- Note from the creator: this is a list of things that I have learned while being a Wikipedian, the following of which I find make life easier for everyone here, in no particular order. This list is probably not complete. If you wish to add anything, please do, below the line, and sign your name with four tildes (~~~~). Comments and complaints are welcome at all times. Thanks.
- Second note from the creator, almost seventeen years later to the day: Wow, this is all still true.
- Read before editing. For one article you write, read ten. Learn how to write articles here, how to formulate links and ideas, how to reference things, create tables and such. If you have technical trouble, look for a similar article and search for a solution to your problem, then copy the code mercilessly and adjust it to your needs. It's Wikipedia, you can do it.
- Read a lot in general. Apart from articles, there are also other namespaces, and it doesn't hurt to check what's happening at WP:AFD, WP:AFC, WP:RFA, WP:RD or WP:FAC. Read arguments, comments and discussions. Don't be afraid to put your thoughts to paper.
- Policy is not literature. If you want to see how things are done, look at examples, consensus as to how to handle certain situations, and precedence. It's good to know policy is there in case you need it, but real life applications are more important.
- Use edit summaries. You'll find it useful later on, both when looking through article edit histories, other users' contributions, and your own stuff.
- Use talk pages. They're here for a reason. People like talking to each other, and like to know what you do, and why.
- Sign your posts on talk pages. Apart from usefulness, they're friendlier that way.
- Write what you think, not what the other party would want to read. The more thorough you are, the better. Give arguments, and respond to others. But be civil at all times. Check on any comments where you write your thoughts, do not abandon discussions.
- Trust others, but check what they did. After all, everyone is born with a brain and should foremost learn how to use theirs before attempting to reengineer or influence the minds of others.
- Revert if you notice vandalism. Be merciless. Some people should not be allowed to breed.
- Don't be afraid to participate. If you do something wrong, sooner or later someone will come along and correct what you did.
If you wish, please add any thoughts below this line. Thanks.