Wikipedia:Policypedia/Boldness

From Karmafist

Policies In Regards To This

• Be Bold
• WP:IAR

Thoughts

One of the key beliefs of Wikipedia is that when the going gets tough, the tough don't get caught up in red tape. Although the structure and policies are important, we're ultimately here to make an encyclopedia, and when tempers or too many rules get in the way of fulfilling that goal, it's best just to go and do what you were going to do anyway instead of feeling timid or frustrated.

The key differences between Be Bold and WP:IAR is that IAR is considered more of a "last resort" policy. It's generally frowned upon if you try to go anarchist right off the bat without trying to work with others first, which is also a key part of Wiki-belief.

Strengths

With this thinking, Wikipedia never is short of new energy and ideas. Rules can often strangle new ideas or attempts at doing things, so being bold is a great way to break through that innovation dilemma.

Weaknesses

WP:IAR is often one of the most misunderstood rules, mostly because it's rather paradoxical. It can contradict all other rules, and the times when it should be implemented are largely a personal viewpoint at this point, something that may need to be standardized. However, with that standardization may come a deficit of boldness since people will start being bold up to a point. Unfortunately, this may be the price Wikipedia has to pay with increasing user numbers.