Fanverse Wiki:Consensus
This is a Fanverse Wiki policy. It is a widely accepted standard that all editors should normally follow. Significant changes to this page should reflect community consensus.
Notice: This page outlines how decisions are made on Fanverse Wiki, including when consensus is required and how disputes are resolved.
What is consensus?[edit | edit source]
Consensus is the collaborative process by which Fanverse Wiki editors make decisions and resolve disputes. It does not require a vote, majority, or formal approval—it is about reaching an agreement that considers multiple viewpoints and results in the best outcome for the wiki.
Consensus values:
- Reasoned arguments
- Constructive discussion
- Respectful disagreement
- A shared goal: improving the page or policy in question
Where consensus applies[edit | edit source]
You must seek consensus for any change that:
- Affects page structure or format on a major article (e.g., splitting, merging, renaming)
- Overrides another editor’s sourced contribution or formatting
- Involves original fanon created by another user
- Alters policy, guideline, or help pages
- Involves real-world disputes (e.g., canon contradictions, development timelines)
- Could spark an edit war or long-term disagreement
Where consensus is not required[edit | edit source]
You don’t need formal consensus to:
- Fix typos, grammar, or obvious formatting errors
- Add sourced and on-topic content
- Expand stubs with clearly relevant content
- Add links, categories, or infoboxes that match existing styles
- Make bold edits on inactive or low-traffic articles—unless reverted
How to build consensus[edit | edit source]
Consensus forms through open discussion. The basic steps:
- Go to the article’s talk page.
- Start a new section explaining your proposed change.
- Provide reasoning with clarity and good faith.
- Allow others to respond, suggest alternatives, or express concerns.
- Collaborate to find common ground or refine the solution.
You can close the discussion once:
- There’s clear agreement (even if not unanimous), and
- No strong, reasoned objections remain unanswered.
What if consensus can't be reached?[edit | edit source]
If discussion stalls or gets heated:
- Take a break and revisit calmly.
- Invite a neutral third party to weigh in.
- Use wider noticeboards (e.g., Fanverse Wiki:Moderation board) for mediation.
- If multiple editors agree to pause a change, respect that request until the issue is resolved.
Avoid:
- Repeating the same argument multiple times without responding to counterpoints
- Declaring victory based on silence
- Forcing changes after opposition
- Personal attacks or sarcasm—especially about other users’ fanon work.
How to signal consensus-based changes[edit | edit source]
When consensus is reached, help others follow your reasoning:
- Leave a short summary in the edit summary box (e.g., “per talk page consensus”)
- Add a note or comment near the change if it’s sensitive
- Document complex or multi-step changes on the talk page
Examples[edit | edit source]
| Situation | Consensus required? |
|---|---|
| Fixing a broken infobox parameter | No |
| Moving a character biography to its own page | Yes |
| Replacing one user’s fanon name with another | Yes |
| Correcting a spelling error in a template | No |
| Creating a new guideline page | Yes |
| Rewriting a major section without attribution | Yes |
Tips for productive discussion[edit | edit source]
- Focus on ideas, not people
- Assume good faith—even when disagreeing
- Use links and examples to support your argument
- Be flexible—consensus means compromise
- Don’t “own” a page; all content is collaborative
Admin involvement[edit | edit source]
Admins do not create consensus—they help interpret it, enforce community standards, and de-escalate conflict. They may:
- Step in when consensus is abused or misrepresented
- Close discussions that have clearly reached consensus or deadlock
- Warn editors who repeatedly ignore or reverse consensus
- Protect pages or apply moderation tools if needed
Summary[edit | edit source]
Consensus is the core of Fanverse Wiki’s collaborative editing. It ensures:
- Creators are respected
- Fanon content isn’t overwritten carelessly
- Policies reflect community values
- Disputes are solved constructively—not through force
Whether you're updating a film’s infobox or proposing a new canon timeline, consensus keeps the wiki fair, consistent, and fan-first.