User:FormalDude/Taking the stick out of your ass

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: There comes a point for every editor where they will eventually need to bend over, reach between their legs, and promptly take the stick out of their ass.

Wiktionary defines stick up one's ass as "A stiff, stern, uptight, or humorless manner." These are traits we can all do better to avoid. In fact, we should inhabit their opposites. Be lenient and friendly; remember you never know what another editor may be going through. Not every rule needs to be enforced and you should never be combative when imposing them. When constructive criticism is necessary, read your message and ask yourself if it could be perceived as patronizing or condescending. If it could be, take the stick out of your ass, and revise accordingly. If you are criticizing someone, don't exaggerate how bad they were–hyperbole just reflects badly back on you.

People will occasionally snip at each other and inevitably be annoying. We all have pride and we need to be aware of how it affects us. Sometimes we need to be the bigger person and walk away. Wikipedia is not a place to hold grudges or import personal conflicts, it is not about you. It is the place to maintain civility and deescalate. Editors should always be working to present their perspectives calmly. Never forget that other Wikipedians are real people just like you. Don't say things anonymously that you wouldn't say in real life, face-to-face.

See also