User:Appledash/Civility policy

Warriors Wiki is made up of different editors from different places. Because of this, that means that users will have differing viewpoints, opinions, perspectives, and ideas. However, regardless how broadly they vary, working together and regarding others with respect is essential in creating a thorough and conscientious encyclopedia.

Civility
Differences of opinions are inevitable in a collaborative project. Because of this, people may be willing to go whatever lengths to make sure their opinion is heard, which can include arguments. Civility usually arises from heated debates or disputes. When discussing differences, some editors can be unnecessarily harsh without meaning to, or misinterpret an editor's comment and take it personally, when no one intended for that to be the case. This can lead to an conflict which does not focus on the topic on hand, turning the discussion into instead a heated, personal argument. These exchanges waste efforts and disrupt a positive, working environment.

Resolve differences of opinions through civil, reasonable arguments, disagree without being disagreeable. Editors are expected to be cooperative and to refrain from personal attacks or making any statement that they know will upset another user. Treat all the editors as you would respected colleagues. They are here for the same reason you are - to create a collaborative work environment.

Avoiding incivility

 * 1) Do not disagree for the sake of disagreeing, whether it is because a user you do not like suggested an idea, it is an idea that clashes with your resolve, etc.
 * 2) Explain yourself. Whether it is for undoing an edit or warning someone, users who see their edits undone or get warned for no reason will ask for an explanation, and it is better if you explain beforehand in order to avoid any confusion.
 * 3) Do not be too intense. Passion can be misread as aggression, so try not to appear as bossy when you edit.
 * 4) Follow the golden rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated. One should not treat others in a way that they do not want to be treated. When you are about to say something, think about your feelings if someone would say this to you. If you find that it would offend you or hurt you or otherwise cause negative feelings, do not say it. If you have already said it, strike it and apologize.
 * 5) Be professional. Just because we are online users and we are working without getting paid, does not mean we are without expectations, and this includes behaving badly towards one another, whether it is out of spite or simply because of the fact that you do not like each other. Put aside your differences and realize that, once again, you are both working towards the same goal.
 * 6) Avoid name calling. Whether you think someone is a fool or not, telling them that will not change anything, especially your ability to communicate with them.
 * 7) Avoid being condescending. No matter how frustrated you are, trying to show a sense of superiority and undermining others does not help anything, nor is it acceptable behavior.
 * 8) Avoid trying to ridicule another editor's comment. Chances are, they may not find ridiculous even if you do. Expressing this may only offend and antagonize, and that is not helpful and only hurts other people.
 * 9) Be careful with edit summaries. Remember to explain the edit you have undone and why you did it, and refrain from showing any condescending attitude. Use neutral language and remain calm, even if it happens to be someone vandalizing the Wiki. Do not be aggressive and do not make snide comments.
 * 10) If you happen to lose an argument, act like an adult. Do not complain or yell, just let it be.

Incivility
Incivility consists of personal attacks, disrespectful comments, and foul behavior all around. When done in an aggressive manner, these disrupt the flow of the Wiki and the goal that we all strive to accomplish - to create an encyclopedia that anyone can use. Seeing inner conflict within the Wiki from an outsider's perspective may give off the air that we are an unwelcoming community. In cases of repeated harassment, an offender may be blocked. Even a single act of severe incivility can result in a block as well, which could be severe verbal abuse or threats against another user.

Pinpointing incivility
It can be hard to pinpoint what constitutes as incivility and what does not. Users must also recognize context behind all arguments, such as if it is repeated behavior, the severity of the comment, or if the behavior was provoked or not.

Some examples of incivility include:
 * 1) Direct rudeness, such as insults, name callings, personal attacks, false accusations, or belittling another editor.
 * 2) Taunting or baiting, deliberately attempting to provoke others to the point where they may be tempted to break incivility rules. Regardless of this, each editor is responsible for their own behavior, so editors must learn to control themselves. A user who does fall for the bait will not have their actions excused.
 * 3) Lying
 * 4) Quoting another editor out of context to give impressions that they still hold certain views or beliefs

Use your best judgement when identifying incivility and to see if you yourself fall under these categories. Be prepared to apologize if you see this.

Dealing with incivility
First and foremost, a conversation must be held. Consider whether you or the other user misunderstood each other, and ask for clarification before proceeding with any other type of comment.
 * 1) Consider the fact that you may have been the root of the issue, whether you said something that provoked a response (even if by mistake). Be prepared to apologize if that does end up being the truth.
 * 2) Both editors should be calm and reasonable when responding to each other, even if they are offended or hurt. Unless there is clear proof for the contrary, assume that the offense was unintended.
 * 3) Explain clearly, kindly, and patiently what you felt was uncivil. People are not mind readers, and it helps them understand what they said made you feel.
 * 4) No matter how much you feel as if you are being provoked, do not snap back. This never works, and it just makes things worse.
 * 5) No user is exempt. Any user can be uncivil and start arguments.
 * 6) If none of this works, you can try and call in another editor who is neutral to the case and unbiased, or you can call an administrator.

How to stop yourself from being uncivil

 * 1) Walk away. Wait for tempers to cool.
 * 2) Forgive the editor and forget the comment. Do not escalate the conflict.
 * 3) Treat your follow editor as a respected colleague. Do not purposely try to ignore them or treat them negatively.
 * 4) Before you comment, ask yourself questions.
 * 5) Do I understand the context and background of this discussion?
 * 6) Am I showing any bias?
 * 7) Have I made sure to read everything clearly before I comment?
 * 8) Can my passion be misread for aggression?
 * 9) Do I remember that most of us do this for fun, and should be appreciated for all the time and effort put into this site?

Removing uncivil comments

 * 1) If a user feels that their own comment was uncivil after looking over it, they are within their rights to strike it out and reword their comment or simply apologize.
 * 2) If another user made an uncivil comment that offended you, you may ask them politely to reword their comment or to change it in a way that revokes offense.

Apologizing
It is okay to say sorry. There is no loss of face in apologizing. We all make mistakes, we all say hurtful things we do not mean to say. That does not mean we cannot change or learn from it. If you believe you owe someone an apology, apologize to them. Apologizing will not hurt you.

However, you cannot demand an apology from anyone else. Demanding for one may make the offender less likely to provide one. You can be the first one to apologize, though. Never be too stubborn or proud to make the first move. That sort of pride is destructive to the Wiki's environment. An apology can provide a fresh start.

Blocking
If a case of incivility between two users gets severe, an administrator may need to interfere. Blocking should not be the first option, but sometimes it can be necessary.
 * 1) Take into account the context. Did they do this on purpose? Are they provoking each other deliberately?
 * 2) Put aside all bias or personal feelings towards both users. Avoid snap judgement.
 * 3) What can you do other than blocking them that would put a stop to this situation? Only block when there is nothing else you can do to stop this.
 * 4) Civility blocks should be for obvious reasons, like an editor purposely stepping over the lines for all editors to see, this being provoked, or no end is seen.
 * 5) If a block is looking to be a possible option, users should be warned beforehand.

Blocking for incivility may or may not happen, but immediate blocking will usually only happen in cases of major incivility, where it rises to the severity that it disrupts all aspects of the Wiki, clear disruption, personal attacks, or harassment. Blocks should not be used to punish, only to put an end to the situation.