Wikiquette

From STNE Wiki

Latest revision as of 05:22, 3 December 2010

Behind every contribution to STNE-Wiki - whether good or bad - is a person. This reality is easier to merely affirm than it is to align one's actions with it. It is precisely this fact which is of vital importance to any joint project . Articles have authors, and these authors are violated whenever anyone expresses too coarse a tone in a review or commentary. This is even more so when a discussion shifts from an objective focus to a personal level. This results in interpersonal conflict which is not in the spirit of any joint project. A friendlier tone should be always used for professional interaction.

This section presents the key principles of dealing with each other within the STNE-Wiki.

No Personal Attacks

For discussion and criticism remain objective and try not to offend others. Criticism can be formulated in many ways - choose the most gentle.

Proceed with Good Faith

Proceed by assuming that contributors have the knowledge and resources they want to bring to our Wiki. With few exceptions, most people who are involved here (just like you) have the goal to make this a better STNE-Wiki. For any action you think at first glance makes no sense, believe that someone else may have had a good reason for choosing it. Mutual respect also means that one does not change or reverse other's actions without notice. Attempt to resolve any disagreement on the topic discussion page.

Be Friendly

Friendliness is a sign of professionalism. It promotes the exchange of information, and thereby fosters the joint construction of knowledge. Say something nice when you read something that you like. It does not cost much to leave a short message to another contributor on his discussion page, but it can be extremely motivating.

Help Others

Friendliness also means that you cannot leave questions unanswered. Answer anyone who writes to you, and thank others who have assisted you. Nothing is more frustrating than communication efforts which seem to run into the void.

Stay Cool!

Everyone has bad days, and can become impulsive and irritable - breathe deeply and take it easy! Once you lower your stress, you can react better, and will not be so vulnerable.

We are all Volunteers

No one gets paid for his work here. When you want something, then please ask. You have no right to expect that other contributors will either do something or respond immediately - maybe it causes just a [Wikibreak]. We are a Wiki - you are an author, and can take it in hand. Be brave! If others do not like your work, you can use your discussion page to work toward either a compromise or a reversal of the latest action taken.

Better Words are Shared Face to Face

Get in touch with your counterparts by using the IRC. You will find experienced and helpful Wikipedians there. You can ask for their opinions whenever you are uncertain. You can even host a discussion. You can also clarify things quickly with your counterparts which might otherwise become entangled in a Flame War.

Resolve Conflicts in Private

When two publicly argue the whole community suffers. It also contributes little to actually resolving the conflict because no one wants to lose in the public view. Therefore, in all such cases, please use e-mail, IRC, personal messaging, in-game messaging, or any other means of communication that will provide a functional form of communication to resolve the conflict.

Forgive and Forget

Anyone involved long enough with Wikipedia will eventually have others in their hair. When feeling insulted, sulking and grumbling is in such a case all right; but do not become vindictive. Forgive offenses. Be willing to apologize, or to forget and bury conflicts in due course. Not everything you see is as it seems - perhaps it's just a misunderstanding.

We would like all Wiki-Contributors to promote healthy cooperation in these ways.


(Also see: Wikipedia-Wikiquette)