Morel Doucet

Morel Doucet’s journey through Wikipedia was one of discovery, both personal and intellectual. A soft-spoken artist with a meticulous process, Morel approached the task of learning to edit with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "I'm nervous about not meeting the metrics and facing rejection for my topic to be published on the Wikipedia platform," he said. The idea of being held to a standard he wasn’t yet familiar with weighed on him initially, but as he dove deeper into the experience, those nerves began to fade.

At the heart of Morel’s learning was a new understanding of neutrality and verifiability. "Neutrality is looking at both sides of a situation," he explained. Wikipedia wasn’t about presenting a singular viewpoint; it was about offering a balanced perspective, free from personal bias. "Verifiability," he added, "is checking your sources and adding supporting documents." The rigorous fact-checking process, he realized, was not a hindrance but a crucial tool in ensuring the quality of the platform’s content.

One aspect of Wikipedia that gave Morel pause was writing about himself. "I feel apprehensive about writing about myself," he admitted. While his work had garnered positive press, and his art was included in museum collections, he felt uncomfortable with the idea of self-promotion. "I would prefer a third party to write about me on Wikipedia," he said, reflecting the platform's guidelines that discourage autobiographical entries. Morel’s humility and dedication to the craft made him realize that contributing to others' stories, rather than his own, felt more aligned with the values of Wikipedia.

Morel’s first major contribution was a comprehensive article about Stephen Towns, an acclaimed artist based in Baltimore. "He is known for his innovative work that blends painting with fiber arts," Morel noted. Choosing to write about Towns was not random; it was an act of admiration and respect for a fellow artist whose work explored complex social themes. Morel took to the task with the same attention to detail that he brings to his own art, carefully researching and verifying sources to ensure that the article would meet Wikipedia’s high standards.

“The most important thing that I’ve learned thus far has been the rules and policies in regards to Wikipedia.”

"The most important thing that I’ve learned thus far has been the rules and policies in regards to Wikipedia," Morel reflected. Understanding these guidelines became the foundation of his contributions. He realized that the platform’s structure was not restrictive, but empowering. It gave him the tools he needed to ensure his work was accurate, fair, and reliable.

Wikipedia, Morel learned, was more accessible than he had initially thought. "The Wikipedia platform is very easy to join," he observed, adding that "with proper training and mentorship, anyone can learn how to contribute." This accessibility resonated with Morel, who saw the platform as a space where diverse voices could share their knowledge, provided they were willing to learn and adhere to the platform’s standards.

“The Wikipedia platform is very easy to join. With proper training and mentorship, anyone can learn how to contribute.”

Comparing Wikipedia to his own artistic process, Morel noted that both involved "complexity and the multiple layers" required to create something meaningful. "Just as my work involves aspects of mathematics and chemistry," he wrote, "so too does the meticulous coding and structuring required to build a well-rounded Wikipedia entry." For Morel, the parallels between creating art and crafting a Wikipedia article were striking: both required a deep understanding of form, balance, and precision.

In Morel’s view, Wikipedia was nothing less than "an online library and archive of information that discusses the human condition, thoughts, beliefs, and ideas." He saw the platform not just as a repository of facts, but as a living collection, where stories from all walks of life could be documented and preserved.

One area where Morel saw immense potential for Wikipedia was in uncovering hidden stories within the Miami landscape. "Wikipedia can impact the Miami landscape by uncovering hidden stories and experiences of black and brown communities, shedding light on the immigrant experience," he wrote. As an artist deeply connected to themes of identity and migration, Morel felt that Wikipedia could be a powerful tool in amplifying voices that are often left out of traditional narratives.

“Wikipedia can impact the Miami landscape by uncovering hidden stories and experiences of black and brown communities, shedding light on the immigrant experience.”

To the next group of Wikipedia learners, Morel offered simple but valuable advice: "Ask questions, practice for improvement, read, and ask more questions." His emphasis on curiosity and persistence reflected his own journey through the workshop, where each step forward was a learning experience.

As for what excited him most about Wikipedia? "I am enthusiastic about learning different writing styles and techniques for writing articles on various topics," he shared. The opportunity to expand his skills as a writer and researcher was something Morel found particularly rewarding. He saw Wikipedia not just as a platform for sharing knowledge, but as a place where he could grow as both a thinker and a creator.

Morel’s journey through the Wikipedia workshop was a reflection of his artistic ethos—careful, thoughtful, and grounded in a deep respect for both craft and community. What began as a nervous step into the unknown became a meaningful engagement with a platform that, like his art, allows for multiple layers of complexity and understanding. In the end, Wikipedia was more than just a tool for documenting the world; it became, for Morel, another canvas on which to explore and contribute to the stories of others.