It is the custom to reward vigorous Wikipedia contributors for their hard work and due diligence by awarding them a fitting barnstar, or other award.
These awards are part of the Kindness Campaign and are meant to promote Civility and WikiLove. If you have questions, WikiProject Wikipedia Awards is a group of volunteers who help guide these pages.
Barnstars are used on Wikipedia to reward users who make outstanding contributions in a particular area. To give someone an award, all you have to do, is copy the code from the table onto the talk page of the person you want to give the award to, and tell them why you have given it to them. There are many types of barnstar to choose from; if you are sure your choice is appropriate — don't be shy!
A WikiProject award is awarded for substantial contributions towards a particular WikiProject.
Other related awards, in addition to barnstars, there are several other awards as well. While barnstars are generally reserved for a long-standing pattern of excellence, the following awards are more often given to honor specific actions or events.
In the Personal user awards, there is a wide range of awards to choose from, from the "Golden Wiki" award, for users who have made outstanding contributions, to the "Son of Jimbo" award, for users with the last name "Wales". So the next time you think a user has made a significant contribution, or basically anything else, why don't you give them a reward to show your gratitude?
Service awards may be self-awarded dependent upon number of contributions and the length of service.
The Order of the Day may be awarded to a Wikimedia developer or technical person for exceptional service to the community. It is seldom awarded and may only be bestowed by Jimbo.