Changelog Interviews The inner workings of Wikipedia
Nov 26, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Bill Buetler, a seasoned Wikipedian and founder of a digital agency focused on ethical Wikipedia PR, sheds light on the inner workings of Wikipedia. He discusses the complex rules that govern edits, the unique culture of editors, and the invisible hierarchies that shape content. Bill also explores how AI might impact the platform and reveals the challenges Wikipedia faces with sourcing reliable information. Additionally, he shares insights on maintaining journalistic integrity amidst shifting media landscapes.
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Layered Rules Over A Single Spec
- Wikipedia's governance is diffuse and porous, so even long-time editors don't know everything.
- Policies, guidelines, and essays form a layered rulebook rather than a single spec.
Spelling Wars Over Regional English
- Bill's early edits included normalizing US vs UK spellings based on subject origin, e.g., The Sopranos pages.
- Editors from different English variants actively defend regional spellings in articles.
The Yogurt Spelling War
- Bill recounted the long-running joke war over whether 'yogurt' has an H, reflecting cultural spelling differences.
- Such small disputes illustrate how minor editorial choices can persist indefinitely.