Spreading the wrong message
editA relatively new editor made me realize something that experienced editors may take for granted. As a result I think we communicate in a way that spreads the wrong message.
I think it is true that we would rather improve articles than delete them. When I place a {{notability}} tag on an article it is with the hope that an author or a WikiGnome will find references to verify notability; its purpose is NOT to prepare the way for a deletion.
An editor removed a notability tag (without adding any references) because - based on the wording of the message - she thought it was a prelude for deletion. She felt threatened that the article may be "considered for redirection, merging or ultimately deletion."
I explained that the tag was a broadcast for assistance. The tag puts the article in the category of "Articles with topics of unclear notability". There are editors who go around improving articles. They look in a category to find articles to work on. Some people like to "wikify" articles. Others like to improve the writing style. Some find references for articles. Editors go to a category and pick an article to improve. Putting a tag on an article makes it more likely that someone will improve the article.
She replied that the tag did not say that at all. It looked like a threat. She asked why doesn't it say that it places the article in a category that invites improvement.
I think she makes a very good point. Experienced editors know that a tag places an article in a category. We take it for granted, but newer editors don't know that at all. I recommend that we reword many of our message boxes to emphasize that we hope to improve the article, not delete it. So here is my proposal for the Notability message:
Current
editThis article may not meet the notability guideline. If you are familiar with the subject matter, please expand or rewrite the article to establish its notability. The best way to address this concern is to reference published, third-party sources about the subject. If notability cannot be established, the article is more likely to be considered for redirection, merge or ultimately deletion, per Wikipedia:Guide to deletion. |
Proposed
editThis article may not meet the notability guideline. You can improve the article by adding references to published, third-party sources about the subject. This message places the article in a category which alerts other editors that this article should be improved. Please do not remove this message until there are references sufficient to satisfy the guidelines. |
Comments
editI eliminated the phrase "If you are familiar with the subject matter" because it is not necessary to be familiar with a subject to find and add references. The precise wording can, of course, be adjusted but what do you think of the idea?
If this is a good idea, I would propose similar wording changes for other message boxes. Sbowers3 (talk) 01:33, 19 February 2008 (UTC)