Wikipedia:Wikipediology

Welcome to the Institute of Wikipediology

Study, Reflection, Understanding, Solution

The Institute of Wikipediology is dedicated to conducting a serious study of the dynamics and problems of the Wikipedia community and providing resources about the Wikipedia community that currently do not exist.

We have three basic goals:

• We hope that through examination we can better understand the community's known strengths, or discover unknown strengths, and eliminate or reduce the impact of its problems.
• We seek to provide resources about the Wikipedia community's history and evolution for reference through concise easily accessible documents that exude the same quality and standards as Wikipedia articles.
• We intend to be a forum for an exchange of ideas related to the study of the Wikipedia community.

Projects

• List of Fellows
• Great Library on Wikipedia

FAQ

• What is Wikipediology?

Wikipediology is the study of Wikipedia community. The "a" has been dropped to avoid having three contiguous vowels.

• Aren't there already places that do this at Wikipedia?

For discussions we simply seek to provide a central location where people can come to share their ideas on these specific topics. There are scattered resources and discussions, but there is currently no central location or resource. The closest thing is the series of pages on Wikipedia policies and guidelines, but they often do not provide the background for how this came to be. The ultimate goal is for a newbie—when they come across a reference they don't understand that is not an official policy or guideline— to be able to find information about it quickly and in an easily readable form, rather than spending hours searching through scattered and incomplete primary sources, often with no more understanding as the end result.

• What resources will you offer?

We hope to offer resources about the Wikipedia community by consolidating information in primary sources scattered through out page histories and archives into concise NPOV secondary sources of specific topics. This will offer easy access to Wikipedians who were not here when these events unfolded and quick referencing for Wikipedians who were.

• Can I join?

The fellowship is open to any user interested in any of our three goals. All you have to do to join is list yourself on the fellows list.

• Do I have to be a fellow to participate in discussions or work on resources?

No, this is Wikipedia, so everyone is welcome—even anons. Please note that only fellows will be allowed to vote in any Institute elections, so we recommend becoming a fellow for anyone involved.

• Do you have a structure?

Foremost, we are subject to ArbCom rulings and Jimbo. A Board exists to moderate the workings of the Institute, and elects three regents, each with a non-consecutive term of one year, therefore, the position of Regent Ñ will be open in January 2007, Regent Ç, in May 2007, and Regent Ж in September 2007. The current members of the Board are: Exir Kamalabadi, Guettarda, Jmabel, Pureblade, and Titoxd. The Regents will be chosen by the Board.

• Can I be a regent?

To be a regent you must have been an active participant for at least four months prior to start election of the Regency you are seeking. To stand for Regent Ç in May 2007, you would have to become an active fellow no later than January 31^st, 2006.

• Will new regencies be added?

They can be added if a majority of the Board approves their addition and at least a majority of current regents agree. Please note there must always be odd number of regents.