Wikipedia:Don't spite your face
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This is an essay; it contains the advice and/or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. It is not a policy or guideline, and editors are not obliged to follow it. |
- Proverb
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[edit] Interpretation
Applied to Wikipedia: When faced with enforcing a solution that will predictably escalate the evident problem beyond present levels, back off and seek other, less inflammatory actions to go about solving it.
Extrapolated: Even when acting in good faith, consider the gravity of the response that will result from your actions.
Wikipedians are frequently faced with high-stress situations, often between individuals or parties that have strong convictions and a sense of responsibility towards Wikipedian content and community. Often many Wikipedians also feel a need to control these situations, or correct what they believe are other peoples mistakes. While these may be core Wikipedian values, attempting to control or fix a problem may cause the Wikipedian much more trouble than it will the problem instigator if the situation isn't carefully considered first. In effect, the Wikipedian would appear to be—from the point of view of an outside observer—inadvertently cutting (or biting) off their nose, in order to fulfill the wishes of the face.
[edit] Don't look for trouble
No matter how noble a Wikipedian's intentions, boldly searching for new manifestiations of trouble will attract additional troubles to the Wikipedian themself, thus causing additional stress and possibly instigating new problems. It appears that the number of users benifiting Wikipedia outnumber the number of present wrong-doers, and thus a proceeding where each Wikipedian user handles each problem only as it comes to him/her would logically help clean up Wikipedia rather effectively.
[edit] Keep a low-profile
It is a simple fact that being high-profile attracts attention, and generally not a good sort of attention. When being high-profile cannot be avoided, a low-profile demeanor can be adopted to minimize negative attention as much as possible.
[edit] Give up
Giving up is beneficial for at least three reasons.
- An extremely high percentage of the world's problems solve themselves without any of your help. If difficult problems are left a while to settle, a solution is generally found, or made unnecessary by the process of time.
- The amount of effort used in fighting can often be used much more effectively in projects that benefit Wikipedia directly. Consider prioritizing responsibilities.
- Wikipedia is not perfect. Wikipedia can only be as peaceful and orderly as the world it is based in, so it is unrealistic to believe that all of its problems can be solved neatly, when this is not at all a fact in the real world.
[edit] Note
This suggested method is generally most applicable to an average Wiki user, and each user can apply it as they wish to various degrees. It is intended to encourage users to think about their actions and assist them in applying them in the effective way. In some circumstances, with proper experience and a good background on how to handle trouble situations, a certain number of Wikipedians may wish to intentionally face problems with the full intention of shouldering the associated responsibilities. This essay is not intended to undermine the efforts of such users.
