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It’s interesting that staff members haven’t made any comments yet on this thread. Not calling anyone out, but just something I’ve noticed. Just a few more miscellaneous thoughts now that more people have commented:

  • Does anyone remember this thread and the discussion that arose from it?
  • The sexually explicit article did surprise me. Of course, this is the internet, and just because an article is on a sexual topic, I don’t think it automatically meets the deletion policy. It is about how it is written. An article on a sexual topic that doesn’t go into specifics is fine. For example this one avoids go in into detail. It will say something like “try new positions”, but it won’t elaborate on what positions. I think that’s an acceptable balance. I also think articles that are not on a sexual topic, but mention certain anatomy or have illustrated diagrams of said anatomy is fine. For example, articles on health topics are totally acceptable. Or similarly, an article on how to insert a tampon is, of course, going to need to use proper words, but that’s fine, because it’s not a sexual topic . The issue is when it is both on a sexual topic, and it describes actual sexual acts.
  • I have my concerns about how mental health diagnoses are being treated on this site. I raised the issue on a forum thread two years back and was given reassurance that staff were looking into it, only it seems the issue has gotten worse. I disagree with wikiHow spreading misinformation on mental health disorders, as well as using quizzes to ‘diagnose’ mental health problems, even if it comes with a disclaimer. We shouldn’t be using pop psychology in our articles for views.
  • I was afraid to use the words ‘content farming’, but I have more confidence now others have spoken up and used the same words. Yes, that phrase does sometimes spring to mind when seeing certain articles. It makes the site look cheap.
  • The contributing side to wikiHow is a great place for people to learn new skills that can benefit them even outside of editing on wikis. Nobody is going to be perfect, but one of the great things about wikiHow is that there are always people to coach you (and coaching people is a skill in itself). Placing too many restrictions means there is less scope to learn said skills. I was in school when I joined wikiHow, like a lot of users were, and wikiHow helped me a lot with my literacy skills, for example.
  • I don’t know how wikiHow uses AI. Personally I am opposed to generative AI usage (and other forms, but not so strongly), but that, on its own, wouldn’t stop me from contributing to a site. I would appreciate some clarity on what parts of the site do use AI.
  • Is there more or fewer editors on wikiHow than before? How do people feel the userbase has changed over the years? I don’t really know because I have been taking breaks. I would be interested to know people’s observations.
  • Projects, while not without major flaws (I made a thread about my issues with them here – apologies about the formatting, that was on the old forums, I also can’t find the thread Eric was referencing or I would link it too), for all their flaws, were a brilliant way to get people involved in editing, especially newer members. It was a great way for users to collaborate. I think we should revitalise the idea. We obviously need to think of how to be most productive with them, but I would rather go back to having the collaborative spirit, with flaws, but where people still have enthusiasm for what they are doing, than to lose the community in the name of perfection. I think it would be a great way to get the community working together.
  • Even if we don’t have projects, it would still be great if community volunteers could put out calls to action in the ‘Collaboration Corner’ section of forums, so people can find something to do and we can work as a team. I think this, and the projects idea, are a good action point for any users going forward, if anyone wants to take that up.
  • I would like to hear from former users who have left what it is that made them leave, but obviously they are not on the site to ask them.
  • I actually think the forums are a great tool for keeping up camaraderie amongst users. While my opinions on the forums have changed over the years, I do believe they offer something valuable to the community and are one of the things that keeps up the human aspect of the site.
  • On top of this, I think people should keep up the friendliness of wikiHow. Give edits you like a thumbs up, leave supportive messages on people’s talk page, let people know they are appreciated, show people you see and admire the hard work they put into wikiHow. I know some people worry it will come across as ‘annoying’, but it doesn’t! Spread the wikiLove! We are humans, not machines, so let’s act like it.
  • We should be more open to bouncing ideas off each other and asking others for help. That’s what community is for. Again, it’s not ‘annoying’ it’s appreciated. Community also involves having friendly disagreements from time to time and working through them. Every user, new and old, should feel they have a place on wikiHow and should not be afraid to voice their opinions or ask questions. That’s what keeps the community healthy.
  • I was initially in support of the restrictions placed on new editors making articles, but hearing other people’s opinions, I have a changed view on this. Spam is easy to catch and can be deleted easily, is it really the end of the world if we get a few extra spam articles we have to deal with, if it means new editors can contribute more freely? I think not.
  • The layout of articles is so inconsistent it sometimes makes wikiHow hard to navigate or understand what is exactly going on on this site these days.
  • Do volunteer articles even get featured or rising stars anymore? It used to be a great way to boost users’ confidence when they wrote a truly excellent article. I feel they are maybe less common now and when they are featured or rising, it doesn’t have the same impact they had before.
  • A lot of these pop culture articles may go outdated very quickly. There are other article topics with more longevity.
  • Having users with personal experience for topics, an area of expertise, professional or not, or even just a great passion for what they are writing about is one of the most valuable things. I would much rather read an article about a topic where I know the author has a personal interest in the topic, over one that was written to get clicks.

I love everything about that post, but that’s the bit that stuck with me the most. The community spirit is one of the most valuable parts of wikiHow. I get sentimental about this too. The community is there to boost people’s confidence, celebrate achievements, teach us skills and give us a sense of accomplishment over what we do. I would take the human side of wikiHow over the side of convenience and commercialism any day.

I am really glad we are having this discussion. What we are seeing here is a group of people who want to do more. In my view, and I assume I am not alone in this, I believe perfection is not the main thing here. We are a community of volunteers who put in effort to our work, for no personal gain. Sometimes we make mistakes, our work isn’t perfect and there will always be more to do, but wikiHow is about a lot more than the final goal. I hope that our concerns are listened to and taken into account, but also, as volunteers, let’s do our bit to keep the community spirit up. I would like to know what people think of the point about projects in particular. All ideas welcome.

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