User:CanonNi/You're free to leave

This essay is in development.

It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors.

Essays may represent widespread norms or minority viewpoints. Consider these views with discretion, especially since this page is still under construction.

This page in a nutshell: Editors do not have the obligation to edit. If one wishes to leave, they may do so at anytime.

Wikipedia is a volunteer service, and editors are not forced to stay. Editors make mistakes and get criticized by other editors. Some respond by saying:

Well, I'll just leave, if that's what you want.

Yes. If that's your attitude towards editing, you're free to leave. If you are unwilling to listen to criticism and fix your mistakes, please leave. There are over 100 thousand active editors here on the English Wikipedia. You are not irreplaceable, nor are you more important than others.

Criticism[edit]

New editors are often warned and criticized by more experienced editors. This is normal. Wikipedia has basic rules to keep it working, and not becoming an anarchy. If you want to say and do whatever you wish, please, go somewhere else. 4chan would be great. Criticism is essential for growth: it's how every editor started, and forever will be.

Constructive criticism isn't attacking. It's helping, teaching, supporting, and benefiting editors.