Wikipedia:Don't call the kettle black

This is an essay on the conduct policy. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.

Shortcuts WP:HYPOCRISY WP:IRONY WP:POT WP:POTKETTLE WP:KETTLE

This page in a nutshell: The disruptive behavior of another editor is not an excuse for your own disruptive behavior. In other words, don't be a hypocrite.

Don't call the kettle black. The kettle may or may not be black, but attacking it for its blackness will only draw attention to your own blackness, which in turn undermines your position.

It happens quite often on Wikipedia that an editor makes a post to remind others of

The hypocrisy is simply staggering. "Yes, but they started it" is a poor excuse and will not shield you from any of the consequences of your behavior. Just don't do it. Also remember that a mote and a beam are not the same size, and try not to be the beam.

When reminding another user of a policy or guideline regarding behavior, it is well-advised to consider whether you yourself have been following the rule in question. Otherwise, tedious arguments about arguing are likely to ensue.

This phenomenon is quite common with the "test the limits" crowd. Often, users will go out of their way to

Users are encouraged to keep a cool head and discuss on talk pages first.

Look up pot calling the kettle black or people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• Wikipedia:Assume good faith
• Wikipedia:Assume the assumption of good faith
• Wikipedia:Don't shoot yourself in the foot
• Wikipedia:Passive Aggressive