Representative

(English) This is an essay. It expresses the opinions and ideas of some Wikimedians but may not have wide support. This is not policy on Meta, but it may be a policy or guideline on other Wikimedia projects. Feel free to update this page as needed, or use the discussion page to propose major changes.

The increasing size and activity of Wikimedia projects make it useful for an editor to appoint a representative, e.g. for an embassy. In the early days of the projects, it was possible for an editor to know pretty much all the other active editors, and to keep abreast of all discussions. But today, with so many simultaneously ongoing discussions, it is impossible for any one person to participate personally in all the discussions in which they may have an interest. Thus, one may wish to designate another trusted editor whose opinions they generally agree with as their representative.

A representative could be useful, for instance, if you are an excellent editor of marine biology articles who also has an interest in a complex issue such as notability policy. The discussions on notability have become so lengthy and complex that it would take all your time to educate yourself on all the threads and make an informed, complete contribution to the discussions. But you know a fellow whose opinion on the subject is aligned with yours. It might be more efficient to appoint him as your representative and have him participate in that discussion for you. That will give you more time to write on the subject of marine biology, but your opinion will still be represented.