Wikipedia:Before commenting in a deletion discussion

For some, it can be very frustrating when an article you wrote or one you otherwise like is proposed for deletion. For others, there are articles you wonder why they are on Wikipedia, and you may wish for them to get deleted. But either way, there are some important things to know before commenting in a deletion discussion.


 * 1) Don't panic. You may think, just because an article is up for deletion, it is over and the article will surely be gone. Actually, this is just the beginning. This may actually be an opportunity to have the article improved.


 * 1) Don't remove the deletion tag from the top of the page! If this is not a prod tag, but rather an AfD proposal (or other proposal with a discussion), removing this tag will not avert the deletion. It'll only make it so others will be unaware the page is proposed for deletion, thereby possibly increasing the chances the outcome will be different from what you want.


 * 1) Understand this is not a vote. A page will not be deleted simply because 10 people say "delete" and only two people say "keep." The comments that go along with these seemingly magic words, particularly those linked to policies, guidelines, and certain essays, will really make or break the deal. Therefore, do not create new accounts or recruit others just to vote more than once! Such "votes" will not be counted, and may be held against you as a sock puppetry violation.


 * 1) Don't be influenced too much by others who have already commented, but do read them. Give the view based on your own beliefs, not those of others. It is best to see a wide variety of views in order to help come to a consensus. See Follow the leader for more details.


 * 1) Get to know what policies, guidelines, and essays can be best used to prove your point. There are plenty of them out there. List of policies and guidelines to cite in deletion debates gives an easy-to-read list of those that can help you find what best fits.


 * 1) The link to the policy, guideline, or essay is key. But avoid using it alone. Simply stating per WP:POLICYNAME does not give an understanding of why you selected that policy. Add a comment to explain why you believe that policy or guideline is a reason or the outcome you wish.


 * 1) See Arguments to make in deletion discussions and Arguments to avoid in deletion discussions to understand what arguments will work and which ones probably will not.