Why Create An Account?/Archive 1

Why Create An Account?/Archive 1

This is Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. It is free to read, and free to edit. Go beyond reading, and join the world's community of volunteers.

You don't need to be registered to contribute, but getting an account will allow you to:

• Choose an appropriate username, then click here and create your own user page. You can now collaborate, share information about yourself, or just practice editing and publishing (in your own sandbox, for example).
• From your user page, you can view a convenient list of all your contributions (edits), and use the watchlist to monitor changes made to pages that interest you.
• You can communicate with other editors via your own talk page. You will be notified of new messages when you log on. You can also opt in to exchanging emails with other users.
• Having a username enables you to start new pages, rename pages, or upload images.
• You can edit semi-protected pages. IP Address users cannot edit pages of this security level, but Autoconfirmed users can (and usually you will become an autoconfirmed user after just 10 edits and 4 days).
• Use your unified login to work on Wikimedia's other projects.
• Use custom preferences (including your discussion signature) to change the look and behaviour of Wikipedia.
• Edit without your IP address being visible, except to a few highly trusted users who have the Checkuser permission and who do not give it out to the public.
• Use more advanced editing tools.
• Vote in Arbitration Committee elections and Wikimedia Board elections.
• Become eligible for Barnstars and other awards and recognition.
• Be nominated for adminship, bureaucratship, and the ability to gain permissions.

For a little bit more detail, read on. Or, get started: Be another raindrop in the wave – contribute to the Wikipedia Project the way that you want to.

Creating an account is quick and completely free.