How Editing Feels
Editing Wikipedia evokes a wide range of emotions. For many, the process starts off feeling intimidating but gradually becomes empowering as they get more comfortable. One participant expressed this shift in confidence perfectly: “This was a slow process, but it became more natural. I feel like this is an extension of grant writing or building a pitch deck.” They found familiarity in the act of building something structured and meaningful, but it took time for the flow to emerge.
“It feels fun and exciting but scary and intimidating. It’s so stimulating and also overwhelming. But if you stick with it, it gets easier.”
The learning experience of editing Wikipedia is often described as both exhilarating and challenging. One person noted, “It feels fun and exciting but scary and intimidating. It's so stimulating and also overwhelming. But if you stick with it, it gets easier.” This duality of emotions captures the excitement of diving into a new skill while acknowledging the steep learning curve. Another participant echoed this sense of empowerment, saying, “It’s so fun learning something new! It feels empowering, but also feels sensitive. I’m trepidatious, cautious.” This blend of excitement and caution underscores the responsibility that comes with contributing to a global platform like Wikipedia.
As the workshop progressed, participants began to realize the deeper significance of their edits. One described it as “an exchange of ideas, values, stories, and thoughts,” emphasizing the collaborative nature of editing and the connection it fosters within the Wikipedia community. Another participant felt that editing gave them access to something special, saying, “I feel like I now possess some kind of knowledge that I’ll be able to put to good use in the future.” This realization—of learning a new skill that has lasting value—gave them a sense of accomplishment.
“I feel like I now possess some kind of knowledge that I’ll be able to put to good use in the future.”
For others, the process was both mentally stimulating and a little exhausting. One participant humorously noted, “I might have lost a few brain cells towards the end, but I feel so much more accomplished!” This highlights the intense focus that editing can require, but also the satisfaction that comes with completing a task that contributes to the greater good. Similarly, another participant shared, “I am getting 1% smarter every hour I sit in this workshop,” reflecting the incremental yet rewarding nature of learning to edit Wikipedia.
The joy of discovery was another key theme. As one person put it, “I love this. I forgot how much I love discovering new things and falling into rabbit holes of history. It feels like I’m doing a puzzle (I love puzzles).” Editing Wikipedia is often described as a puzzle—putting together pieces of information, verifying facts, and making sure everything fits just right. The process can be addictive, as another participant observed: “It’s an addictive rabbit hole, which takes you from one thing to another and you end up finding information that works for you and other that doesn't, but you have new ideas and questions.”
“I love this. I forgot how much I love discovering new things and falling into rabbit holes of history.”
For some, the excitement comes from understanding how Wikipedia actually works behind the scenes. One participant remarked, “Feels exciting to learn the subtlety of the wiki culture and how to properly include oneself in the community.” Having visited Wikipedia countless times before, they now felt empowered by knowing what the buttons do and how they could actively contribute. Another participant shared a similar sentiment, saying, “Much more accessible,” reflecting their realization that editing Wikipedia isn’t as out of reach as it once seemed.
“There is a lot of power and feeling of accomplishment when you can contribute with things that are missing or when you can create something that was needed online.”
Ultimately, the experience of editing Wikipedia left participants feeling proud of their contributions. As one person put it, “I feel that there is a lot of power and feeling of accomplishment when you can contribute with things that are missing or when you can create something that was needed online.” This sense of achievement encapsulates what draws many to continue editing: the knowledge that their work is meaningful and will be seen by others worldwide.
