It is often said that leaving a legacy is not about leaving something for people, but leaving something in people. This sentiment, expressed by Peter Strople, highlights the idea that a legacy is not measured by material possessions or external accomplishments, but by the impact we have on others and the lasting memories we create.
Hatched by Kazuki Nakayashiki
Aug 24, 2023
4 min read
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It is often said that leaving a legacy is not about leaving something for people, but leaving something in people. This sentiment, expressed by Peter Strople, highlights the idea that a legacy is not measured by material possessions or external accomplishments, but by the impact we have on others and the lasting memories we create.
Shannon Alder takes this idea further, emphasizing that a legacy is not something etched on tombstones, but rather something etched into the minds of others. The stories and memories that people share about us are what truly define our legacy. It is through these stories that our influence lives on, long after we are gone.
Steve Saint adds another dimension to the concept of legacy, stating that the power of a person's life lies in the stories they leave behind. Our stories are not only a testament to our own experiences, but they also shape the lives of those around us. The impact we have on our friends and loved ones, through our words, actions, and relationships, is the longest-lasting legacy we can leave.
Billy Graham echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the greatest legacy we can pass on to future generations is not material wealth, but a legacy of character and faith. Our values, beliefs, and the way we live our lives have a profound impact on those who come after us. It is through the example we set and the values we instill in others that our true legacy is formed.
When we consider the concept of legacy, it is important to recognize that our lives are never just about ourselves. We are always part of a bigger narrative, interconnected with the lives of others. Our actions and choices ripple out into the world, affecting those around us and shaping the course of history.
Now, let's shift our focus to the struggle that Wikipedia faces when it comes to recognizing creators and their legacies. As a Wikipedia contributor, I am well aware of the controversy surrounding this issue. Notability, the criteria for determining whether a subject is worthy of an article on Wikipedia, is inherently subjective. What constitutes a "reliable" secondary source and where the citation comes from can greatly impact the credibility and notability of a subject.
Out of the 1.7 million biographies on Wikipedia, only 20% feature women. This lack of representation raises questions about the objectivity and inclusivity of the notability guidelines. If the third-most followed creator on a platform with millions of global users is not considered notable enough for Wikipedia, then who is? The issue becomes even more complex when we consider that mainstream publications often do not cover the activities and achievements of creators in the same way they cover traditional celebrities or public figures.
Wikipedia relies heavily on secondary sources for verification and credibility. However, what goes on in the world of creators and platforms like Twitch is rarely covered by mainstream publications. As a result, the publications that do report on these creators are often deemed not reputable enough by Wikipedia's standards. This creates a disconnect between the relevance and impact of creators and their recognition on a platform like Wikipedia.
Creators establish their own notability through their content and the impact they have on their audience. In fact, studies have shown that 92% of consumers trust an influencer's product recommendation more than a celebrity endorsement. The power and influence of creators cannot be ignored or dismissed.
However, the system of notability on Wikipedia, which is largely controlled by a small group of editors, does not always reflect the true impact and significance of creators. It is a system that, as one editor noted, covers what reliable sources cover. This raises the question of how creators fit into the future of documentation and history. Should their legacies be judged solely by traditional standards of notability, or should there be a reevaluation of these guidelines to better reflect the changing landscape of influence and impact?
In conclusion, the struggle that Wikipedia faces in recognizing creators and their legacies highlights the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to notability. While the platform relies on secondary sources for verification, it is important to consider the unique challenges and opportunities that creators present. As the Creator Revolution continues to surge forward, it is crucial that we question the existing system and contemplate how creators fit into the future of our documentation and history.
Actionable advice:
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Advocate for inclusivity and diversity on platforms like Wikipedia. Encourage the recognition of underrepresented voices and ensure that the notability guidelines reflect a wider range of perspectives.
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Support and engage with creators directly. By following, sharing, and interacting with their content, we can contribute to their impact and help shape their legacies.
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Encourage the use of reputable and diverse sources in Wikipedia articles. By highlighting the contributions and achievements of creators through reliable publications, we can help bridge the gap between their influence and recognition on the platform.
In the end, it is up to us to shape the narratives and legacies of creators. By challenging existing systems and advocating for change, we can ensure that their impact is properly recognized and celebrated.
Sources
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