How to write an edit summary
- Summarize. Summarize the change, even if only briefly; even a short summary is better than no summary.
- Explain. Give reasons for the change, if you think other editors may be unclear as to why you made it.
- Abbreviations.
- Expand on important information.
- Talk pages.
What is edit summary?
An edit summary is a brief explanation of an edit to a Wikipedia page. When you edit a page there is a small text entry field, labeled Edit summary, located under the main edit box and above the Save page button.
Do you need an account to edit Wikipedia?
Having an account gives you a fixed Wikipedia identity that other users will recognize. Sometimes new or unregistered users are prevented from editing pages that are common targets of vandalism (just as this page is protected, and only users with an account can edit it).
What happens if you edit a Wikipedia?
Your vandalism will be reverted. It will usually happen within minutes, if not seconds. A lot of obvious vandalism is reverted automatically (and usually immediately) by an automated computer program.
What is the format of a summary?
A summary begins with an introductory sentence that states the text’s title, author and main point of the text as you see it. A summary is written in your own words. A summary contains only the ideas of the original text. Do not insert any of your own opinions, interpretations, deductions or comments into a summary.
Who can edit Wikipedia?
Wikipedia is a wiki, meaning anyone can edit nearly any page and improve articles immediately. You do not need to register to do this, and anyone who has edited is known as a Wikipedian or editor.
Is it safe to edit Wikipedia without an account?
This is Wikipedia. You do not have to log in to edit, and almost anyone can edit almost any article at any given time. But be aware that the source of an edit is always publicly displayed; making edits with an artificially named Wikipedia account means your account’s name will be linked to every edit.
Can you go to jail for editing Wikipedia?
Vandalism is easy to commit on Wikipedia because anyone can edit the site, with the exception of protected pages (which, depending on the level of protection, can only be edited by users with certain privileges). It is not a criminal act to vandalise Wikipedia.
What happens if you edit false information on Wikipedia?
False information in Wikipedia articles hurts the reputation of the encyclopedia. False information in some articles, such as medical or medication articles, could have serious real-world consequences. And making false, negative statements about a living person can expose Wikipedia to legal issues for defamation.
How long is a summary?
A summary is always shorter than the original text, often about 1/3 as long as the original. It is the ultimate “fat-free” writing. An article or paper may be summarized in a few sentences or a couple of paragraphs. A book may be summarized in an article or a short paper.
How do you write a short summary?
4 Tips for Writing a Good Summary
- Find the main idea. A useful summary distills the source material down to its most important point to inform the reader.
- Keep it brief. A summary is not a rewrite—it’s a short summation of the original piece.
- Write without judgment.
- Make sure it flows.
