Wikipedia:Requests for comment
terminology -- RfC's don't close; discussions close
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{{shortcut|WP:RFCBEFORE|WP:RFC#BEFORE}} |
{{shortcut|WP:RFCBEFORE|WP:RFC#BEFORE}} |
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{{about|alternatives to RfCs|advice on wording an RfC question|Wikipedia:Requests for comment#Statement should be neutral and brief|section=yes}} |
{{about|alternatives to RfCs|advice on wording an RfC question|Wikipedia:Requests for comment#Statement should be neutral and brief|section=yes}} |
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{{side box|text='''Are you starting an RfC?''' This is good advice, and you'll be more successful if you follow it. {{pb}}'''Are you trying to shut down someone else's RfC?''' "RFCBEFORE" is good advice, but it's not required.}} |
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RfCs are time-consuming, and [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia is a volunteer service|Wikipedia being a volunteer project]], editor time is valuable. If you are considering an RfC to resolve a dispute between editors, you should try first to resolve your issues other ways. Try [[Wikipedia:Resolving disputes|discussing the matter with any other parties]] on the related [[Wikipedia:Talk page guidelines|talk page]]. If you can reach a consensus or have your questions answered through discussion, then there is no need to start an RfC. |
RfCs are time-consuming, and [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia is a volunteer service|Wikipedia being a volunteer project]], editor time is valuable. If you are considering an RfC to resolve a dispute between editors, you should try first to resolve your issues other ways. Try [[Wikipedia:Resolving disputes|discussing the matter with any other parties]] on the related [[Wikipedia:Talk page guidelines|talk page]]. If you can reach a consensus or have your questions answered through discussion, then there is no need to start an RfC. |
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{{shortcut|WP:RFCNOT}} |
{{shortcut|WP:RFCNOT}} |
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{{for|the rationale originating this section|Wikipedia talk:Requests for comment/Archive 16#Specifying that RfCs should not be listed on AfDs}} |
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{{Clear}} |
{{Clear}} |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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== Changing the RfC question == |
== Changing the RfC question == |
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[[File:Hands - Art4Good.jpg|alt=one hand reaching out for help from many others|thumb|Opponents of a proposal or RfC question should normally [[Wikipedia talk:Requests for comment|ask for help]] instead of boldly re-writing someone else's question.]] |
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Before many editors have responded, it is acceptable to modify the question. For example, this might be done if participants express confusion about the question. |
Before many editors have responded, it is acceptable to modify the question. For example, this might be done if participants express confusion about the question. |
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* You can also ask for help or a second opinion at [[Wikipedia talk:Requests for comment]]. |
* You can also ask for help or a second opinion at [[Wikipedia talk:Requests for comment]]. |
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'''Do not''' end an RfC just because you think the wording is biased |
'''Do not''' end an RfC just because you think the wording is biased. An {{tlx|rfc}} tag generally remains on the page until removed by Legobot or the originator. An RfC can be ended only when the criteria at [[#Ending RfCs|Ending RfCs]] are met. |
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== Ending RfCs == |
== Ending RfCs == |
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If a closed RfC results in a major policy change, strongly consider updating related guides such as [[Help:Introduction to Wikipedia]]. |
If a closed RfC discussion results in a major policy change, strongly consider updating related guides such as [[Help:Introduction to Wikipedia]]. |
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== Restarting an RfC == |
== Restarting an RfC == |
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