
Contribs 20:09, 18 March 2021 (UTC)reply
It is exciting to learn about people who have these values. Count me in! Many thanks!
MDW333 (
talk) 09:46, 9 April 2021 (UTC)reply
I'm old but I try not to be grumpy.
Tercer (
talk) 09:13, 16 April 2021 (UTC)reply
I probably already abide by these principles, but I'll sign this for future reference.
Crazymantis91 (
talk) 20:17, 22 April 2021 (UTC)reply
A good thing this is. Those rose-colored glasses are for deciphering the hidden hints, yes? ;-) --
RainerBlome (
talk) 08:50, 6 May 2021 (UTC)reply
Totally in-line with how I normally operate, so I'm down. Should be required reading for all Wikipedians! I had a thought about "
Old-fashioned" which I will add to the
talk page.
SteveChervitzTrutane (
talk) 06:26, 18 October 2021 (UTC)reply
I firmly believe in trying to "bring back" (if it ever was) a temperament of politeness and congeniality. I love the encyclopedia, and I love other people that do too! I try to give out lots of the digital "cookies", "barnstars" and the like... I think there was a sense that we should not "dilute" their meaning by giving out too many, but this seems to me to have turned into not giving out enough! Please give generously to all around you, and I will try to do the same. Happy editing! ♥Th78blue (They/Them/Their •
talk)♥ 02:06, 8 December 2021 (UTC)reply
I screwed up on this site. Least I can do is set a good example. elijahpepe@wikipedia 21:16, 27 December 2021 (UTC)reply
I have benefitted from other editors acting on these values; this is the Wikipedia I wish to pass on.--
Verbarsontalkedits 15:52, 15 January 2022 (UTC)reply
I am new, but I feel nostalgic about the old customs of Wikipedia, a time in which I didn't even know what Wikipedia was, but which I am very passionate about. You can say, I am in a state of
Anemoia.
Trulio Drulio (
talk) 10:09, 2 March 2022 (UTC)reply
You know, I've basically been trying to observe these without even knowing this essay existed. Count me in! Skarmory(talk •contribs) 21:08, 10 May 2023 (UTC)reply
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.
This page in a nutshell: Behaving in an exemplary manner is
A Good Thing. Even if the example doesn't spread, you'll feel better about yourself. Sign up and spread the word.
Background
It is quite normal for each generation, as they age, to yearn for the values of the past, in a
rose-tinted spectacles manner. There probably never was a time of Wikipedian harmony, polite collegiality and happiness, but it's nice to think that there was, and to aspire to bring it back.
Some long-term editors have noticed that they've become increasingly grumpy and bad-tempered on Wikipedia. This could be for any number of reasons, but the impact is that they are less happy contributors and the effects become a downward spiral, drawing in more and more grumpy contributors.
By pledging to return to these old-fashioned Wikipedian values, perhaps your example will spread, making the whole environment more pleasant. But even if it does not, you can feel happy about yourself and the contributions you're making. After all, the high ground is a great place to be. But beware the
high horse; it can be painful to fall off this animal.
The pledges
I will:
Be unfailingly polite, even to vandals, let alone regulars with whom I disagree.
Take the mantra of assuming good faith to within a whisker of absurdity.
Apologise for perceived shortcomings, even on occasions when I think it is barely necessary.
Welcome other editors pointing out to me when I fail to meet the first three pledges.
Userbox
Some people like userboxes. If you sign up, feel free to add this one, if you fancy:
I think it's why I have been called naive recently, cloud cuckoo land was also mentioned, - I call it dream. (Look for Peace and Reformation on my user page) - Please let me know when I don't know enough of the "old" values, I still feel new here and learning. Gerda Arendt (
talk) 08:29, 9 April 2013 (UTC)reply
I never edited Old Fashioned Wikipedia, but I found my grandma's rose-colored spectacles in the attic. Good principles on- and off-line.
FourViolas (
talk) 03:39, 19 February 2015 (UTC)reply
Sorry I didn't sign this four or five years ago. ϢereSpielChequers 10:22, 29 June 2015 (UTC)reply
Looking at my own nine-year history on Wikipedia, I realize that as the years have gone by I have become somewhat more snarky and even on occasion uncivil. I am going to take the pledge, starting on 01 July 2015. I encourage others to call me on it if I fall short. --
Guy Macon (
talk) 03:20, 30 June 2015 (UTC)reply
This looks so wonderful. Please count me in, I want to join your gang.--
82.28.140.226 (
talk) 22:26, 1 July 2015 (UTC)reply
Excellent list of principles; will do my best to meet them. --
Khazar2 (
talk) 17:53, 26 October 2015 (UTC)reply
Looks a good idea.
