SmashWiki:Assume good faith

This page documents an official SmashWiki policy, a widely accepted standard that all users should follow. When editing this page, please ensure that your revision reflects consensus. If in doubt, consider discussing changes on the talk page.

Always assume good faith when dealing with other editors and their contributions, unless their contributions prove otherwise.

Details

Assume that every contribution made by other editors was intended to be a positive contribution to the site. Every user is bound to make mistakes, and new users are especially susceptible to errors, particularly if they don't know proper formatting or the common practices of SmashWiki. Always attempt to explain and/or help the user understand their mistake.

Remember that all edits should be considered as having positive intent. When tempers rise and users get angry, take a break and remember that the other users involved were intending to benefit SmashWiki, then resume discussion in a calm and appropriate manner.

Why?

This wiki was created to be a complete reference of all things Smash Bros. Always assume that other editors are trying to achieve the same goal.

By assuming good faith, the community:

• Help new users adjust to the wiki editing process and practices
• Improve articles without heated conflict
• Prevent user and content conflicts

Consequences of bad faith

Assuming malicious intent does nothing except prevent objective analysis of edits, which hinders the wiki's progress towards becoming complete, if good content is removed because a user assumes bad faith.

Assuming bad faith creates suspicion and conflict between users, and impedes progress, as well as undermining community spirit. Assume other editors are working toward the betterment of SmashWiki, and assist them when necessary. Assuming bad faith has a profoundly negative effect on the entire wiki.

Exceptions

This policy does not require users to assume good faith when the evidence is obviously to the contrary. When another user is obviously contributing vandalism, personal attacks, spam, or other policy violations, other contributors who are concerned about the wiki's welfare are free to not assume good faith while dealing with edits that are not made in good faith and while dealing with users who have shown they have not contributed in good faith. However, if an addition to the site has even the slightest chance of being a good faith edit, assume so. If necessary, ask the user who made the questionable edits to clarify their edits on their talk page.