We talk a lot of about the culture of Wikipedia being negative, critical,
abrasive etc; this is a turn-off to a lot of women (and also to a lot of
men). But what can we do to change that? Well, I thought about the way that
postings get Liked on Facebook. Indeed, most postings get many Likes on
Facebook. It seems if you read something and appreciate the post in any way
(which includes when you agree with the poster that it is unhappy matter and
hence unlikeable matter), you click Like.

Well, I decided to try it on Wikipedia. Now, when I run through my watchlist
(which I do most mornings), instead of just looking for what's wrong and
needs to be fixed, instead if I see a positive contribution to an article,
even a small one, I "thank" the contributor for the edit.

And if I notice I am thanking someone quite a bit, I send them some Wikilove
or a Barnstar. I notice a small increase in the number of thanks I am
receiving. While I realise this may be simple reciprocation, I'd like to
think I might be creating a small culture of appreciation in my topic space,
hoping that people choose to Pay It Forward.

So, that's my suggestion. Try thanking people on-wiki in the various ways
available.  Become part of the niceness culture that we'd like Wikipedia to
become known for.

Kerry



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