Wikipedia:Not every IP is a vandal

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Take a look at this. I don't mean to single any one user out, but this edit revert was not necessary. This was probably reverted because the editor wasn't registered; i.e., they were under an IP address. Of course, many of these are indeed vandals: a quick look at Special:RecentChanges will tell you that. But these edits are usually reverted - and usually without checking what the edit consisted of. What I'm getting at is: Not every IP is a vandal.

Recent Changes

When looking for vandalism, many search for red usernames without a second look at the blue ones, assuming that red usernames signify a new vandal or IP to punish. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many users don't make userpages: One substantial editor I can think of is Nanonic. He hasn't made a userpage, yet keeps adding to Wikipedia religiously.

On the Scots Wikipedia, there is an IP that constantly helps us out with vandalism and other tasks like translating. He has been there for more than a year without a username and has become colloquially known as 84.135, a shortened form of the IP.

And probably most prominently and locally, right here on the English Wikipedia, 68.39.174.238 is likely the best example of an IP editor on Wikipedia. They have been around for years, and very nearly became an administrator. An inspirational user, and one without an account.

Check before you revert

So, to finish, please oh please check before you revert, as what may seem like being bold and clever may just be shoving a new user out of Wikipedia editing forever.