Below is a list of guidelines that I have committed myself towards. I believe that each are important in order to achieve optimal effectiveness as a Wikipedian editor. Each has been separated into a section, and any visitors can comment in each one about progress or advice. I will not respond to them unless I am directly asked to, and you will have my guarantee that the words and language will not be held against you. These are not temporary, but a set of philosophical points that I feel are necessary to become a good editor. If you have any suggestions, please leave them on my talk page. - Ottava Rima
In order to avoid WP:CIVIL problems and to work on WP:Consensus, I shall seek to avoid conflict whenever possible. Instead of judging others, I should focus on issues. When there is a matter that cannot be resolved quickly, I shall contact others and seek advice, especially User:Ceoil and User:Karanacs. I should seek to be a peacemaker, and not an instigator. I should keep my mouth shut and open up my ears more often. - Ottava Rima
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building a Crystal radio. |
In order to avoid unnecessary conflicts and fights, I will explain my position shortly and not argue with others if they disagree. If they ask questions, I shall respond politely and not judge the questioner. I should seek to be inclusion and not exclusive, and consensus involves everyone and not a majority that overruns a minority. - Ottava Rima
In order to stay neutral and refrain from committing personal attacks, I shall speak politely, not judge other people's words harshly, assume good faith, and believe that everyone can and wants to contribute to a discussion. I shall try to keep an open ear and an open mind, and realize that my perspective is only my own, and that I should be willing to listen to others. - Ottava Rima
A philosophy I try to follow along the lines of discussion, as an application of common sense, is tactfulness. I try to follow the idea that if it is likely to be offensive, then I say nothing. Common sense tells me not only is silence golden, but patience is platinum. In what I have to say I try to encourage others to give a positive constructive response to the article or conversation involved. I believe if I think it through, use tact and patience, and apply common sense, that I can get many people to be on my side as long as I can prove to them the side I am on is based on common sense. Life is a lot easier when most people work with you, try to help you, and are on your side. If you can prove that you are on the side of common sense, then the efforts of others, to your benefit, increase many fold. Being on the side of common sense is far better than being on the side of bureaucratic Rules & Regulations - which is not to say not to respect the Rules.
I believe that if I use common sense in whatever I do, it alone will be my salvation. I believe I can never be punished or judged for using common sense, no matter what I do. I know that rules and regulations are based on common sense or the lack of use thereof. Rules are not based on anything else. Customs and tradition are based on common sense. Other people's words (i.e. snipes, belittling, ridicules, personal attacks, etc.) have no bearing on me as long as I have used common sense in whatever I do. Using common sense is not stressful, but using only esoteric knowledge is. I believe common sense is a companion of wisdom and wisdom is obtained from using common sense.
If you use common sense, words come easy for what you have to say in any discussion. I believe education is based on common sense and skills are based on education. I believe skills based solely on formal education and not the application of common sense will soon lose their value. Skills based on the application of common sense have the most value and will only increase in value with usage.
I believe using common sense gives one the ability to know when others are giving you good advice or bad advice. Applying common sense to good advice increases the value of the advice and all the applications related to the advice. Good advice using common sense and tact opens up friendly discussions. Friendly discussions are content related and will never be personal. Unfriendly intentions can be detected by using common sense, no matter what words are used by other’s. Common sense makes all discussions transparent.
I believe it is beneficial in our everyday lives, to those that are able to apply tact in discussions using common sense, of the old adage: "The meek shall inherit the earth." -- Doug Coldwell talk 12:42, 28 February 2009 (UTC)
In order to avoid WP:OWN, I shall seek to edit with others, asking them for advice, and edit when people request action or help. When information is desired, I shall try to find it and provide it in a simple, neutral manner without passing value judgments upon another. If I find myself unable to work out a situation or feel that there is a problem, I shall seek help, advice, and withdraw myself in order to stay objective and to have perspective on the matter. - Ottava Rima
In order to show the encyclopedia and its users respect, I shall refrain from curse words, disparaging comments, and any negative characterization of edits, opinions, and other actions. I shall try to be neutral and welcoming. - Ottava Rima
In order to prove that I am here for the encyclopedia, I shall attempt to work with others, which would mean respecting their contributions. I shall praise where appropriate, thank those for their efforts no matter how small, and turn to those who have edited in the subject areas for their opinion. I shall not try to isolate myself through my words, actions, or behavior, but instead welcome others, no matter how big or small. - Ottava Rima
This is not a part of the English Wikipedia's Manual of Style, and it does not have to be followed except where common sense warrants an exception. Any edits to this page does not necessarly reflect consensus nor requires discussing first - ignore all the rules. Use of common sense is encouraged, but is not a policy or even a guideline.
Henry Fielding writes in his famous book Tom Jones that Tom is a person of high character that uses common sense with good will and compassion for others.-- Doug Coldwell talk 12:38, 27 April 2009 (UTC)
In order to avoid WP:3RR and edit warring, I shall limit myself to 0RR and not directly revert anyone's actions. Instead, I will seek to discuss the matter politely and be willing to understand where the other user is coming from. - Ottava Rima
In order to avoid WP:CIVIL issues, I will no longer refer to any rule violation and will not refer to any of the guidelines in a manner that calls into question another user's actions. I shall instead seek to discuss issues in a non-hostile manner and desire compromise without putting others on the defensive. - Ottava Rima