- You can (and should) be bold in updating pages. And above all, play nice.
Wikipedia has seen some bitter disputes. It's easy to get in disputes online, especially in a situation allowing as immediate a response as Wikipedia, but please remember that we are all here for the same reason, and that there is a person at the other end of your conversation. Having said that, here is a short list of tips to consider when editing gets emotional:
- Regardless of what you think of the other person or the person's edits, avoid name-calling. That is, terms like "racist" or "fascist" will simply enrage people and cause them to become defensive. You're unlikely to have a productive discussion about how to change an article with an enraged person, so don't do it. :-)
- Avoid characterizing other people's actions. That is, don't say that someone "arrogantly" or "rudely" did anything--for the reasons listed above. Actions are open to interpretation; the person may have intended something completely different from what happened; accidents happen; misunderstandings do too.
- If you're angry, take a breather. Let the edits stand for awhile as you consider how to say what you want to say. You could even let them stand for a week or a month or longer, depending on how upset you are. The Wikipedia will still be here.
- If someone indulges in name-calling, ignore it. It may be offensive but it's not very helpful or mature. Go about your business and don't worry about it; you're not required to respond. :-)
- Assume the best about people. Wikipedia has worked remarkably well so far based on a policy of openness. This suggests that most people who visit do want to help, and do succeed at helping. If something's not clear, don't assume the worst. Assume instead that you simply don't understand, and ask for clarification.
See also: netiquette