Wikipedia:WikiGnome

This page contains material that is kept because it is considered humorous. Such material is not meant to be taken seriously.

Shortcut WP:GNOME

WikiGnome
A WikiGnome in its natural habitat
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Primates
Family:	Hominidae
Genus:	Smallus
Species:	S. editus

A WikiGnome is a wiki user who makes useful incremental edits without clamoring for attention. WikiGnomes work behind the scenes of a wiki, tying up little loose ends and making things run more smoothly. Examples of WikiGnome-like behavior include improving punctuation, fixing typos, correcting poor grammar, creating redirects, adding categories, repairing broken links, and many other repetitive but still important tasks. Typical behaviors are ticking the "This is a minor edit" box before saving any edit, and not providing an edit summary. The WikiGnome is the original example of WikiFauna, having originated in the first wiki WikiWikiWeb.^[1] A WikiGnome is also known as a WikiGardener^[2] (not to be confused with a WikiFarmer).

Many highly active wiki contributors exhibit WikiGnome-like behavior as part of their work, while others may limit themselves to WikiGnome activity.

WikiGnomes are considered to be friendly like WikiFairies and WikiElves. The rough opposite of a WikiGnome is a WikiOgre.

WikiGnomes love to work in the shadows making what are called minor edits in various nooks and crannies of Wikipedia. Look at recent changes and you may even spot one at work.

WikiGnomes who are feeling familial or desirous of a grander sense of purpose often adopt a typo, gaining fulfillment by raising themselves into existence on the article namespace. Of course, editors are encouraged to garner up some courage and come into the light of day as a gesture of open friendliness and straightforwardly make their edits without being afraid of what others think.