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This page in a nutshell: We need to allow/encourage innovative approaches to solve the decline in editor retainment. |
As the landscape of digital information and community-driven projects evolves, Wikipedia stands as a testament to the power of collective knowledge. However, the project faces a significant challenge: a decline in new editors. To address this issue, it's crucial to explore innovative ways to retain and engage new contributors. One promising approach is to hold creative contests that are not strictly related to the encyclopedia's content but instead celebrate the diverse talents of its community members. This essay argues that such contests are vital for fostering community engagement and ensuring the project's sustainability.
Traditionally, Wikipedia's contests and community initiatives have focused on activities directly related to writing articles, such as Wikipedia:Danny's contest. Danny's contest was created by User:Danny in 2006 to address the issues of Wikipedia at that time (the lack of featured articles). While contests like Danny's have been effective in encouraging higher quality writing and article improvement, they simply do not help in solving the current issues plaguing the Wikipedia community. Many Wikipedia editors possess a variety of skills beyond writing and editing, including design, photography, music, and more. By organizing contests that allow these talents to shine, Wikipedia can create a more inclusive and engaging community environment.
One of the most pressing issues facing Wikipedia is the retention of new editors. According to WP:LOSE2WIN, the project has experienced a decline in active contributors, threatening its long-term viability. Engaging new editors through creative contests can help address this issue in several ways:
Creative contests can also serve as a platform to showcase the broader value of Wikipedia beyond its role as an encyclopedia. By highlighting the diverse talents of its community members, Wikipedia can demonstrate its versatility and relevance in various fields. This can attract new contributors who may have never considered participating in the project but are drawn to the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity. Moreover, these contests can be strategically timed and organized to align with Wikipedia's key initiatives and goals. For example, a photography contest could be held to gather high-quality images for specific articles, or a design contest can help aspiring template editors to learn the ropes of coding on Wikipedia.
We need to allow/encourage innovative approaches to solve the decline in editor retainment.