The Elder Scrolls Wiki:Etiquette

This page is considered an official policy on TESWiki. It has wide acceptance among editors and is considered a standard that everyone should follow. Except for minor edits, please make use of the discussion page to propose changes to this policy.

This page offers some principles of etiquette, also referred to as "Wikiquette", how to work with others on the wiki. These guidelines also apply to the forums and chat.

General Guidelines

• Assume good faith.
• Remember The Golden Rule: Treat others as you would have them treat you—even if they are new.
• Be polite. Be civil. Don't be a jerk.
• Argue facts, not personalities.
• Do not make misrepresentations.
• Do not ignore reasonable questions.
• Concede a point when you have no response to it, or admit when you disagree based on intuition or taste.
• Although it is understandably difficult in an intense argument, if other editors are not as civil as you would like them to be, be more civil, not less. That way at least you are not moving towards open conflict and name-calling; by your own action you are actively doing something about it.
• Do not hesitate to politely let the others know if you are not comfortable with their tone (e.g., "I feel that you have been sarcastic above, and I don't feel good about it. Let's try to resolve the issue").
• Be prepared to apologize. In animated discussions, we often say things we later wish we had not. Say so.
• Forgive and forget.
• Recognize your own biases, and keep them in check.
• Give praise when it's due. Everybody likes to feel appreciated, especially in an environment that often requires compromise. Drop a friendly note on users' talk pages.
• Be courteous.
• Help mediate disagreements between others.
• If you are arguing, take a break. If you are mediating, recommend a break.
• Take it slowly. If you are angry, spend time away from the wiki instead of chatting or editing. Come back in a day or a week.

Avoid indirect criticism

Avoid use of unexplained scare quotes and other means of implying criticism or making indirect criticism when you are writing in edit comments and talk pages. Criticism of another's edit, of phrasing and choice of terminology, or any criticism of, or critical response to, talk page commentary and participation ought to be made clearly, directly, and explicitly in a manner that may be easily understood and replied to, out of respect for other editors.

Keep in mind that sarcasm cannot easily be conveyed in writing and may be misinterpreted. Insinuation, double entendre, and excessive or unwarranted subtlety of writing should be avoided when expressing criticism—particularly negative criticism. This point of etiquette also helps the editor receiving criticism to correctly understand you and respond to your concerns, and may particularly help editors for whom English is a second language or who have trouble understanding written English.

When this style of communication is necessary in the interest of being concise or illustrative, it is best to explain the intended meaning of your use of scare quotes or other indirection immediately afterward.

Of course criticism communicated in any manner and concerning any subject must be civil, should assume good faith as described in the relevant guideline, should not constitute biting of newcomers, and should comply with other Wikipedia policies and guidelines. If directed generally towards an editor's behavior or other aspects of talk page commentary, criticism must not constitute a personal attack.