Changelog Master Feed The inner workings of Wikipedia (Changelog Interviews #668)
11 snips
Nov 26, 2025 
Bill Buechler, a seasoned Wikipedian and founder of Buetler Inc., reveals the fascinating mechanics of Wikipedia. He discusses how rules and community dynamics shape content, the role of PR in editing, and the informal hierarchies that influence what gets accepted. Bill also addresses concerns about AI potential and the importance of reliable sources as journalism wanes. He emphasizes that while AI may assist, Wikipedia's original database remains invaluable. Dive into the intricate world that keeps this encyclopedia thriving!
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Layered Rules And Community Jargon
- Wikipedia's rulebase is layered: mandatory policies, strong guidelines, and community essays that carry varying weight.
- Editors learn shorthand like NPOV and use RFC-style discussions to resolve tough issues.
Diplomacy Removed A Domino's Detail
- Bill persuaded editors to remove a trivial negative Domino's incident by arguing it lacked corporate relevance despite being true.
- That early diplomatic success taught him respectful outreach wins on Wikipedia.
Start On The Talk Page First
- Read relevant Wikipedia policy and explain proposed changes on the article's talk page before editing.
- Show respect for existing editors and provide clear rationale to increase chances your edit will stick.