JRPG (
talk) 12:20, 2 November 2015 (UTC)reply
I just came upon this, and I figure I am old enough in fish years. --
Tryptofish (
talk) 23:49, 4 November 2015 (UTC)reply
I am definitely joining now, before it's too late!
With love & kindest regards; Patrick. ツ
Pdebee.(talk)(
guestbook) 22:16, 13 February 2016 (UTC)reply
Disputes never accomplish anything. Acknowledging that we all screw up often and can learn from each other fosters a more constructive environment, and in any event is so much more enjoyable than bickering. My goal shall always be to leave every conversation better than I found it. —
Compassionate727(
T·
C) 14:30, 3 May 2016 (UTC)reply
Late again, but glad I have found this as I have found my patience disappearing somewhere.. I will try.
Edmund Patrick –
confer 15:04, 3 June 2016 (UTC)reply
I've been a member forever without realising it. Now I have no excuses. --
Jack of Oz[pleasantries] 21:29, 7 July 2016 (UTC)reply
Probably should have signed up years ago as I've had this page marked for quite awhile.
Fyunck(click) (
talk) 22:24, 7 July 2016 (UTC)reply
That's a wonderful idea. Hope to have the ability to abide by all the points. --
Mhhosseintalk 12:07, 3 December 2016 (UTC)reply
Just saw this thanks to your signature. I try to do all as this suggests already, and hope I succeed..and that if I don't, I recognize it and/or accept corrective comments from my fellow wikipedians. Can I use the image on the right instead of the bespectacled gent? :) --
Hammersoft (
talk) 00:48, 6 January 2017 (UTC)reply
Need to slap myself in the face to temper the sarcasm that creeps in when dealing with constant little acts of vandalism (minor) and opinionated editors whos views are always 'right' (more major).
Matilda Maniac (
talk) 01:06, 18 February 2017 (UTC)reply
Lets go back to the days when everybody followed
WP:AGF and
WP:BITE, and administrators actually considered collateral damage when issuing blocks, like when the idea of long-term softblocking AOL dial-up was actually a big deal...
PCHS-NJROTC(Messages)Have a blessed day. 02:49, 1 June 2018 (UTC)reply
Nope, just a group of people aiming to make wiki a better place! Seems a good set of principles to stick to! Greenleader (
talk. 09:35, 11 August 2018 (UTC)reply
Definitely! Haven't always kept to the old values and will try harder everyday. Paine Ellsworthput'r there 10:13, 30 August 2018 (UTC)reply
Where to sign up? I'm in!
meloras (
talk) 12:38, 24 February 2019 (UTC)reply
AGF to a whisker of abusdity? how about way past absurdity‽ Seriously though, I agree with this wholeheartedly.
Gaelan💬✏️ 04:15, 6 March 2019 (UTC)reply
I've long been a sucker for nostalgia.
Benjamin (
talk) 10:43, 6 March 2019 (UTC)reply
I think I already follow this, but no reason not to sign up formally. (Do I get cashback for getting others to sign up?)
Nick Moyes (
talk) 14:47, 12 March 2019 (UTC)reply
This makes a lot of sense, I will join this cause as a self-proclaimed SGYT (Sophisticated Gentleman YouTuber).
MK8 Master (
talk) 7:52pm, 5th of October 2019 (AEST)
Renewing after all this time. –
SJ + 22:17, 8 December 2019 (UTC)reply
Marvellous - have subscribed!
Kilboshtalk 14:29, 14 January 2020 (UTC)reply
I absolutely agree. please sign me up. thanks for posting this here!!! --
Sm8900 (
talk) 18:48, 16 January 2020 (UTC)reply
Markworthen How did you drag me to this page?! I resent you calling me old and grumpy! You must not be assuming good faith—am I right? (I know I am.) Anyone who joins this club must need help.
- Mark D Worthen PsyD(talk) (I'm a man—traditional male pronouns are fine.) 21:37, 16 February 2020 (UTC)reply
Why haven't I found this before? The author should have told me! --
Silverije 22:21, 14 March 2020 (UTC)reply
(March 28, 2020 less corny comment) I think this is a WP movement that should gain more traction, because it sure would make this site a better place. I think this will also help how I interact with others in the future.
