Wikipedia:Solving disputes
 | This page is a guideline on the Simple English Wikipedia. Many editors agree with the ideas on this page. It is a good idea to follow it, but it is not policy. You can change the page as needed, but please use the talk page to make sure that other editors agree with any big changes. |
 | This page in a nutshell: People on Wikipedia don't always agree on edits in articles. Talk pages should be used, but when this does not solve the problem, asking another user for help may work better. |
Focus on content
changeComment on what is written, not on who wrote it. Wikipedia tries to keep a balanced view in its pages. When you think part of an article is biased or not accurate, if you can, make it better. If you can't, and you don't agree with it, try to balance the view with your side of the story, but use reliable sources.
Explain why you made the edits you have, especially when you want other people to agree with you.
Talk about the problem with the other user
changeIf there's a problem, using a talk page is a good way to try to solve a problem. Don't make the problem worse by edit warring on the article. Talk to the person on their talk page, or on the talk page of the page where there's a problem.
Ask questions; and show that you are giving careful attention to the answers. For example, try to re-think your own words in terms of the graphic pyramid at the right. Try to use the graphic to highlight problems in one or more sentences written by you or by someone else.
When talking about the problem, stay calm. If the other user is rude to you, don't do the same. Try to look at things from their point of view, and try to reach a compromise. Assume good faith, unless it is obvious they are not editing in good faith.
Ask others for help
changeIf using the talk page has not helped, ask other users for help. Ask other people on their talk pages or on Simple talk for some help, to see if they can give an outside opinion. Ask them for some advice on how the problem can be solved. For example, try to find ways to sharpen the focus of issues by using the pyramid graphic at the right.