"logged-in only" editing

Hello Randomran,

"Logged-in only editing" is something I find crucial to improve social interaction. I did recently some "under cover research" as unregistered editor and felt immediately the difference. (By the way, I would evoid the expression "anonymous user", because that has nothing to do with it. I can register as "Willy93" and be still anonymous.)

There is a huge gap between idea and reality. The idea is that every one can edit Wikipedia, simply by clicking "Edit" - editing - clicking "Save". But in reality, changes and especially non trivial changes are reverted quickly. It seems that many experienced editors do not accept unregistered editors and newbies. They have in fact re-interpretated the rules: Every one is accepted to edit, but only if he has already internalized our rules and wiki behavior.

When I once proposed to allow editing only to registered users I met quite some resistance from mailing list fellows: That that would be the end of the wiki, a "closed system" opposing to "our free and open wiki way". Actually, I wonder how free and open Wikipedia really is. I believe that the Wikipedians see themselves as a "knowledge pride parade" that marshes through the city, welcomed by citizens of which many are joining the parade. In the real world, the Wikipedia community has much more of a medieval castle with high walls and a severe entry control.

The recommendations of the task force say: connect volunteers more effectively, improve the abilities for collaborative work. My proposal is to make editing possible in only two ways:

1) Make it easy to report an error: pl.Wikipedia has a system where readers can simply report an error in an article. These comments can consequently be dealt with by volonteers, similar to the OTRS. Polish Wikipedians told me how useful this tool turned out to be. So, every one who ones to help can do that without learning Wiki syntax.

2) Become a Wikipedian: Someone who likes to edit himself should have to register because unregistered editors meet a lot of resistance if not hostility. If you are registered you build up a kind of "Wikipedian identity", and you become more trustworthy as time goes on. Then, a newly registered editor should be approached by experienced users, saying hello and welcome and asking what the newbie would like to do in WP. This would scare off many vandals but encourage the good willing newbies. They have the opportunity to ask questions, and if they feel that they do not need guidance, that is OK too. It is not about controling new people but showing them that we (take) care. A newbie might tell at that occasion that he is going to write an article about his company, and the experienced user could warn him that that is not such a good idea.

I do not want to say that this is the solution for everything and that Wikipedia can only go on with this. But we are doing wrong when we tell/allow people to edit Wikipedia without giving them proper preparation, without providing help. It is like telling people to go into deep water, without swimming lessons, without swimming aids and without a lifeguard. This might include not to *allow* people to go into deep water without ... some preconditions.