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This is a
statement of principles
from
Wikipedia
founder
Jimbo Wales
, as updated by the community since then. The
original version of this page
was published on 27 October 2001.
Introduction
edit
As we move forward with software and social changes, I think it is imperative that I state clearly and forcefully my views on openness and the licenses. This page, like all Wikipedia pages, is a living, dynamic document, which I will update and clarify as legitimate questions arise.
I should point out that these are
my
principles, such that
am the final judge of them. This does not mean that I will not listen to you, but it does mean that at some ultimate, fundamental level, this is how Wikipedia will be run.
(But have no fear, as you will see, below.)
Principles
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Wikipedia's success to date is entirely a function of our open community.
This community will continue to live and breathe and grow only so long as those of us who participate in it continue to
Do The Right Thing
. Doing The Right Thing takes many forms, but perhaps most central is the preservation of our shared vision for the
neutral point of view policy
and for a culture of thoughtful, diplomatic honesty.
Newcomers are always to be welcomed
There must be
no cabal
, there must be no
elites
, there must be no hierarchy or structure which gets in the way of this openness to newcomers. Any security measures to be implemented to protect the community against real
vandals
(and there
are
real vandals, who are already starting to affect us) should be implemented on the model of "
strict scrutiny
".

"Strict scrutiny" means that any measures instituted for security must address a compelling community interest, and must be narrowly tailored to achieve that objective and no other.

For example: rather than trust humans to correctly identify "regulars", we must use a simple, transparent, and open
algorithm
, so that people are
automatically
given full privileges once they have been around the community for a very short period of time. The process should be virtually invisible for newcomers, so that they do not have to do
anything
to start contributing to the community.
You
can edit this page right now" is a core guiding check on everything that we do.
We must respect this principle as sacred.
Any changes to the software must be gradual and reversible.
We need to make sure that any changes contribute positively to the community, as ultimately determined by the Wikimedia Foundation, in full consultation with the community consensus.
The open and
viral
nature of the
GNU Free Documentation License
and the
Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
is fundamental to the long-term success of the site.
Anyone who wants to use our content in a closed, proprietary manner must be challenged. We must adhere very strictly to both the letter and spirit of the licenses.
Wikipedia is an
encyclopedia
The topic of Wikipedia articles should always look
outward
, not inward at Wikipedia itself.
Anyone with a complaint should be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
They should be encouraged constantly to present their problems in a constructive way. Anyone who just complains without foundation, or refuses to join the discussion, should simply be rejected and ignored. Consensus is a partnership between interested parties working positively for a common goal. We must not let the "squeaky wheel" be greased just for being a jerk.
Diplomacy consists of combining honesty and politeness.
Both are objectively valuable moral principles. Be honest with me, but don't be mean to me. Don't misrepresent my views for your own political ends, and I'll treat you the same way.
See also
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External videos
Jimmy Wales: The birth of Wikipedia
, TED (conference), 2005.
Wikipedia:Free encyclopedia
– a 2004 statement by
Jimmy Wales
Wikipedia:Role of Jimmy Wales
Wikipedia:Administration § Human and legal administration
Wikipedia:Core content policies § History
Wikipedia:Purpose
m:Wikipedia Governance
– an essay written in 2002 by Jimmy Wales
Notes
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According to the copy of the page at
the nostalgia wiki
the original version of this Statement of Principles was created at: 01:34, 27 October 2001. Find more history
here
Related information
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Wikipedia principles
Five pillars
Statement of our principles
Jimbo's statement
Historic principles
Simplified ruleset
Synopsis of our conventions
Wikimedia principles
Common to all projects
(in Meta-Wiki)
Principles
Other essays on Wikipedia's principles
Retrieved from "
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Wikipedia basic information
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Jimbo Wales/Statement of principles
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