 | This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
.jpg)
When making quick decisions that don't require discussion such as deleting untagged articles that are eligible for speedy deletion, it's always good to ask yourself "does anyone disagree with me" and "is an immediate decision mandated by policy or required for the good of the wiki?"
If the answers are "yes or maybe" and "no" then STOP and get a second opinion.
Second Opinion is almost always desired
editA second opinion is almost always useful, but especially here:
- Most potentially contested speedy-deletion decisions. This is why editors tag, administrators delete. Administrators can summarily delete but they should not unless it's required by policy or for the good of the wiki.
- Most block decisions, except where policy or the good of the wiki require immediate action.
- Most page-protection decisions.
- Closing very close, very contentious, or difficult to undestand XfDs, especially when deletion review is likely. No need to decide right this instant just because 7 days, 0 hours, 0 minutes, and 0 seconds have elapsed.
Sometimes policy says immediate action is required
editWhen a policy may require action to be taken:
- Copyrights, attack pages, etc. must be reverted, blanked, or deleted.
- Blocking accounts operated by banned users.
Sometimes, the good of the wiki demands immediate action
editWhen the good of the wiki may require action to be taken:
- Unambiguous and ongoing edit wars, including but not limited to 3RR, after warnings
- Unambiguous and ongoing harassment, after warnings
Sometimes, the good of the wiki demands you don't waste other people's time
editWhen it's just plain rude to waste other administrator's time. The community gave you a mop, when you see a mess, clean it up.
- Inherently non-controversial actions such as CSD G6 - technical deletions or deleting pages you could rightfully tag as db-user or db-author.
- Cases where no admin in his right mind would object to your actions, such as deleting a page filled with 100 lines of HI MOM in its only edits.