Wikipedia:Keep it down to earth
For down-to-earth language, see WP:Make technical articles understandable and WP:SLANG.
Essay on editing Wikipedia
 | This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
 | This page in a nutshell: Aim for workable solutions that have a realistic chance at succeeding. |
Keep it down to earth is an approach to dealing with problem editors and problem situations. When looking for solutions, choose real, workable solutions. Operate within the range of actual possibilities and existing resources.
- Don't try to wish a mentor into existence where no one has stepped forward, unless you're prepared to become the mentor.
- Don't attempt to set up compromises that require a problem editor's cooperation if the problem editor is clearly uncooperative.
- Don't try to offload the problem onto people who didn't volunteer for it or onto processes that weren't designed to handle it.
Do use the resources that are really available. If those resources are limited and unsatisfactory, seek willing cooperation or else volunteer yourself.