Etiquette

Etiquette is an old and vague code of conduct. Many attempts have been made to write down some general guidelines of etiquette, but the resulting codes vary widely. It is often considered an expression of ethics and morals in common situations, particularly to evade difficult situations and minimise conflicts. Although some users question the need for such a code, most believe that such guidelines are a prerequisite for a good collaboration.

Basic principles on wikis

Although the basic principles vary greatly from wiki to wiki, there are three core principles that are almost universally applied. Most wikis expand upon these and add new guidelines to match their own community and scope.

• Good faith: Where disagreement arises, each participant should assume that the other is attempting to improve the project. It should never be assumed that another user is deliberately sabotaging the project unless there is clear evidence of malice.
• Civility, respect: Users should respect other contributors and their efforts, and should never attack or belittle another user. Irony or sarcasm are sometimes seen as uncivil, since it may be difficult to understand in text-based communication that the words should not be taken at face value. See Incivility.
• (Discussion), dialogue: Users should negotiate with other contributors to avoid or resolve disputes. Reversion wars are usually frowned upon.

See also

• Community point of view
• Dispute resolution
• Friendly space policy