User talk:Rgulerdem/Wikiethics1

This page in a nutshell: Be wise and responsible...

Wikipedia editorial standards and ethics (Wikiethics) include principles of ethics and of good practice to address the specific challenges faced by Wikipedians. Wikipedia has some editorial standards that reflects the common heritage of human literacy. This proposal aims to outline these standards and create a policy that summarizes them. Understanding the Wiki policies coherently, their place in the whole picture and their relations to the Wiki ethics and standards are also important issues to be addressed.

Editorial guidelines

The following sections provide important guidelines for editing an article. It is also helpful on how to have a productive editorial discussion concerning Wikipedia articles when disputes arise.

Article-based classifications

In some cases it seems to be hard to define some particular terms like 'offensive', 'censorship', 'pornography', etc. That is why article-based classifications is the most appropriate way in doing so. Generalizations do not help as it is almost impossible to agree on the definitions of particular terms based on cultures, religions, and such. The terms used in this policy such as 'minority', 'acceptability', etc. are also article-based classifications based on the judgement of the contributing editors in that particular article. By 'majority' more than %50 of the editors is meant and the term 'consensus' refer to %75 or more of the editors voted.

Collective consciousness

Collective consciousness can be expressed as a common sense and common understanding of the contributing editors which does not strictly exclude ideas from minorities in a particular discussion. With Wiki policies in mind, consensus among the contributing editors should determine what is 'acceptable' and 'unacceptable' in a particular discussion.

The culture of compromise

Empathy for 'the other' in a particular discussion is a valuable practice for editors. It is together with sincerity the most powerful tool leads to a compromise.

Conflict resolution

It is generally possible to resolve a conflict by taking all possible options available into the consideration. 'Unacceptable' descriptions or expressions should generally be avoided in a Wikipedia article. As an example to solve a dispute; if a picture is causing concerns in an article, having a civil discussion about other options or using what more editors consider to be a more encyclopedic picture may lead to a compromise. Choosing visual or verbal description based on the judgement of the contributing editors might also be helpful.

Discussion

Discussion pages are the place to improve the articles. They are generally be used for for informal talks. Nevertheless, the language used in the discussion pages are important. Apparently, rudeness, slang words, sarcasm do not help for an improvement of the article in question. For efficiency of the discussions on an article one might chose to copy the part from the article onto the discussion page, express his/her ideas why s/he thinks the part is not appropriate and give his/her suggestion to fix the problem. This could help to get more input from the other editors and consequently may lead to a better article.

Anonymity

Being responsible is a natural result of the principles given in this policy. Anonymity does not exempt any editor from these responsibilities.

Editorial standards

High editorial standards would add to reputation of Wikipedia. Wikipedia recognizes the standards which are shaped for centuries and currently practised in the mainstream media, for example, Harm limitation principle, and Taste, decency and acceptability listed in Journalism ethics and standards. Golden Rule ("not to inflict harm") can be taken to be another example. Some of the important editorial standards in Wiki are discussed below.

Objectivity

A Wiki article should reflect judgment based on observable phenomena, physical reality and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices. Absence of bias, lack of emotional involvement are necessary. Separation between news, opinion, and advertisements is also equally important. Competing points of view need to be balanced and fairly characterized in the articles.

Privacy

Wikipedia is a form of publication. As Wikipedia becomes more popular and readership increases, the potential impact of published material, whether positive or negative, also magnifies. Therefore, journalism ethics and standards become relevant and shall be considered when editing wikipedia. As we publish information about individuals, we must strive to be objective and fair. We should consider their rights to privacy (especially for private people) and strive to limit unnecessary harms or discomfort to them. These factors should be balanced against the public interest in reporting information about them. This might occasionally lead to an ethical dilemma, and requires greater effort on the part of editors to discuss and deliberate when making editorial decisions.

Responsibility

When making editorial decision, editors should make some consideration of sensitivity towards private individuals, children and juveniles, victims of crimes, and people who are currently suffering grief and tragedy.

Public accountability

We have an obligation towards our readers. Their financial contributions signify their trust placed upon us. As these donations are tax-exempted, they are considered as public fund. It is not in our interest to act irresponsibly or improperly, in a manner that is contrary to public interest and violates the trust of our donors and the public. Keeping the public's trust is easier than regaining it.

Censorship

Censorship in any form is not acceptable. 'No censorship' means information/descriptions/expressions should be included into or excluded from an article for only editorial reasons or ethical concerns based on the editorial consensus. Based on their judgement about verifiability, informative and encyclopedic nature of the materials editors can include or exclude some information, expressions and visual or verbal descriptions into or from an article. A description can be considered inappropriate for one article but it might be appropriate for another. The article-based classification gives that flexibility in decision-making to the editors.

