WikiAnswers Community Etiquette

• Remember that this is a community of people.
• You may not see them over your backyard fence, but these "usernames" are actual people... they are your neighbors!
• Focus on the global goals.
• Except for vandals and spammers, we all share a common goal: to grow the ultimate Q&A resource with collaborative answers on any topic.
• Practice patience and keep your cool.
• Treat others how you would like to be treated if the situation were reversed. Most contributors don't mean any harm.
• Try constructive criticism.
• A fellow contributor might be more responsive to criticism if you explain what you mean in helpful detail. It's a better approach than complaining to someone about their work without offering alternative solutions. It also helps to begin with a compliment; find something good about the contribution in question, and then explain where it could be improved.
• Review the situation and get second opinions.
• Write to the Community Advisors or a Supervisor you trust for a second opinion. It may help you see the situation more clearly.
• Remember to give the benefit of the doubt.
• Some of us are new and just starting to learn the ropes (and there are a lot of ropes!) while others are experienced and forgot what it's like to be new... but we all deserve to be given a chance.
• Never make personal attacks.
• Once insults are thrown, the situation has gone too far: you probably have stopped listening to each other. It's time for an intermediary.

If you feel you need help working out a sticky situation with a fellow Contributor or Supervisor, or if you have any suggestions for these guidelines, please send an email to: CommunityAdvisor @ Answers.com (no spaces).