User:Pilotguy/Essays/Getting Along
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Time and time again, especially now as an administrator, I run into many conflicts with Wikipedians. Whether it is on IRC or actually on the wiki, the issues are all the same; two completely different editors, with completely different ideas of how things should work. Needless to say, this is not a good scenario under any sorts, however, it is not that uncommon. Reaching a compromise, though difficult, is never out of the question in any of these cases. Eventually, one, or both, is going to give in, and understand how things truly work; that we are all differernt, we have different ideas as to how things work, and therefore conflicts do arise, yet as a result of it, it empowers us, and helps this project to grow; a sense of creativity, if you will. Having witnessed these types of conflicts over my wiki-life, I feel it is important to anyone who is in this situation to keep the following points in mind: [edit] We are all different, and for good reasonBeing different can set off a firestorm when it comes to projects like these. However, being different also gives a sense of uniqueness and creativity. Think of it like this- if people such as Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and the Wright Brothers, has not been different, where would we be today? Clearly, having different opinions is not so bad after all. Certainly, conflicts will arise, but so will productivity. [edit] People won't agree with you. So compromise!Now, no one's willing to do this, but, sometimes it's necessary if you wish to suceed in a project like this. We all have different ideas as to how this thing works, but that's okay. It's important to be bold, by all means, but, sometimes it's necessary to take a step back and let someone else's idea take note. Don't cause escalation. [edit] Sometimes, you just gotta walk awayIf things get to the point where there is no longer any hope, there's no reason to push it. If things go down south, or if things just look ugly from the get-go, don't get involved. It's pointless to waste your time and get dragged in to all the mess. Yes, it can be fun at times to antagonize, fight, and annoy, but, is that the purpose of the project? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Trying to will only make things worse, and it could come back to bite you in the butt. Keep these points in mind, respect fellow editors, and, by all means, take a break if you have to, we're not going anywhere. Stay out of disputes, and help build this encyclopedia. |
