User:FT2/Commercial and paid editing

This is a draft outline of what a policy/guideline might look like, referenced from Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Paid editing.

Background

Wikipedia values its editorial neutrality. It also values the wide range of users who wish to contribute productively to its articles. Commercial and paid editing (including PR related activities on Wikipedia) involve a user who may be required or requested to add content on a topic to Wikipedia. The concerns are:

1. Conflict of interest and inherent bias - the user has a personal stake in the article and its progress, either directly or indirectly.
2. Suitability - the article or some aspects may not in fact meet usual Wikipedia guidelines for inclusion
3. Improper editing - higher risk of "spam", poor quality links, unsuitable additions to other articles, advertizing and promotion, "soapboxing", unbalanced writing and other undue weight issues, or other untoward activities.

Editing access is only to be used for the purpose of writing an encyclopedia, and in accordance with editorial policies and norms. Organizations and individuals are routinely exposed in the press for improper editing of Wikipedia articles and users involved in paid editing have been banned. However a number of parties may wish to be involved in writing for pay or as part of their job, and willing to do so in an appropriate and 'professional' manner. Such activity - especially if it results in high quality policy-compliant writing that enhances the scope or coverage of the encyclopedia - is allowed.

Requirements

A user who edits commercially, that is for pay, or to promote or benefit a third party's business, organization or group (whether for pay or not), is expected to follow these guidelines:

1. Familiarization - You will need to read carefully at a minimum, and understand the principles and policies related to:

   • Inclusion - What Wikipedia is and is not, notability.
   • Content writing - Neutrality, original research and personal views, verifiability, and reliable sources.
   • Improper promotional activity - Spamming, external links, conflict of interest and ownership of articles.
   • Editorial conduct and handling of disputes - edit warring, civility (politeness), consensus, dispute resolution, and (if applicable) multiple accounts.

2. Disclosure - You should state on your user page that you are editing on behalf of third parties, and disclose the interests you write for. You should also include a brief statement confirming that you have read and will follow this policy.
3. Transparency - if you use multiple accounts for commercial activities, they should be openly linked to each other.
4. Good conduct - Commercial editing, whether paid or otherwise, is not central to Wikipedia. You are a guest here. A high standard will be expected and sought.
5. Respect for usual content standards - As a Wikipedia editor you are expected to not add content that is unsuitable or written in an unsuitable manner. This means if a topic, mention, link, or stance, is unlikely to be suitable for Wikipedia, you should advise your client of the fact and/or only accept if consensus is checked on the wiki. It also means that you do not treat Wikipedia as your battleground, soapbox or directory - if there may be doubt or dispute, you move the discussion to an appropriate venue yourself, seek other editors' views on a suitable talk page or noticeboard, or request mediation.

Recommendations

1. Use the talk page a lot, to discuss issues and suggestions.
2. If a problem exists or arises, use the appropriate noticeboard to handle it or to seek help, rather than "edit warring".
3. Act with integrity, ethically, and disclosure, on Wikipedia.

Non-compliance

A commercial editor who is not in compliance with this policy may be blocked by any administrator under any account they use for such editing, until compliance is agreed.

Consequence of non-compliance for the client

(From Wikipedia:Conflict of interest)

If you write in Wikipedia about yourself, your group, your company, or your pet idea, once the article is created, you have no right to control its content, and no right to delete it outside our normal channels. Content is not deleted just because somebody doesn't like it. Any editor may add material to or remove material from the article within the terms of our content policies. If there is anything publicly available on a topic that you would not want included in an article, it will probably find its way there eventually. More than one user has created an article only to find himself presented in a poor light long-term by other editors. If you engage in an edit war in an attempt to obtain a version of your liking you may have your editing access removed, perhaps permanently. In addition, if your article is found not to be worthy of inclusion in the first place, it will be deleted, as per our deletion policies. Therefore, don't create promotional or other articles lightly, especially on subjects you care about.