User:Sbowers3/sandbox/Notability

Spreading the wrong message
A relatively new editor made me realize something that experienced editors may take for granted. As a result I think we communicate in a way that spreads the wrong message.

I think it is true that we would rather improve articles than delete them. When I place a notability tag on an article it is with the hope that an author or a WikiGnome will find references to verify notability; its purpose is NOT to prepare the way for a deletion.

An editor removed a notability tag (without adding any references) because - based on the wording of the message - she thought it was a prelude for deletion. She felt threatened that the article may be "considered for redirection, merging or ultimately deletion."

I explained that the tag was a broadcast for assistance. The tag puts the article in the category of "Articles with topics of unclear notability". There are editors who go around improving articles. They look in a category to find articles to work on. Some people like to "wikify" articles. Others like to improve the writing style. Some find references for articles. Editors go to a category and pick an article to improve. Putting a tag on an article makes it more likely that someone will improve the article.

She replied that the tag did not say that at all. It looked like a threat. She asked why doesn't it say that it places the article in a category that invites improvement.

I think she makes a very good point. Experienced editors know that a tag places an article in a category. We take it for granted, but newer editors don't know that at all. I recommend that we reword many of our message boxes to emphasize that we hope to improve the article, not delete it. So here is my proposal for the Notability message:

Comments
I eliminated the phrase "If you are familiar with the subject matter" because it is not necessary to be familiar with a subject to find and add references. The precise wording can, of course, be adjusted but what do you think of the idea?

If this is a good idea, I would propose similar wording changes for other message boxes. Sbowers3 (talk) 01:33, 19 February 2008 (UTC)