Pixar Cars Wiki:Communication

Any collaborative project is only as successful as the communication between its members. Every interaction involves communication; it's also a skill that can be developed through practice and care. This page outlines how communication typically operates here on the wiki, as well as some helpful tips to make yours the best it can be.

Communicating on the wiki

Areas of communication here on the wiki can largely be categorized into two groups: Discussion on (and about) the wiki itself, and in the larger community.

In the field

• Talk pages – Used for discussion regarding a specific article, file, template, or any other individual page. Each has its own corresponding talk page, where any user can create a topic and outline any changes, suggestions, or ideas regarding the page. From there, other users may respond and offer their own input; Each requires a signature. In cases where differing opinions prohibit a natural compromise, a vote may be held between one or more options.
• Proposals – Function similarly, but relate to site-wide or other large-scale discussions.
• Edit summaries – May accompany an edit. While these are not necessarily written between one another, they are still extremely helpful, as they communicate changes to an article along with a reasoning why.

On the homefront

• User talk pages (Message walls) – Every user has their own personal talk page, where they can talk freely with other users about whatever they like. Our wiki currently uses the Message Wall feature instead; the former user talk link will redirect there instead.
• Discussions – A feature separate from the wiki itself, that does not use make use of wikitext markup. This serves as an open forum: Due to its forced integration and promotion it has largely superseded our own forums space
• User blogs – Any user can create posts for their personal user blog; these function similarly to user sub-pages. Blogs themselves should only be edited by the hosting user (unless they grant others permission), but each has a comment section for open discussion.

Tips for effective communication

While the Pixar Cars Wiki takes up its own little space as an independent community, it's important to remember that we're still only a small haven in a larger world. As such, the same basic courtesies you'd be expected to offer anywhere else also apply to here. Cliché as it is, the Golden Rule is named such for a reason - it's an irreplaceable foundation for how we should communicate with one another. Just as you would prefer to be treated with kindness, patience, and respect, it will only come if you give others the same!

At the end of the day, we're all here because we love Cars - let's keep that in mind and make this space welcoming and pleasant for everyone!

Settling disagreements

Of course, there are times when that's easier said than done. We have a lot of busy bodies racing around here, and a lot of different thoughts, ideas, and perspectives to match. Every one of us is unique, and where two people differ, it's not uncommon for conflicts to arise.

Typically, the first priority in handling differing opinions is to try and find a compromise. Even if two ideas don't fit perfectly together, there's often some kind of common ground that could be leveraged - and if not, then can be found. Talk pages and proposals provide a great avenue for discussion and civil debates. If a compromise between two ideas simply cannot be found, it's good protocol to open a vote, where users can vote on which option they prefer.

Correcting mistakes

Another critical skill is knowing how to respectfully coach another user. All of us here are constantly learning - From our ever-increasing newcomers bravely learning the ropes and getting up to speed, to our well-seasoned veterans continually pushing the bounds of their knowledge. And everyone knows that learning requires mistakes!

From mistakes emerge the most valuable learning opportunities, and the perfect chance for us to share our collaborative knowledge with one another. We allow and encourage all users to make use of reminders - These are brief messages sent to identify a mistake, and explain how it can be improved upon.

Issuing a reminder might seem intimidating, as the act of correction may risk coming off as rude or unwarranted. Here are some tips to consider when exchanging them:

• First and foremost, be friendly and assume good faith. This Wikipedia principle believes that the overwhelming majority of users, new or old, are here with the intent to better the wiki. Remember this when noticing a mistake; Rarely is a user purposefully subverting common practice, or deliberately trying to harm the site. Rather, a mistake just means they're not familiar with the proper how-to... yet!
• The establishing goal in a purposeful reminder is to not only identify a mistake, but to explain why correcting it would benefit the user and wiki at large. Whenever possible, try to link to relevant documentation on the subject, with an appropriate help or policy page.
• However, a reminder is not complete without a solution. If pointing out someone's mistake, always provide an alternative option or solution. No one likes a grumbler. This is especially poignant for newcomers, whose first experiences are going to determine whether they want to stick around or hit the road. Please do not bite the newcomers. A reminder should always be issued with intent to inform, never to criticize or threaten with discipline.

On the receiving end of things, it's also important to assume good faith and remember a purposeful reminder is trying to help. Unless it's overtly the opposite, try your best to review the issue and if you're still confused.. just ask! Anyone issuing a reminder should be prepared to help out however possible. However, if you need further help, you can also search the help directory or open a query via the main talk page!

See also

• Common mistakes
• Wikipedia's help page on assuming good faith