Wikipedia:Wedge

When discussing potential changes to Wikipedia policy or guideline, cite WP:WEDGE as a shorthand for:

It's the thin end of the wedge.

This essay will help you understand when to use WP:WEDGE and how to respond to criticism when you do use it.

Using WP:WEDGE
Use this argument for one or more of the following reasons:
 * 1) It's a bad idea because it'll lead to Evil Things
 * 2) You can't be bothered to think of a really good argument against it
 * 3) There isn't a really good argument against it
 * 4) You're frightened of being accused of WP:IDON'TLIKEIT, but you don't like it
 * 5) Because no-one has written WP:ITSTANDSTOREASON yet, and this is an admirable pub logic substitute

Responding to criticism of WP:WEDGE
Some people dislike the use of this argument. They may accuse you of all sorts of wrongmindedness. However, the beauty of WP:WEDGE is that you need not actually respond to logical argument. Simply repeat "Yes, but WP:WEDGE" and relax.

The more formal among you may prefer the more Parliamentarian response, "I refer the Honourable User to the answer I gave some moments ago."

That should do the trick nicely.

This essay is dedicated in honour of  Majorly . Thank you for arguing with logic. --Dweller (talk) 14:33, 23 February 2009 (UTC)