Editing Without Editing

Anyone can edit Wikipedia. This is one of the platform’s core principles, allowing anyone to contribute and improve the online encyclopedia.

If, however, you want to edit an article about yourself, your organization, or any subject in which you have a vested interest, it must be done with caution and transparency. In fact, in this situation — what Wikipedia calls a conflict of interest or “COI” relationship — directly editing an article is discouraged.

The reasoning is that if you have a personal connection to the subject of the article, you may be more likely to include biased and promotional content. Articles on Wikipedia are intended to be written from a neutral point of view.

When There’s a Conflict of Interest

The good news: It is still possible to participate in the editing process even with a COI relationship. You just need to adhere to specific rules and criteria.

A few important things to know:

1. Be transparent about your COI relationship. Users have been banned in the past for trying over and over to make direct edits without declaring their conflict of interest.
2. Propose your edits on the “talk page” section of the article. This gives volunteer editors the opportunity to review your edits and ensure they meet the neutral point of view criteria.
3. Be polite and respectful in your communications with volunteer editors. Many editors are busy contributing to and improving Wikipedia, making upward of 25 to 50 edits per day.

Lastly, set reasonable expectations. Please note that not all of your requested edits may be approved. It is the nature of working with the volunteer community — they always have the final say.

It is possible that an edit may be accepted and made exactly as you’ve requested. Sometimes, part of an edit might be accepted, while another is not. An editor may ask questions about making an edit more Wiki-acceptable. Then, there is the real possibility an edit might be declined.

Let’s Begin the Editing Process Together

Working with To the Point Collaborative can get you and your company closer to your goal of an updated Wikipedia entry. We will evaluate the notability of your recent press coverage, and determine what will improve your current Wikipedia article.

We offer comprehensive, confidential services. Recent clients who have achieved COI editing success include:

• Installation artist
• Electric car company
• Behavioral scientist
• Home and personal care products company
• Best-selling author

Let To the Point Collaborative help you achieve your Wikipedia editing goals. Schedule a consultation with us today!