It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.
This page in a nutshell: Behaving in an exemplary manner is A Good Thing. Even if the example doesn't spread, you'll feel better about yourself. Sign up and spread the word.
Background
Elderly Wikipedian with rose-tinted spectacles gazing longingly at the original paper copy of the encyclopedia
It is quite normal for each generation, as they age, to yearn for the values of the past, in a rose-tinted spectacles manner. There probably never was a time of Wikipedian harmony, polite collegiality and happiness, but it's nice to think that there was, and to aspire to bring it back.
Some long-term editors have noticed that they've become increasingly grumpy and bad-tempered on Wikipedia. This could be for any number of reasons, but the impact is that they are less happy contributors and the effects become a downward spiral, drawing in more and more grumpy contributors.
By pledging to return to these old-fashioned Wikipedian values, perhaps your example will spread, making the whole environment more pleasant. But even if it does not, you can feel happy about yourself and the contributions you're making. After all, the high ground is a great place to be. But beware the high horse; it can be painful to fall off this animal.
The pledges
I will:
Be unfailingly polite, even to vandals, let alone regulars with whom I disagree.
Take the mantra of assuming good faith to within a whisker of absurdity.
Apologise for perceived shortcomings, even on occasions when I think it is barely necessary.
Welcome other editors pointing out to me when I fail to meet the first three pledges.
Userbox
Some people like userboxes. If you sign up, feel free to add this one, if you fancy:
I think it's why I have been called naive recently, cloud cuckoo land was also mentioned, - I call it dream. (Look for Peace and Reformation on my user page) - Please let me know when I don't know enough of the "old" values, I still feel new here and learning. Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:29, 9 April 2013 (UTC)
I never edited Old Fashioned Wikipedia, but I found my grandma's rose-colored spectacles in the attic. Good principles on- and off-line. FourViolas (talk) 03:39, 19 February 2015 (UTC)
Sorry I didn't sign this four or five years ago. ϢereSpielChequers 10:22, 29 June 2015 (UTC)
Looking at my own nine-year history on Wikipedia, I realize that as the years have gone by I have become somewhat more snarky and even on occasion uncivil. I am going to take the pledge, starting on 01 July 2015. I encourage others to call me on it if I fall short. --Guy Macon (talk) 03:20, 30 June 2015 (UTC)
This looks so wonderful. Please count me in, I want to join your gang.--82.28.140.226 (talk) 22:26, 1 July 2015 (UTC)
Disputes never accomplish anything. Acknowledging that we all screw up often and can learn from each other fosters a more constructive environment, and in any event is so much more enjoyable than bickering. My goal shall always be to leave every conversation better than I found it. —Compassionate727(T·C) 14:30, 3 May 2016 (UTC)
Late again, but glad I have found this as I have found my patience disappearing somewhere.. I will try. Edmund Patrick–confer 15:04, 3 June 2016 (UTC)
I've been a member forever without realising it. Now I have no excuses. -- Jack of Oz[pleasantries] 21:29, 7 July 2016 (UTC)
Probably should have signed up years ago as I've had this page marked for quite awhile. Fyunck(click) (talk) 22:24, 7 July 2016 (UTC)
Way better than the drink! Miniapolis 21:39, 20 July 2016 (UTC)
That's a formula for life inside and outside Wiki. Ex nihil (talk) 09:37, 23 July 2016 (UTC)
Yep, that's the way. --A D Monroe III (talk) 16:29, 8 September 2016 (UTC)
This has always worked best for me. It doesn't work for everyone, and that's okay with me. - Dank (push to talk) 12:25, 16 September 2016 (UTC)
FInally feeling home. FkpCascais (talk) 17:43, 23 October 2016 (UTC)
That's a wonderful idea. Hope to have the ability to abide by all the points. --Mhhosseintalk 12:07, 3 December 2016 (UTC)
