In wiki communities, the “Be Bold” doctrine urges participants to contribute actively, aiming to cultivate a dynamic, collaborative space. This ethos coexists with guidelines that encourage discussion and ensure responsible editing.
Core Principle
“Be Bold” essentially advocates for individuals to take initiative in editing or creating content without excessive hesitance or unnecessary delays.
Historical Context
The principle originates from the early days of Wikipedia but has been adopted in various wiki communities as a guiding philosophy.
Objective and Function
The aim is to expedite the dissemination of information and foster a more dynamic and collaborative environment.
Ethos of Contribution
Emphasizes that more contributors result in more eyes on a subject, increasing the likelihood of identifying and correcting errors.
Iterative Process
Implicit in the philosophy is the understanding that no contribution is final; it is part of an ongoing cycle of edits and revisions.
Consensus-Building
While boldness is encouraged, it exists in tandem with the collective decision-making process. If an edit is reverted or contested, discussion and consensus are the next steps.
Limitations and Boundaries
The principle is not a blanket endorsement for reckless behavior or for pushing a particular agenda.
Interplay with Other Wiki Guidelines
“Be Bold” often coexists with other foundational policies like “Assume Good Faith” and “Neutral Point of View,” providing a balanced framework for community interaction.
Technological Enablers
Wiki platforms inherently allow easy editing and version control, which technically enables the “Be Bold” principle to function smoothly.
Global Applicability
This principle transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, as it is more of a universal guideline for communal work on digital knowledge repositories.
Real-World Analogs
Similar philosophies exist in various organizational settings that emphasize innovation and proactive behavior, although often with different risk profiles and stakes.
