 | This user tries to do the right thing. If they make a mistake, please let them know. |
| <ref> | This user recognizes the importance of citing sources. |
 | This user seeks and destroys vandalism. |
Yes, I use my real name on Wikipedia, nothing to hide. I have some specialized knowledge in certain areas so I often contribute to articles on Ethiopia (especially languages and ethnic groups), linguistics, proverbs, Bible translators & translations, scholars of the past, and writing systems. I also touch on many other topics, as well, especially historical, but for those I generally claim less authority. I rarely edit articles on popular culture. I edit articles on Wikipedia in other languages.
Wanting Wikipedia to be a useful and accurate source of information, I try to improve articles on a variety of topics, including articles on topics and viewpoints that I do not endorse.
I strive to be constructive in my edits and kind in my interaction with other editors, including those with whom I disagree. I have never been blocked from editing. There are complaints that Wikipedia has become a hostile environment, with some editors being unkind, caustically defending their viewpoints. I fear this is true, but I hope my edits and interactions never fit this description.
I have no philosophy of how Wikipedia should work or be administered. The closest I get to having a functional focus on Wikipedia is that my contributions often involve adding references and published sources to articles that include few, if any, sources.
I have created a couple categories to highlight groups I think may be overlooked, including Black aviators, Black composers, Nuns and art, Jewish translators of the Bible, Missionary botanists, Female recipients of the Croix de Guerre (France), Nigerian photographers, African American female guitarists. I have also uploaded a number of photos to Wikimedia, many are common objects such as water towers and flags.