The way events unfolded after that ominous day in January 2025 was not unexpected, yet it came as a total shock. Mere weeks later, I found myself despondent and powerless, and I decided I needed to do something. But what? Demonstrate? I have attended demonstrations for forty years, and yes, massive ones can make a difference — but this time, it felt like they wouldn’t. I felt the need to contribute in a practical way, to do something truly meaningful.
Then the answer became clear to me. In this age of alternative facts and misinformation, global
access to accurate information is crucial. I would go back to Wikipedia.
So here I am, again.
***
First and foremost, most editors are friendly, helpful, always civil. To some of them I will be forever grateful.
But since my return early this year, I have lost four nights' sleep over conflicts on Wikipedia, and every time I thought I would leave Wikipedia. At times, the working conditions here are punishing. Genuine mistakes can be dealt with in a harsh and unforgiving way. Being accused of bad faith without anyone saying to the editor, please remember to assume good faith, can make editing Wikipedia a hurtful and distressing experience. And there is nowhere to turn to with that hurt, and the uncertainty about what to do. No trusted co-worker to speak to in private, to share my feelings and to get their perspective on what happened. It can feel very lonely.
And yet, I am back, again.
I need to do something meaningful in these dark times, and there is nothing that I can do that feels more meaningful than creating the best Wikipedia we can, full to the brim with accurate information.
More information Old bling bling. All of them very much appreciated. ...
Old bling bling. All of them very much appreciated.
The Psychology Barnstar
Awarded in recognition of your great work fighting vandalism
For your comment here. There's at least three barnstars that apply to what you said, but I just thought this one fit best. Great argument. Lightheadþ 06:29, 8 September 2012 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Integrity
You receive a lot of appreciation, many "Thank you!"s I admire your diligence in responding to other Wikipedians. Joshua Jonathan (talk) 19:45, 28 November 2012 (UTC)
The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar
For your great kindness and encouragements. Thanks a lot. ···Vanischenu「m/Talk」 10:04, 13 January 2013 (UTC)
The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar
For going above and beyond the call of duty to encourage new Wikipedians. Thank you! Firecatalta (talk) 01:08, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
Keep up the good work!! Gwhodge (talk) 16:32, 14 March 2013 (UTC)
The Original Barnstar
For your excellent work on psychology related articles. This is one of the most difficult subjects to work one thus my extra appreciation. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) (if I write on your page reply on mine) 15:16, 2 April 2013 (UTC)
The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar
Your page (life) is inspiring... saw that you've edited
the motor neuron page a lot recently...
So wondering... are these typos?:
Motor neurones are neurones that carry signals from the spinal Wikicello (talk) 05:06, 5 July 2013 (UTC)
The Editor's Barnstar
I rarely come across a psychology-related article (psychology being my primary interest) where you have not made important contributions. You not only have composed cogent, erudite original content for many articles, but you also refine, spruce up, and inevitably improve every article I have encountered with your name in the list of editors. Thank you. Mark D Worthen PsyD 01:59, 11 October 2013 (UTC)
The Medicine Barnstar
You were one of the top 10 medical contributors to Wikipedia in 2013. Many thanks for all your hard work. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) (if I write on your page reply on mine) 20:32, 11 March 2014 (UTC)
The Mediator Barnstar
Keep up the good work! CFCF (talk) 00:11, 2 April 2025 (UTC)
This is my pet peeve: Statistics that lump women and children together. "Nearly 70% deaths are women and children."[1] What kind of information is this? How many are women and how many are children? Maybe, 40% are children, and 30% are women. Thus, 30% men. Just for a change, I would really like to see a news outlet writing: 70% were men and children. They will never do that though.
