Information:Tagging pages for problems

"Tags" are often used to indicate problems. Some BattleTechWiki editors may object to the practice of tagging instead of fixing, but there is value in pointing out an article's problems. Tagging allows editors to specialize, teaches editors and warns readers about subpar or problematic content. It is better if people solve the problems they encounter themselves, but not everyone may be able to. Editors are sometimes obliged to justify inclusion of tags, such as in the case of Template:POV.

Constructive criticism given in a civil, respectful manner is a vital part in a collaborative project like BattleTechWiki, and it should be welcomed rather than discouraged. BattleTechWiki values contributions from everyone—novices and experts alike. It is important to listen to readers who find an article biased, confusing or unconvincing. They might not have the expertise to fix those problems, but the fact that they report them probably means that an article needs improvement.

Lists of tags

• BattleTechWiki:Template index/Cleanup contains tags frequently used to mark articles needing cleanup in some way.
• BattleTechWiki:Template index/Disputes contains tags frequently used to mark articles that may violate a BattleTechWiki policy in some way.
• Template:Inline cleanup tags contains tags used within the body of an article to mark a specific sentence or piece of prose.

How to add a tag

• Before you add a tag, make sure that the tag is necessary. If possible, fix small problems yourself rather than tagging and leaving an article (see the section on constructive tagging for more detail).
• On the article you want to tag, click "Edit" to start the process of adding a tag. Whether you are using the Visual Editor or editing the page's source text directly, you should see an Insert button near the top of the page.
• Most tags go at the top of articles, but some may be placed under section headings or elsewhere. Click your cursor in the article where you would like to place the tag, and then click Insert > Template.
• Type into the Find template box to find the appropriate template to tag the article with. Lists of frequently used templates can be found in the section above, 'Lists of tags'.
• Select the template you want and fill in any boxes that require more information within the Insert window. Click the blue Insert button in the top right, and save the page by clicking Publish changes in the top right, making sure to leave an Edit summary.

Constructive tagging

See also: BattleTechWiki:Template messages/Cleanup

Adding tags for non-obvious or perceived problems—without identifying the problem well enough for it to be easily fixed—is frequently referred to as "drive-by tagging", particularly when done by editors who are not involved in the article's development. When it comes to confusing or subjective tags, such as {{npov}}, it is important to explain yourself on the article's talk page or in an edit summary. It can be helpful to refer to applicable content policies, such as BattleTechWiki:Conflict of interest, BattleTechWiki:Neutral point of view, Policy:Verifiability, or Policy:Real People, though WikiLawyering is discouraged.

By contrast, adding tags for obvious, major flaws can be helpful. However, if an article has insufficient references or other issues, then pointing this out with a tag may not result in the problem being fixed. It may be better to fix it yourself.

There is no requirement in BattleTechWiki policies that editors must "pay their dues" by working on an article before they can add a tag, so long as they explain the rationale for the tag on the talk page.

Removing tags

Any editor without a conflict of interest who sees a tag, but does not see the purported problem with the article and does not see any detailed complaint on the talk page, may remove the tag. Except in very obvious cases (such as removing {{Uncategorized}} from an article that has been categorized), it is wise to place a note on the talk page explaining the removal and to identify your action in an appropriately detailed edit summary.

After the initial problem causing the tag is fixed, the tag may be accidentally left in place. Sometimes problems are solved by inexperienced editors, who incorrectly believe that they must wait for an authority figure to remove the official-looking template. Perhaps the person leaving the tag simply made a bad judgment call, or accidentally linked to the wrong template.

Be wary of removing tags related to sourcing issues, particularly specific ones like {{Citation needed}}. Under the Verifiability policy, any challenged statement should not be restored (in this case, detagged) without a citation to a reliable source. Redundant tagging or overtagging can, however, be a problem. See #Over-tagging below.

If the person placing the tag has explained their concerns on the talk page, then anyone who disagrees should join the discussion and explain why the tag seems inappropriate. If there is no reply within a reasonable amount of time (a few days), the tag can be removed by any editor without a conflict of interest. If there is disagreement, then normal talk page discussion should proceed, per consensus-building.

Disputes over tags

Whether a tag should be placed on an article is sometimes the subject of disputes. Occasionally, editors place tags to make a point, to disrupt editing, or to be tendentious. Similarly, editors occasionally remove tags without solving real problems because they are embarrassed by the tag, do not want additional attention from other editors, or do not like tags.

Rather than reverting or edit warring over the placement of a tag, use dispute resolution procedures. Start by engaging in a calm discussion on the article's talk page.

Some tags, such as {{POV}}, often merely indicate the existence of one editor's concern, without taking a stand whether the article complies with BattleTechWiki policies. It is important to remember that the POV dispute tag does not mean that an article actually violates NPOV. It simply means that there is a current discussion about whether the article complies with the neutral point of view policy. In any NPOV dispute, there will usually be some people who think the article complies with NPOV, and some who disagree. In general, you should not remove the POV dispute tag merely because you personally feel the article complies with NPOV. Rather, the tag should be removed only when there is a consensus among the editors that the NPOV disputes have indeed been resolved or—according to the rules for this specific template—when the discussion has stopped for a significant length of time.

Over-tagging

See also: BattleTechWiki:Template messages/Cleanup

It is best to provide few of the most specific possible tags. Placing too many tags on an article is "tag-bombing", disruptive, or may be a violation of Do not disrupt BattleTechWiki to make a point. Placing vague tags on articles results in confusion and discouragement more often than it results in improving the encyclopedia.

Placing tags is, in itself, not a means of improving the encyclopedia: It is only a means of asking other people to improve an article that you cannot or will not improve yourself.

Adding tags for non-obvious problems without discussion on the talk page which explains where the problems are is arguably not helpful. It can be viewed as disruptive and is derided as "drive-by tagging" when done by editors who are not involved in the article's development. The allegation that "drive-by tagging" is not acceptable is not based on BattleTechWiki policies; there is no requirement in BattleTechWiki policies that an editor must "pay their dues" by working on an article before they can add a tag, so long as they explain the rationale for the tag on the talk page. Where there is disagreement, both sides should attempt to discuss the situation.

This essay on Wikipedia about Responsible tagging includes a list of many commonly used tags as well as advice on when they may be appropriate and what sorts of things one can say on the talk page to help others see that every tag makes sense for the article. Here are four specific warning signs of overtagging:

Too many tags

It is very rare that more than two or three tags are needed, even on the worst articles. Adding more tags usually results in all of them being ignored. Focus your attention on the most important one or two issues.

Redundant tags

Avoid adding two tags to the same article, section or passage that essentially mean the same thing, in whole or in part. For example, do not add {{no footnotes}} to an article or section already tagged with {{unreferenced}}, and do not flag the same statement with both {{citation needed}} and {{dubious}}. Doing so is BTW:POINTy, and disruptive for our readers.

Vague tags

Non-specific tags tend to linger because editors, especially new editors, can't figure out what to fix. If there are concrete, specific problems, try to use a tag that clearly indicates your concern. If no such tag exists, make sure that you leave a comment on the article's talk page or in a <!-- hidden comment --> so that other editors know what your concern is.

Wrong tags

If the tag doesn't say exactly what you want it to say, then don't use it! If no tag exists for the specific problem, then either fix it yourself or leave a note on the article's talk page.

Unhelpful tags

Don't place a tag merely because it's technically permitted. Not every article needs a tag, even if the article could be expanded or improved. Use your best judgment and consider all of the facts and circumstances. Will the tag prompt a positive improvement? If not, then skip it.