StrangeloveFan101 (
talk) 22:25, 28 March 2020 (UTC)reply
I've just stumbled across this group. SethWhales talk 02:00, 10 May 2020 (UTC)reply
Count me in! –
MonAllt·
c 14:35, 3 June 2020 (UTC)reply
This is actually how I experienced Wikipedia when I was a newbie, thanks to some wonderful people here. Count me in!
ἀνυπόδητος (
talk) 08:31, 4 June 2020 (UTC)reply
I was bullied a lot & wronged so many times when I joined this project in 2016 so today I hereby solemnly swear to abide by this 'doctrine'. I’m In!
Celestina007 (
talk) 07:48, 9 July 2020 (UTC)reply
Sounds like a plan. Used to be Wikipedia welcomed good edits. These days, far too many people act as if they own public articles and summarily reject good, even outstanding edits with poor excuses.
Clepsydrae (
talk) 23:44, 23 July 2020 (UTC)reply
This should be part of everyone's editing philosophy.
Scorpions13256 (
talk) 04:35, 4 September 2020 (UTC)reply
H e l l o t h e r e. I know, your dahhhling is late and somebody did the wrong note before I came so HAHAHA we love everyyyone here ;)
VincentLUFan (
talk) (
Kenton!) 18:45, 9 September 2020 (UTC)reply
I wholeheartedly endorse the above.
PiRSquared17 (
talk) 15:18, 14 September 2020 (UTC)reply
Well, as the essay says, "there probably never was" but, even so, it's always a worthy goal to put people first and treat them as people. Will add the userbox to my collection and hope any visitors will notice and adopt it.
No Great Shaker (
talk) 05:43, 24 September 2020 (UTC)reply
Always felt like a traditionalist, so count me in
Knightoften 03:06, 14 February 2021 (UTC)reply
I'm a believer!
Liz's userbox display brought me here.
Consider myself pledged! Savvyjack23 (
talk) 03:21, 20 February 2021 (UTC)reply
I confess to Almighty God and you here present that I also hold Old Fashioned Wikipedian Values --
Whiteguru (
talk) 06:54, 24 February 2021 (UTC)reply
If everyone followed these the Wikipedia community would be so much better βӪᑸᙥӴ •
Talk •
Contribs 20:09, 18 March 2021 (UTC)reply
It is exciting to learn about people who have these values. Count me in! Many thanks!
MDW333 (
talk) 09:46, 9 April 2021 (UTC)reply
I'm old but I try not to be grumpy.
Tercer (
talk) 09:13, 16 April 2021 (UTC)reply
I probably already abide by these principles, but I'll sign this for future reference.
Crazymantis91 (
talk) 20:17, 22 April 2021 (UTC)reply
A good thing this is. Those rose-colored glasses are for deciphering the hidden hints, yes? ;-) --
RainerBlome (
talk) 08:50, 6 May 2021 (UTC)reply
Totally in-line with how I normally operate, so I'm down. Should be required reading for all Wikipedians! I had a thought about "
Old-fashioned" which I will add to the
talk page.
SteveChervitzTrutane (
talk) 06:26, 18 October 2021 (UTC)reply
I firmly believe in trying to "bring back" (if it ever was) a temperament of politeness and congeniality. I love the encyclopedia, and I love other people that do too! I try to give out lots of the digital "cookies", "barnstars" and the like... I think there was a sense that we should not "dilute" their meaning by giving out too many, but this seems to me to have turned into not giving out enough! Please give generously to all around you, and I will try to do the same. Happy editing! ♥Th78blue (They/Them/Their •
talk)♥ 02:06, 8 December 2021 (UTC)reply
I screwed up on this site. Least I can do is set a good example. elijahpepe@wikipedia 21:16, 27 December 2021 (UTC)reply
I have benefitted from other editors acting on these values; this is the Wikipedia I wish to pass on.--
Verbarsontalkedits 15:52, 15 January 2022 (UTC)reply
I am new, but I feel nostalgic about the old customs of Wikipedia, a time in which I didn't even know what Wikipedia was, but which I am very passionate about. You can say, I am in a state of
Anemoia.
Trulio Drulio (
talk) 10:09, 2 March 2022 (UTC)reply
You know, I've basically been trying to observe these without even knowing this essay existed. Count me in! Skarmory(talk •contribs) 21:08, 10 May 2023 (UTC)reply