User:Bishonen/Don't apologize
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Guide to apologizing (or not) on Wikipedia.
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This page in a nutshell: If you're not sorry, don't apologize. |
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This page in another nutshell: If you don't want to look like an idiot, don't stalk my userspace. |
The Wikipedia community has developed a very apologetic culture, but there's an art to apologizing.
Decide if it's apologize or scold you want to do. They don't mix well. Don't apologize for something the other person did. Don't say a version of "I'm sorry you made me do that." Don't say:
- I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you, but having my substantive changes reverted on unclear grounds felt like "territorialism" to me.
- Avoid the word "if". Don't say "I'm sorry if my words offended you." If you're even considering apologizing, it's a safe bet they did.
- If you want to say a version of "You're the one that did something wrong", don't pretend it's an apology.
- If you want to say "I'm sorry, but mostly for myself", go ahead, but it's not an apology. Don't try to dress it up as one.
