Wikipedia:Use a custom signature
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Wikipedians should use a custom signature of their own preference.
How
- Open your preferences, and check the "Treat the above as wiki markup" checkbox - this allows you to fully customise your signature to your own liking.
- Read and go through WP:CUSTOMSIG to get started. Take your time and have fun with it. Don't forget to save your changes.
Pros
- Far easier for users to identify several posts by the same person in a thread due to a contrast of colours - readability can help others a huge amount in responding to posts
- Users can quickly distinguish experienced editors from less experienced editors. It is by no means a definitive indication of experience at all, but when glancing over a talk page it shows more investment to the site and its policies than someone with a default signature
- A way to relax a bit and have fun while spending time here. Wikipedians have no obligation to contribute - long-term contributors to the site gather some of their own personal reasons for doing so. Being a bit creative with the mark you leave on the site might be a reason for you.
Cons
- On some setups a fancy signature might not display properly
Notes
- While I don't advocate using fancy markup for accessibility reasons, Wikipedia is your experience, so make the most of it, however you feel is necessary! Whether it's for practicality or for personal interest using a custom signature certainly has its benefits.
See also
- Wikipedia:Changing username, if your username doesn't match your preferred signature name - above all do not confuse editors with your signature
- Wikipedia:Use the default signature, advocates the opposite point of view