User:Skomorokh/First rule
 | 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. |
The first rule of editorial conduct issues is discuss with the editor. If you have failed to respect this, you have in all likelihood acted irresponsibly.
- Consequences of non-observance
- A misunderstanding which could have been clarified and laid to rest to mutual satisfaction becomes a full-blown dispute, spawning factions and acrimony and drama.
- The absence of communication mean the intentions of the editor in question are misinterpreted, and a serious action [such as removal of rights] is taken on avoidable misjudgement.
- You escalate and the editor in question takes affront, causing lasting damage. Long-term contributors have left over the most trifling of slights; it only takes a straw to break a camel's back.
- Exceptions
- Obvious vandals/trolls. Note that much of the time, an editor who seems to you to be a vandal/troll does not seem likewise to others, least of all themselves.
- You've been rightly warned off interacting with the editor.
- Taking action before discussion will prevent serious disruption.