 | This is an essay on the Ignore all rules policy and the Be bold guideline. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
 | This page in a nutshell: Doing things differently from others can often yield better results. |
_(archaeological_park_Xanten,_Germany,_2005-04-23).jpg)
Metaphorically speaking, someone who takes 'the road less traveled' is acting independently, freeing themselves from the conformity of others (who choose to take 'the road more often traveled.'), generally making their own choices, and perhaps leaving a new trail that will become the road more often traveled (until, of course, someone takes the road less traveled from there, and happens upon something even better than the first improvement; in that way, the cycle always repeats itself, and Wikipedia is continually made better).
The idea of doing things differently to how they are usually done is arguably particularly applicable to Wikipedia. For example, if a person (as an editor or as a reader, for example) happens across a way to do any thing in a 'better' fashion than is commonly done, then the risk of taking the road 'less traveled' may seem desirable. Of course, if this is done repeatedly, this 'road' might become a trail that will become the road often traveled.