wikiHow:Assume Good Faith
[edit]Assume Good Faith
A core wiki value is to assume that all editors are here to build wikiHow rather than break it. The assumption of good faith helps to create a trusting community where editors feel free to make changes and share their ideas without being attacked for doing so. By treating newcomers similarly, we encourage helpful behavior and foster the growth of our vibrant and diverse community.
This fundamental value focuses on intentions, not actions. We all make mistakes, so when you see an unconstructive edit, try to assume it was a well-intentioned error. Revert the error then coach the editor in a civil and supportive manner. Scolding and accusing an editor of sinister motives will guarantee that they don't stick around here long enough to learn how to edit productively. Instead, simply correct mistakes with a positive attitude to help our community learn from them.
Contributors will not always agree on any given article. Even if another author's opinion doesn't match the goal of an article, it does not mean the author has ill intentions or is attempting to harm the article.
That said, a small number of vandals and trolls do want to harm wikiHow. Fortunately it is easy to reverse and stop any damage once their intent becomes clear.
[edit]Collective Intelligence, Cooperation, and Trust
One of the driving forces behind wikiHow is the ability for anyone to edit its contents. Not everyone can be an expert in every field, but together we can refine an article with our collective intelligence. The wisdom and knowledge of each contributor can fill gaps in an otherwise complex article.
There might still be gaps or leaps of logic in any given article at any moment in time. This is why wikiHow is a continually evolving how-to manual. There are no "completed" articles, but there are well refined articles. We all work together to polish written work; it is an ongoing process for the betterment of each article.
This also brings about a necessary level of trust. If our intentions are good (assume good faith), we must trust other contributors to have the best interests of both the article and wikiHow in mind. It is not healthy for us as a community to challenge each individual's proclamations of expertise in a specific field. Instead, trust each other where topics extend beyond our own field and level of expertise.
