User:Dirk Franke/IGB-5

5. Get a user account and start editing!
	Create an account You don't need to register for contributing to Wikipedia. However, this is highly recommended. Having a user account makes your Wikipedian life easier, since you are able to follow up on the articles you edited. It also helps to communicate with other Wikipedians, since they will recognize you and help you along. While it is entirely possible to register using your real name, most Wikipedian prefer to use a nickname which is not connected to their real name. If the name you wish to use is already taken, try to add some numbers or further letters to find a user name which is still available. Think about a user name! Some hints: Your real name is just fine. But: you will not be able to edit anonymously. This may be useful when editing controversial topics such as politics, religion or sexuality. Wikipedians adress each other with their user names, on-wiki but also at offline meetings, so it helps if your user name is easy to spell and to pronounce. Use your fantasy to come up with your user name, but keep in mind: re-existing words help others to write and pronounce your username (so "tree hugging hippie" works better than "678hyspcks!!" Ready? So click to create your account now! Create your user page Screencast how to edit a user page in Wikipedia You created an account in Wikipedia! Great! Now write something on your user page. Let other Wikipedians know who you are and what your are interested in. But please, be aware: whatever you write is public - so keep personal information to a minimum. Click: In this screencast I will show you how to edit your user page. Try the same on your own user page!
Click to continue with lesson #6