Hi everybody! It has been quite a while since I posted a blog, and so I'm thinking that it is time to post yet another. Today, I will be delving into a more personal perspective- mine- regarding the lessons I have learned here on FANDOM.
Lessons I Have Learned[]
- There are always two sides to a story. - This was probably the hardest fact I had to overcome when I initially joined FANDOM. Growing up the way I did, I have a rather impulsive aura about me, and used to make decisions without thinking them through. Some communities are unable to afford the cost of a bad choice, and so I would advise any Wiki member to heed the following words: before you make an accusation to somebody about their editing or whatnot, bear in mind that people have a reason for why they do something.
- You cannot please everybody. - When I became administrator here on Community Central almost a year ago, I was smacked in the face when I came to realize that there is no way everybody was going to like the manner I handled certain things. Some say I might be too lenient, others say I might be too strict. That's okay, though, because it's how you deal with these social relations that help you grow as a person. Do not be so desperate to make others happy that you lose a piece of who you are.
- Nobody can lead without following. - I hated being a follower. I really did. I was never one to conform to the status quo (I still am not). However, in order to lead a community, you have to learn how to be a follower first. If you don't participate actively- be it editing or chatting- then how can you expect others to follow your example; especially if you haven't set one? And on that same note...
- You cannot guide a community if you fence yourself in. - Perhaps I could have worded this better.. but regardless. Communities are not easy to lead, especially when the leader is extremely closed off. Treating others with kindness is quite important, if you wish to guide fairly. That does not mean you should allow that one troll from 2011 that comes back every month to vandalize your Wiki, by the way. There is a difference between leading fairly and bringing in trouble.
- Assume good faith.. but trust your gut too. - My gut leads me through a lot of situations in my life; thus, I refuse to abandon my focus whenever the topic of assuming good faith comes up. As many of you might already know, I vouch for assumption of good faith a ton. That does not mean I drop my wits about me, however. Trust your instincts if they're telling you something about a user, but don't voice them or treat anybody any different unless it's rather clear they're disruption-only.
Well, that's all I have for now. I'm sure there's many others I am forgetting- if you disagree with any of these points, feel free to comment but please back up your statements with facts/evidence. None of that "omg pyro u r sooo meen bc u bloked me 4 a year" stuff, thank you.