User:Matt Lewis/Slow Down

=Slow Down!=

Wikipedia is not a race to amass the highest edit count! There is nothing wrong with short edits, or editing as much as you want - but quality will always outweigh quantity to any rational observer. Editing too fast can lead to error and anxiety. Why end up an 'uptight editor'?

Prepare

 * 1) Don't be lazy or forget to research. Do you really know the subject?
 * 2) Your ‘quickie’ edit could create more work! Look properly at the article and its discussions first.
 * 3) Concentrate enough to properly absorb other editor's comments. Disagreeing editors are unlikely to back off.
 * 4) Make sure you really know the 'WP' you cite! Always be careful not to yourself disregard the five pillars, policy and guidelines, and the reasons to default to Asume Good Faith!

Observe

 * Consider commenting on the Talk page first, it will show that you are serious about your issue.
 * Try planning your edit. If you know it won’t stick - why do it? Resist the urge to make it, and think of an approach that could see it through.

Breathe

 * Pause when angry, and then read the offending comment again. Communication isn’t easy, and there is always a chance there was something in the comments you missed.
 * Re-read your response before hitting ‘save’. Maybe the other editor could use some time to think again too?
 * Fully consider the time factor. Spending hours ironing out a disagreement is not only a waste of your own time, but often other editor's too. A little less haste could avoid a few people’s evenings being wasted.

Think

 * Consider what message you could be sending out by highlighting the size of your edit count. Will people who feel they haven't had your full attention be so impressed?
 * Don’t let edit-running become an addiction that rules your life! Imagine the idea of an unknowable edit count - would that matter to you?
 * Do you need to Watch so many articles? An alternative is to create a web browser folder for some of them, and visit them periodically.
 * Consider the opinion that Wikipedia would develop much faster if people simply slowed down!

=See also=

Policy

Neutral Point of View

No Original Research

Wikipedia is not a News report

Guideline

Assume Good Faith

Gaming the system

Refusal to 'get the point'

Essay

Don't ba a fanatic