Wikipedia:Renominating for deletion

This is an essay on the deletion policy.

It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.

This page in a nutshell: After a “no consensus” close, wait at least two months. After a “keep” close, wait at least six months.

In that deletion discussion, do you really believe that the participants as a collective group simply misunderstood and got it wrong? Are you tempted to renominate the page for deletion?

Ask the closer about your concern. Be polite, and do not assume that they know exactly what you have been thinking. When asked directly, they may say something that you hadn’t considered.

If you think the closer was wrong, consider nominating at WP:DRV.

If you wish to renominate the page, hoping to achieve a different outcome, then slow down. You and the other participants may be obsessed with a particular perspective. Relisting immediately may come across as combative. Immediate second round participants are less likely to listen, and are more likely to dig in their heels. You may be right, but the audience won’t be receptive. The other participants very likely will be thinking that you have not been listening to them.

The close needs some respect. A cooling off period is needed. How long?

The following recommendations are arbitrary, but seem reasonable:

If the XfD discussion was closed as “no consensus”, do not renominate the page for at least two months.
If the XfD discussion was closed as “keep”, do not renominate the page for at least six months.

When you do renominate, try to make a better nomination statement than was made last time. Address directly the issues that caused the participants to not be persuaded last time. Emphasize the issues that were not sufficiently considered last time.

Be warned that some consider renominations to be disruptive, or gaming. Don’t exacerbate this problem by badgering the participants in the new discussion.

See also