It occurred to me, as I was poking around Wikipedia recently, that in spite of the fact that CZ is if anything easier to contribute to than Wikipedia (once you're signed in), a lot of people are probably just plain intimidated by our website. They're intimidated partly by the whole notion of gentle expert guidance (which too many people don't realize is very light and gentle indeed), partly by the fact that edits are credited to one's real name, but mostly because the whole effort seems to be so Serious and indeed to take itself seriously.
But this is, I maintain, a complete and total mistake, and might explain why there are many people who sign up for accounts and then never do anything. I think we should promoting the idea that CZ is just as easy and more casual than many other wikis, and that you are encouraged to come here and GO TO TOWN. Kick up your heels. Get rid of any idea that you'll be monitored by snobbish experts if you participate. We are, even more than most Internet communities, just a circle of friends with a shared goal, from many walks of life and many educational levels. Some ideas for taglines and thoughts to develop in a new community page: * We're casual. * We're easy. * Forget that the experts are here. Sure they are--but so are you. Have fun! * Go to town! Do what you want! * Knowledge is fun. Well--what do you think? Please respond here: http://forum.citizendium.org/index.php/topic,1755.0.html --Larry
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