User:PeterSymonds/Guidelines

 is the primary channel for help with using and editing Wikipedia. Unlike and, Wikipedia's more central channels, #wikipedia-en-help is specifically oriented to help new users. Helpers are voiced (the IRC channel mode +v), to distinguish the helpers from those requesting help.

Because #wikipedia-en-help is specifically designed for helping (primarily, but not limited to) our newest users – an IRC equivalent to Help desk – it is important that helpers are patient, friendly and understanding. The range of questions is usually rather straightforward (see ), but the majority of people who come to the channel for help do not always know how the channel works. Therefore, channel conduct should reflect this. "Noise" (excessive off-topic chatter) should be moved to another channel, for example or, especially when there are users requesting or receiving help. However, it is important to remember that greetings and minor off-topic remarks while people aren't being assisted are perfectly acceptable. If an extended conversation is conflicting with user(s) requesting help, they should be asked politely to move it elsewhere. Remember, is a less specialised channel for general discussion about Wikipedia, so that is always a good place to direct people.

Dealing with common queries

 * If the query is unrelated to Wikipedia but possible to answer at one of the reference desks, it may be helpful to direct them there. There also may be another IRC channel suitable for the query. (Example: if the query is about chemistry, may be useful.)
 * If the matter is unrelated to Wikipedia and not possible to answer at the reference desk or another channel, politely inform them that the channel isn't the venue for the question, and advise them to seek somebody in the field. (Example: Valuation of an antique vase made in 1900.)
 * Do not consent to offer legal or medical advice under any circumstances. Advise to seek professional help from a medical practitioner or lawyer. You might also wish to give them a link to WP:NOLEGAL and/or WP:MEDICAL.
 * Do not overuse technical Wikipedia jargon without explaining it – acronyms like AFD, ANI, DRV, and RS are not likely to be known by newer users.
 * Users sometimes join #wikipedia-en-help to ask for assistance during an edit war or content dispute. If you do feel comfortable getting involved, please read around the situation thoroughly. Users asking on IRC to revert edits so they are not in violation of the three-revert rule is not acceptable.
 * Non-admins dealing with page deletion queries can link the user to Why was my page deleted?; and if there is still further clarification required, the contact information for the deleting admin can be provided (user talk page or email).
 * Users asking to appeal their block should be directed to.
 * Avoid heated discussion; there is no cause for it. Uncivil users should be asked to stop first, in a private message if necessary. If that does not succeed, channel operators can intervene to silence or ban users; see.

Who can help

 * Any channel member can assist new users. Trusted members of the channel are given the access flags +vVA, autovoicing them when they enter the channel. Voice distinguishes helpers from those requesting help, by showing them in a different colour, but you do not need to be voiced to help out. If you notice somebody needs help, and you feel able to assist, feel free!
 * New channel members and novice Wikipedians are suggested to refrain from helping others.
 * Inappropriate conduct toward new users may result in the removal of those flags. Continued inappropriate conduct, including poor and incorrect answers; SHOUTING; and incivility, may further lead to muting (disallowing a user's ability to speak in the channel) and/or removal from the channel.

Channel operators

 * Channel operators (list available here) have the technical ability to silence, remove and ban users from channels, as well as a few commands for channel maintenance. For excessive incivility, trolling, or spam, type !ops or ask in . If it looks possible, try to catalyse first.