Wikipedia:Responsible Editing Pledge
 | This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
 | This page in a nutshell: Publishing information about any living individual, particularly if that information is critical or negative, whilst hiding behind a the anonymity of the screenname is unethical. We will not do it. |
Wikipedia normally allows users to edit any article without logging in or through a using pseudonym (an account which does not identify the real name of the user). This policy is useful. It allows people to edit without fear of harassment, or unjustifiable interference with their "real" life (although it does not guarantee anonymity).
However, with regard to the biographies of living people, there seems something unfair about users being able to comment on another person whilst withholding their own name. Other publications may provide information or commentary on living individuals, but the authors or editors responsible for such material are publicly named. Such writers stake their real life reputations on the accuracy and fairness of what they write, and indeed may legally held to account.
Whilst, Wikipedians being sued is not something desirable, Wikipedians knowing that their personal reputation is at stake and that they are legal accountable, will encourage responsible editing. It is fair to the subject. It gives reassurance to the reader.
The Pledge
Without necessarily calling for any change in Wikipedia policy, we the undersigned pledge NOT to engage in the anonymous or pseudonymous publication of material on any living individual.
With regard to the biographies of living people, we will not contribute content unless through accounts linked to our real identities (that is other than simple copyediting, or removing inappropriate content).
That is, the undersigned are either:
- already using accounts identifying their real identity (and will not use sock puppets on BLPs)
- OR pledging not to add content concerning living people
- OR intending on creating seperate accounts, linked to their real identities, for the this purpose (such accounts may be unlinked to their main accounts)