Wikipedia:Do not expect rewards for your editing

This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.

Shortcut WP:DNER

This page in a nutshell: You should contribute to Wikipedia because you think the world becomes a better place with many people acting like you. Do not expect additional reward of any kind.

Wikipedia content is contributed with an irreversible free license and without payment to the editors, researchers and administrators. These two requirements seem necessary for a Wiki encyclopedia project to survive and thrive. If editors could "take back" their articles upon leaving then we wouldn't have much of an encyclopedia. If the project had to pay editors and researchers, it would not be financially feasible. Some people, however, still expect other indirect rewards. This may come from their evil/egoistic personality, but it may also come from simple unawareness. This page exists to clear up any misconceptions regarding rewards for editing.