Training modules/dashboard/slides/10306-be-polite

Pillar Four

Photo by Eryk Salvaggio

Editors should interact with each other in a respectful and civil manner.

Don't panic if someone else edits your work, or removes your contributions.

Every article has a Talk page where you can interact with the other Wikipedia editors who are working on your article. If you have a disagreement, keep some core Wikipedia values in mind:

• Respect and be polite to your fellow Wikipedians, even when you disagree.
• Avoid personal attacks. Talk to people you disagree with, and try to find consensus.
• If you don’t agree with someone’s edit, don’t just “change it back.” That’s an edit war, and it could get you both blocked!
• Act in good faith. Never disrupt Wikipedia to make a point.

Being respectful isn’t limited to disagreements. Being polite means responding to messages left by other editors, thanking people who help, and checking back after your edits to see if anyone has responded. Always be mindful of the community around you.