EipWiki:Talk page
Project:Talk page describes the purpose and misuse of discussion spaces attached to every article. In theory, talk pages exist so editors can coordinate improvements. In practice, they serve as places to complain, nitpick, and rehearse arguments that nobody will ever read.
Purpose
Talk pages are intended for:
- Discussing how to improve articles.
- Requesting sources, clarification, or expansions.
- Reaching consensus on disputed edits.
Talk pages are not intended, but will be used for:
- Soapboxing about your personal opinions.
- Writing essays longer than the article itself.
- Dropping memes instead of arguments (although everyone does this anyway).
Common behaviors
- Drive-by comments: Someone leaves a single sentence, never to return.
- Endless debates: Two editors lock horns over a comma placement for six weeks.
- Talk page as article: A user fills the talk page with the content they wish was in the article.
- Dead silence: You write a long, thoughtful post. No one responds. Ever.
Formatting
- Sign comments with ~~~~. This will automatically add your name, timestamp, and a mark of shame.
- Indent replies with colons:
: First reply :: Second reply ::: Third reply
- Eventually you will run out of screen width. At this point, the debate must end or move sideways into madness.
Problems
- Nobody reads the archives, so the same argument restarts every six months.
- Personal attacks are "discouraged," but always happen.
- Some editors confuse "no response" with "agreement."
- The loudest person usually "wins," regardless of accuracy.
Examples
- Whether This is fine belongs under "memes" or "philosophy."
- Arguing over whether to categorize Dumpster fire under "Metaphors" or "Trash."
- The eternal fight about British vs American spelling.
Etiquette
- Be civil, even if you are seething.
- Stay on topic, unless you are bored.
- Assume everyone else is wrong, but phrase it politely.
- Remember that sarcasm is not technically a violation of civility.