If you're not old-fashioned, a few of these Old Fashioneds will calm you enough to be!:) Just make sure that you don't reach the WP:DRUNKEDIT stage, and remember that Wikipedia is not about wining. Just saw this thanks to your signature. I try to do all as this suggests already, and hope I succeed..and that if I don't, I recognize it and/or accept corrective comments from my fellow wikipedians. Can I use the image on the right instead of the bespectacled gent?:) --Hammersoft (talk) 00:48, 6 January 2017 (UTC)
Need to slap myself in the face to temper the sarcasm that creeps in when dealing with constant little acts of vandalism (minor) and opinionated editors whos views are always 'right' (more major). Matilda Maniac (talk) 01:06, 18 February 2017 (UTC)
Yes, indeed.Junosoon (talk) 09:31, 18 February 2017 (UTC)
I was helped when I first joined Wikipedia by users who share these values, and I intend to do the same. Daylen (talk) 02:33, 17 May 2017 (UTC)
Lets go back to the days when everybody followed WP:AGF and WP:BITE, and administrators actually considered collateral damage when issuing blocks, like when the idea of long-term softblocking AOL dial-up was actually a big deal... PCHS-NJROTC(Messages)Have a blessed day. 02:49, 1 June 2018 (UTC)
Nope, just a group of people aiming to make wiki a better place! Seems a good set of principles to stick to! Greenleader (talk. 09:35, 11 August 2018 (UTC)
Definitely! Haven't always kept to the old values and will try harder everyday. PaineEllsworthput'rthere10:13, 30 August 2018 (UTC)
Love it! valereee (talk) 12:26, 12 February 2019 (UTC)
Where to sign up? I'm in! meloras (talk) 12:38, 24 February 2019 (UTC)
AGF to a whisker of abusdity? how about way past absurdity‽ Seriously though, I agree with this wholeheartedly. Gaelan💬✏️ 04:15, 6 March 2019 (UTC)
I've long been a sucker for nostalgia. Benjamin (talk) 10:43, 6 March 2019 (UTC)
I think I already follow this, but no reason not to sign up formally. (Do I get cashback for getting others to sign up?) Nick Moyes (talk) 14:47, 12 March 2019 (UTC)
This makes a lot of sense, I will join this cause as a self-proclaimed SGYT (Sophisticated Gentleman YouTuber). MK8 Master (talk) 7:52pm, 5th of October 2019 (AEST)
Renewing after all this time. –SJ+ 22:17, 8 December 2019 (UTC)
Marvellous - have subscribed! Kilboshtalk 14:29, 14 January 2020 (UTC)
I absolutely agree. please sign me up. thanks for posting this here!!! --Sm8900 (talk) 18:48, 16 January 2020 (UTC)
Markworthen How did you drag me to this page?! I resent you calling me old and grumpy! You must not be assuming good faith—am I right? (I know I am.) Anyone who joins this club must need help. - Mark D Worthen PsyD(talk) (I'm a man—traditional male pronouns are fine.) 21:37, 16 February 2020 (UTC)
This is much-needed. Cleisthenes2 (talk) 16:37, 5 March 2020 (UTC)
Why haven't I found this before? The author should have told me! --Silverije 22:21, 14 March 2020 (UTC)
(March 28, 2020 less corny comment) I think this is a WP movement that should gain more traction, because it sure would make this site a better place. I think this will also help how I interact with others in the future. StrangeloveFan101 (talk) 22:25, 28 March 2020 (UTC)
I've just stumbled across this group. SethWhales talk 02:00, 10 May 2020 (UTC)
This is actually how I experienced Wikipedia when I was a newbie, thanks to some wonderful people here. Count me in! ἀνυπόδητος (talk) 08:31, 4 June 2020 (UTC)
I was bullied a lot & wronged so many times when I joined this project in 2016 so today I hereby solemnly swear to abide by this 'doctrine'. I’m In! Celestina007 (talk) 07:48, 9 July 2020 (UTC)
Sounds like a plan. Used to be Wikipedia welcomed good edits. These days, far too many people act as if they own public articles and summarily reject good, even outstanding edits with poor excuses. Clepsydrae (talk) 23:44, 23 July 2020 (UTC)
This should be part of everyone's editing philosophy. Scorpions13256 (talk) 04:35, 4 September 2020 (UTC)
H e l l o t h e r e. I know, your dahhhling is late and somebody did the wrong note before I came so HAHAHA we love everyyyone here;) VincentLUFan (talk) (Kenton!) 18:45, 9 September 2020 (UTC)
I wholeheartedly endorse the above. PiRSquared17 (talk) 15:18, 14 September 2020 (UTC)
