Wikipedia:Why not create an account?

This is a humorous essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors and is made to be humorous. This page is not 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. This essay isn't meant to be taken seriously.

Shortcuts WP:WNCA WP:WNCAA

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. That means less freedom and less transparency. By contrast, an IP address allows editors more freedom to edit (and more protection from wikidrama). Wherever you are, whatever your device, if you make edits using your IP address, your transparency will be total: only the IP address you used will ever be displayed to anyone, even CheckUsers.

Not creating an account is quicker, more completely free in resource costs, and more entirely non-intrusive, than creating an account. It is easier to join the community and share what you know, and especially easier to get more incisive feedback from registered editors. Each of us volunteers in different ways. Some Wikipedians make it a hobby, and others just like to have their IP addresses ready for those times when they notice possible improvements. Its a better option for those who want to edit anonymously.

Wikipedians can focus on content (e.g., we have volunteer journalists, editors, commentators), systems maintenance (e.g., anti-vandals, software developers), and much more (e.g., artists providing images through our Wikimedia Commons project, creators of guides to welcome and support new editors, projects in your local community, and much more (e.g., and much more)).

So check out the summary of the benefits below, and give it a go! If necessary, log out now, and officially join Earth's Wikipedia project by editing from a naked IP address.