Wikipedia:Administrators/Misuse of tools section
Notes to editors: - Due to its importance and relevance, this section is reflected both in the main "Admin" page, and the "Tools" subpage. To keep both versions up to date and prevent "drift", it's included via transclusion.
- The text of this section may include
#ifeq:expressions to modify the wording depending what page it appears on. Take care when editing. Quick guide to syntax:
{{#ifeq:{{FULLPAGENAME}}| Target page | Then include this text | Otherwise include this text}}
- It is presently used to make the wording say see below on the main ADMIN page but see (wikilink) on the tools page.
- Main policy links: Wikipedia:Administrators#Misuse of administrative tools, Wikipedia:Administrators#Uninvolved admins
Misusing the administrative tools is considered a very serious issue; they are provided to trusted users for maintenance and other tasks, and should always be used with thought, care, and with due diligence and good judgment. Serious misuse of the tools may result in sanctions or even their removal. If a user believes that an administrator has not used their administrative tools as per the established Wikipedia policies and guidelines, then they should first discuss their concerns and issues with the respective administrator directly. In cases where the issue is not resolved by discussing it directly and/or when broader community input is determined to be necessary or required, users can post their concerns regarding the issue at Wikipedia:Administrative action review for review by the broader community.
Common situations where avoiding tool use is often required:
- Conflict of interest or non-neutrality – Administrators should not normally use their tools in matters in which they are personally involved (for example, in a content dispute in which they are a party). See Involved admins.
- Communal norms or policies – When a policy or communal norm is clear that tools should not be used, then tools should not be used without an explanation that shows the matter has been considered, and why a (rare) exception is genuinely considered reasonable.
- Administrator actions in conjunction with paid editing – Administrator tools may not be used as part of any paid editing activity, except as a Wikipedian-in-Residence, or when the payment is made by the Wikimedia Foundation or an affiliate of the WMF.
- Reversing the actions of other administrators – Only in a manner that respects the admin whose action is involved, and (usually) after consultation.
- Reinstating an admin action that has already been reversed (sometimes known as "wheel warring") – Responses have included Arbitration and desysopping even the first time.
See Wikipedia:Administrators (policy link) for these and for the very few exceptions.
Even when use of the tools appears reasonable, if doubt exists it is better to ask another independent administrator to review and (if justified) take the action.