Offense

Insulting or offensive expressions should generally be avoided in Wiki. It is not in our interest to offend Wikipedians or people who are using Wiki as a source of information. It is generally possible to find a different way of the same description which might be found less offensive or not offensive at all, while expressing the core idea clearly. A careful use of language can help in that direction. In doing so, keeping the informative materials stated objectively in the article is also necessary. No offense policy restricts deliberate attacks to any religious values or people, cultures, life styles, etc. It is always good to be considerate for the concerns raised by the 'minorities' of particular discussions or articles.

Pornography

Pornography which can be described as visual or verbal descriptions or expressions that are intended to cause sexual excitement should generally be avoided in Wiki articles. The determination of a material being 'unacceptable' or 'pornographic' should be done by the contributing editors in a particular article.

Violence

Editors should be sensitive in portraying violence in the articles. Violence can be defined as an act of aggression or rough unwarranted force intended to cause physical or emotional harm on another being. Editors should also be sensitive about the rights of victims who are subject to violence and also the possibility, if any, that these portrayals may incite someone to harm others.

Racism

Racism can be defined as the theory or idea that there is a causal link between inherited physical traits and certain traits of personality, intellect, or culture and, combined with it, the notion that some races are inherently superior to others. In the Wikipedia articles, the expressions that portray the prejudice, discrimination or intolerance of people of some races are not acceptable. The descriptions that are intended to be divisive over nationality, race, colour or creed should be avoided. The expressions that glorify or incite someone to ethnic, racial or religious hatred, strife, and violence cannot be considered as encyclopedic.

Propaganda

Manipulation of information to influence public opinion is not acceptable. Wiki articles cannot be written to support any political, social, or religious movements. Editors should be careful about the information put out by an organization or a government to promote a policy, idea, or cause. It is also good to be more conscious regarding the deceptive or distorted information that is systematically spread.

Sexism

Sexism can be defined as discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of the opposite sex or actions and attitudes that discriminate against people based solely on their gender. It is also related to stereotypes since the discriminatory actions or attitudes are frequently based on false beliefs or over generalizations about gender and on seeing gender as relevant when it is not. It is certainly not acceptable to include expressions that favor sexism in the articles simply because they are not encyclopedic and totally irrelevant.

Bias

Editors should be careful in regard to reflecting their religious or spiritual beliefs as well as ideology into the composition of the articles. It is advised that the possibility of causing animosity between spiritual beliefs, lifestyles or ideologies should be carefully examined and avoided.

Language

The language used is often as important as the context. Slang words, rudeness, sarcasm are not welcomed in the articles. It is always wise trying to avoid inappropriate expressions in an article.

Existing policies and guidelines

Policies

Wikipedia:No_binding_decisions
Wikipedia:Civility: Being rude, insensitive or petty makes people upset and stops Wikipedia working well. Try to discourage others from being uncivil, and be careful to avoid offending people unintentionally. Mediation is available if needed.
Wikipedia:Copyrights
Wikipedia:Harassment
WP:IUP: Be very careful when uploading copyrighted images, fully describe images' sources and copyright details on their description pages, and try to make images as useful and reusable as possible.
Wikipedia:Libel: It is Wikipedia policy to delete libellous revisions from the page history. If you believe you have been defamed, please contact the help desk.
Wikipedia:Neutral point of view: All Wikipedia articles must be written from a neutral point of view, representing views fairly and without bias. This includes reader-facing templates, categories and portals.
Wikipedia:No original research: Articles may not contain any unpublished theories, data, statements, concepts, arguments, or ideas; or any new analysis or synthesis of published data, statements, concepts, arguments, or ideas.
Wikipedia:No personal attacks: There is no excuse for personal attacks on other contributors. Do not make them. It is your responsibility to foster and maintain a positive online community in Wikipedia.
WP:NOT: Wikipedia is first and foremost an online encyclopedia, and as a means to that end, an online community. Please avoid the temptation to use Wikipedia for other purposes, or to treat it as something it is not.
WP:OFFICE
WP:OWN: You agreed to allow others to modify your work here. So let them.
Wikipedia:Three-revert rule: Do not revert any single page in whole or in part more than three times in 24 hours. (Or else an Administrator may suspend your account.)
Wikipedia:Vandalism
Wikipedia:Verifiability: Information on Wikipedia must be reliable. Facts, viewpoints, theories, and arguments may only be included in articles if they have already been published by reliable and reputable sources. Articles should cite these sources whenever possible. Any unsourced material may be challenged and removed.

Guidelines

Proposed policies

Wikipedia culture

Wikipedia:Pornography