Conversion hurdle race
There are several things that are preventing readers from becoming editors.
- First and foremost is the lack of a decent WYSIWYG interface. Wikipedia's current editing interface is relatively obsolete and archaic. Newcommers do not understand how to start a new section, or sign their names. I would suggest a simple javascript editor such as TinyMCE.
- Secondly, wikipedia lacks a modern communication system. Whereas most other sites use some type of IM, wikipedia largely relies on IRC which isn't newbie friendly. Creating/hosting some kind of easy instant communication system would make it much easier for newcomers to ask questions. Whereas most websites have forums, wikipedia has talkpages to which few newcomers can relate.
- Thirdly, there is the fact of rampant deletion, the endlessly building bureaucracy, and the admins with covert motives. The content added by new editors is often reverted, and in doing so, the new editor leaves wikipedia. Or, as the new editor begins to edit more, they get stonewalled in the quagmire of bureaucratic policies represented through otherwise meaningless acronyms. Or worse yet, the new editor is met by an undiplomatic and nationalistic admin who uses his powers to harass the editor until he quits.
My recommendation would be to add a more user friendly, WYSIWYG interface, and possibly have separate interfaces with more options for more advanced editors...one interface does not fit all.In the future, Wikipedia should move more towards collaborative editing in which several users can edit a page at the same time. Wikipedia should also implement some kind of instant communication system rather than relying on talk pages.
There also need to be a series of simple video tutorials that show to the newcoming user how to edit Wikipedia and how to respond/communicate with fellow Wikipedia.
Ideally, I'd like to see wikimedia move to a more intuitive editing interface like adobe incontext.
Edit: I managed to elicit a response from Philippe ^.^ It's good to see you're still watching. I also wanted to suggest that a banner ad be run promoting editing, something similar in context to the ones used to solicit donations and the like. I will certainly have a look at those recommendations and offer my remarks there. Cheers!
Hi Smallman12q -
There are a couple of recommendations around similar ideas at the Community Health task force.... Task_force/Recommendations/Community_health - I'm curious about your thoughts on them.