Well, as the essay says, "there probably never was" but, even so, it's always a worthy goal to put people first and treat them as people. Will add the userbox to my collection and hope any visitors will notice and adopt it. No Great Shaker (talk) 05:43, 24 September 2020 (UTC)
Hear! hear! All in favor of this. Editing Wikipedia should be an enjoyable experience (naive, I know). JGHowestalk 14:14, 10 June 2021 (UTC)
I may be a relatively new Wikipedian but I am becoming old-fashioned --Rexh17 (talk) 22:57, 10 August 2021 (UTC)
I'm in. Good idea. --Bduke (talk) 01:23, 12 August 2021 (UTC)
Good idea. Other participants may also be interested in wp:gentle editor. Andrewa (talk) 02:59, 6 September 2021 (UTC)
Totally in-line with how I normally operate, so I'm down. Should be required reading for all Wikipedians! I had a thought about "Old-fashioned" which I will add to the talk page. SteveChervitzTrutane (talk) 06:26, 18 October 2021 (UTC)
With hopes that practice on wikipedia makes perfect in life. LookOnMyEditsYeMighty(talk) 18:13, 4 December 2021 (UTC)
I firmly believe in trying to "bring back" (if it ever was) a temperament of politeness and congeniality. I love the encyclopedia, and I love other people that do too! I try to give out lots of the digital "cookies", "barnstars" and the like... I think there was a sense that we should not "dilute" their meaning by giving out too many, but this seems to me to have turned into not giving out enough! Please give generously to all around you, and I will try to do the same. Happy editing! ♥Th78blue (They/Them/Their • talk)♥ 02:06, 8 December 2021 (UTC)
I screwed up on this site. Least I can do is set a good example. elijahpepe@wikipedia 21:16, 27 December 2021 (UTC)
I have benefitted from other editors acting on these values; this is the Wikipedia I wish to pass on.--Verbarsontalkedits 15:52, 15 January 2022 (UTC)
I am new, but I feel nostalgic about the old customs of Wikipedia, a time in which I didn't even know what Wikipedia was, but which I am very passionate about. You can say, I am in a state of Anemoia. Trulio Drulio (talk) 10:09, 2 March 2022 (UTC)
You know, I've basically been trying to observe these without even knowing this essay existed. Count me in! Skarmory(talk •contribs) 21:08, 10 May 2023 (UTC)
Where are those good old fashioned values?? GoldenBootWizard276 (talk) 17:29, 12 May 2023 (UTC)
I'm there! Love these. IstBhrung (talk) 05:30, 18 June 2023 (UTC)
I promise to always assume good faith, be civil, never make personal attacks and set a good example for other editors. If I break that promise, I do not object to other editors letting me know about it. A little kindness goes a long way after all. ~Δ(delta • t • c) 21:06, 21 June 2024 (UTC)
Always be polite, always be grateful, always apologise when you get it wrong, and always learn from your mistakes. Easy enough, you would think, but there are too many people who think "always" means "never". PearlyGigs (talk) 13:32, 25 June 2024 (UTC)
My "within a whisker of absurdity" messages that are unfailingly polite actually mean I'm at my absolute grumpiest. And yet, they get results! Valfontis (talk) 03:41, 7 July 2024 (UTC)
Count me in! OnlyNanotalk 14:20, 11 July 2024 (UTC)
I would like a Wikipedia of kindnessǃ Nephellium (talk) 20:42, 22 July 2024 (UTC)Nephellium
Absolutely! Drama and incivility can permanently destroy people's desire to contribute. ✦ Saltymagnolia ✦ 15:06, 6 August 2025 (UTC)
I love this! I absolutely take this pledge Se7enNationArmy2024 (talk) 16:18, 22 August 2025 (UTC)
So heartwarming to see more and more people taking this pledge. The dream shall never die. DannyRogers800 (talk) 17:43, 22 August 2025 (UTC)
I'm now officially the 181st editor to sign this. I very much believe Wikipedia should be a kind and inviting place for all who seek to contribute to our beloved site. TootsieRollsAddict(talk) 05:25, 20 October 2025 (UTC)
Despite being a relative newcomer to Wikipedia (6 months, ish?), I agree wholeheartedly with all of it. Simple, really, and a shame there aren't more proponents of it. Commandant Quacks-a-lot (talk) 21:17, 22 October 2025 (UTC)