Wikipedia:Flowcharts

These flowcharts may expedite decision-making while editing Wikipedia articles. Each flowchart begins at the top with a statement and asks a yes–no question whose answer determines where to proceed according to arrows marked "yes" or "no".

Ownership behavior

Ownership behavior or Wikipedia power plays are tied to the decline of Wikipedia. Avoid ownership behavior with the aid of the following flowchart:

I want to revert a change that was made to a Wikipedia article!

Is the change leading toward improvement of the article? → yes → Please do not revert it. Even if the change is not perfect, it may still prove beneficial with further edits.  ↓ no  ↓ Can you explain how the change is detrimental to the article according to Wikipedia policies or guidelines? → yes → Edit the article to correct or revert the change. Explain your reasons in the edit summary and, if your edit is disputed, elaborate in the talk page.  ↓ no  ↓ You might be engaging in ownership behavior and reverting the change based on personal reasons rather than reasons pertinent to Wikipedia policies and guidelines. Please do not revert the edit and instead, try to parse your reasons through the relevant Wikipedia policies and guidelines before editing further. {{User:BrightR/Flowchart/WP:OWN}}

Editing and disruptive editing

Disruptive editing includes incidental vandalism, but long-time Wikipedia editors are often disruptive too. Avoid disruptive behavior with the aid of the following flowchart:

I want to include material in a Wikipedia article!

Does this material verifiably come from a reliable source? → no → It cannot be included in an article.  ↓ yes  ↓ Does the material, as added, follow all other relevant Wikipedia content policies? For example:  • Is it in proper context?  • Is it given due weight?  • Is it free of legal issues? → no → It may be included in an article, but it needs to be put in context, placed in a different section or article, cleared of legal issues, and edited to follow any other relevant policies and guidelines.  ↓ yes  ↓ Is it free of disputes that are made in good faith? → no → The disputes must be resolved before the material is included.  ↓ yes  ↓ Congratulations! Barring any other issues, this material may be included in an article. {{User:BrightR/Flowchart/WP:EDITING}}

Ignore all rules

The short Wikipedia policy "ignore all rules" is often used to justify disruptive editing. Avoid disruptive behavior with the aid of the following flowchart:

I want to cite Wikipedia:Ignore all rules as a justification for my actions!

Were you being disruptive? → yes → Do not cite WP:IAR.  ↓ no  ↓ Were you being uncivil? → yes → Do not cite WP:IAR.  ↓ no  ↓ Were you addressing an exceptional situation that isn't properly addressed by Wikipedia policies and guidelines? → yes → You should cite WP:IAR and explain which circumstances make the existing Wikipedia policies and guidelines unfit for this particular case.  ↓ no  ↓ Do not cite WP:IAR. If you find yourself habitually citing "ignore all rules" and claiming Wikipedia policies and guidelines do not apply, perhaps it is because you have an entrenched sense of entitlement. Such feelings of entitlement impede the ability to work collaboratively. {{User:BrightR/Flowchart/WP:IAR}}