Policy:Consensus

On BattleTech Wiki, articles are usually created when editors create and make changes to an article until all parties involved are satisfied with the product. While it is not explicit, these bold editors are coming to a consensus on what is appropriate to include and how to phrase it through these edits. While this is the preferred method of crafting an article, occasionally two or more editors disagree on an aspect of an article. This can lead to an edit war, which is not a desirable outcome.

In order to avoid this, editors must discuss the changes on the talk page of the article in question. There, all interested editors can comment on the way to move forward.

By editing on BattleTech Wiki, you agree to abide by the consensus decision. Any further revision to an article against the consensus of editors after it has been reached may be considered disruptive and cause to be blocked from editing.

What consensus is

Consensus is achieved when a reasonable amount of time has passed for all interested parties to have their say and a clear majority decision is reached. Where possible, compromises should be made in order to ensure that the article is as satisfactory to everybody as possible. Consensus also works within the policies and guidelines that have already been set down. If one or more editors feel that policy needs to be changed, that discussion should talk place on the appropriate policy talk page, but an article should not violate policy until such time as an official policy change takes place.

What consensus is not

Not all editors need to agree on any given proposal. Consensus needs only a majority opinion, not a unanimous one, though having the most people sign on to a given change is desirable. Consensus is not, however, a democratic vote, so polling should be the absolute final resort.