Occasionally, someone new to WardsWiki comes along and starts editing in ways that go against the grain of Wiki conventions
Usually, a WikiGnome will just fix the edits, and life goes on. That's WhyWikiWorks.
- But sometimes, a new user objects to anonymous stylistic changes, even when those changes reflect the standards of the community.
- New users aren't vandals--they just have different perspectives.
- If we want to keep a consistent style within WardsWiki, we need to find a way to gently guide new users into good practices.
---Therefore,
WikiGnomes need to be extra-cautious when making stylistic changes to the edits of new users.
- It might be best to put a signed note on the new user's HomePage explaining the changes, and politely letting the user know that the changes aren't a personal affront.
- If the user still takes umbrage, drop the issue altogether: it's likely that another WikiGnome will do the same thing later, and might be able to phrase the explanation differently, in a way that the new user will understand * Under no circumstances should stylistic differences escalate to the point where you SetTheBozoBit or launch personal attacks. It's just not worth it.
---But,
Wiki is not static. Over time, what is GoodStyle will change, so WikiGnomes need to be reasonable.
- Consider whether the stylistic differences are disruptive enough to worry about
- Even if you think that SturgeonsLaw applies to new users' WikiInnovations, that means that at least 10% of what they come up with are good ideas and are worth leaving alone