While working on an OSM-related statistics project that I need to present in the next few months, I stumbled across some ‘conversations of the past,’ scattered in changeset comments and block reports.

Some of those conversations triggered a strong emotional response in me—so much that I had to pause for a quick breather. I think I’ve just been exposed to a serious infohazard.

Then I remembered “that page” on Wikimedia Meta-Wiki.

Wikistress is stress caused by activity on a wiki like Wikipedia such as conflict, vandals, trolls, edit wars, and incivility.

I’ve suffered this kind of stress several times on Wikipedia, and now—since OSM is by nature quite similar to Wikipedia—I’ve relapsed again.

By the way, on that page, there are several tips for dealing with personal wikistress. I think we can adapt those tips to the OpenStreetMap context.

“Edit a less controversial page.”

Instead of big, difficult tasks such as place and highway classifications, adding things like toilets, cafés, restaurants, and pet shops might be less controversial (and more wholesome to do).

“Stop looking at your watchlist. It does contain pages that you are emotionally involved with. Of course, not having any pages in your watchlist is a good start :)”

Stay away from the OpenStreetMap Carto basemap (or any OSM-derived map tiles) for awhile?

“Take a long vacation. Treat yourself to relaxation, favorite TV shows (unless they cause you wikistress), spend time with friends, family, and pets, and maybe try something new.”

“If you are just reverting and deleting and not enjoying yourself then STOP. Someone else will have to deal with it. Do something else. “

“Remind yourself why it’s best to avoid fights and ignore trolls “

“Unsubscribe from the mailing lists and escape the pointless repetitive arguments, the endless recriminations and the general desire to create more heat than light.”

“Alternatively, re-read the mailing lists from previous months and years. Reminisce about past scandals and laugh at how the same issues repeat themselves year on year.”

“Assume stupidity, not malice. “

This is why the changeset discussion is such a dreaded place to visit, sometimes.

“If you’re annoyed, or angry, or depressed by Wikipedia, take a week off and chill. Exposure to real life will cure you.”

“forget about Wikipedia for awhile.”

“Quit.”

“If you don’t enjoy it, it’s a waste of time. Wiki shouldn’t be a chore or a commitment. If it’s becoming one then stop!.”

“Wikipedia is a text-based MMORPG: take it as such!”

“Remember that it’s just Wikipedia. You’re contributions are valued, but the encyclopedia can do without you for a few days or weeks. Just log off and go to the beach or go to that party you were invited to…don’t waste it for Wikipedia. Don’t let your life be dictated by Wikipedia.”

So, quitting is an actual solution for this?