User:Andrewa/AGF cuts both ways
 | This is an essay on the conduct policy. 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. |
 | This page in a nutshell: It's a policy to assume good faith. If you decide to be the exception, you will regret it. |
The thing I most love about being a volunteer Scripture teacher in primary school is the way the kids keep me honest. They know people tell lies, but somehow they haven't internalised it. If I tell them something that I don't believe 100% myself, that is a betrayal. That's how they see it, and I'm on their side. I think it's part of what Jesus meant when he said we were to be childlike (not childish, childlike) or we wouldn't enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Wikipedia is a bit like Heaven.
Rights and responsibilities
[edit]WP:AGF gives you the right to respect. But like all rights, this carries a responsibility.
And whenever you edit contrary to good faith, you betray this responsibility.
What is contrary to good faith? Well, gaming the system is right out. Rhetoric is borderline. Working to avoid consensus is on the dark side too.
Disruption may or may not be. Yes, it may not be. It may be unintentional. (It's still disruptive, but it's in good faith. Do you begin to see the distinction? It's important.)
So don't just assume good faith. Be worthy of that assumption yourself. Anything less (however unintentionally) diminishes and impedes Wikipedia, and perhaps even you, too.