Wikipedia:Don't revert due solely to "no consensus"
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This page in a nutshell: If the only thing you have to say about a Wikipedia edit is that it lacks consensus, it's best to not revert it. |
Avoid
Consider these alternatives to a no consensus edit summary:
- If, in fact, the original text was the result of a consensus reached in a prior discussion (or is the subject of a current dispute) then include a link to that discussion in your edit summary.
- If, on the other hand, there is no consensus because you disagree with the change then keep in mind that consensus can change. Explain why you disagree in the edit summary or on the talk page.
- Or better still, don't revert. Instead, make your own edit to fix and improveupon the original edit.
If one of your edits draws a "no consensus" edit summary, start a conversation on the talk page and ask the reverting editor to provide a substantive rationale for the reversion.
The problem with a "no consensus" edit summary
Lacks substance. Saying "no consensus" tells the reverted editor that you disagree with the change, but it doesn't say why.
Incorrect. "No consensus" occurs only after a
Implicit consensus exists only in the absence of a dispute.
That said, the existing text
Impedes consensus-building. Wikipedia editors resolve a lack of consensus through an exchange of information leading to persuasion and compromise. Reverting an edit shows there is no consensus. Saying "no consensus" in the edit summary adds no new information. Worse, it forces the reverted editor to begin a talk page discussion just to find out the real reason for the revert. This hampers consensus-building by adding an unnecessary step to the process. See also
Discourteous to good faith editors. A substance-free revert implies the reverting editor
Violates the spirit of
Reflects poorly on the reverting editor. An editor with a valid objection who reverts with a "no consensus" edit summary is just plain lazy.
Alternatives to a "no consensus" edit summary
Provide a link to the prior consensus
A reverting editor asserting a lack of consensus has the responsibility to show a prior consensus or current discussion. If an edit really does break a specific, established consensus then you should provide a link to the talk page section, FAQ set, policy, or other written page establishing that consensus. Even then, keep in mind that
If you can't link to a talk page section, FAQ set, policy, or other written page establishing a consensus then consider the following alternatives to asserting "no consensus" as the reason for your revert.
Don't revert
- See generally Revert only when necessary.
If you can't name a specific problem with an edit, you have no valid reason to immediately revert it. Reverting solely on the basis of "no consensus" suggests you simply did not like the edit. Or, worse, you have a Semmelweis reflex against innovation and new perspectives. If you just have a bad gut feeling about the edit, consider seeking input from other experienced editors at appropriate noticeboards and WikiProjects.
Don't assert "no consensus" because you believe others might object to an edit. Let those editors do their own reverting, then the original contributor will know who disagrees with the edit and why. Or perhaps no one will object because, in fact, a silent consensus exists to keep the change.
Fix the edit
It's easy to revert, but it's more
Insert a tag and start a discussion
If the edit can be corrected but you can't think of or don't have the time to implement a fix -
(1) Put an appropriate Wikipedia:Template index/Disputes (such as [disputed ]) or quality tag (such as [clarification needed]) on the article page.
(2) If the tag is not self-explanatory (such as [citation needed]), state your concerns on the talk page.
Revert with a meaningful explanation
If you have considered alternatives and concluded that a reversion is appropriate, be sure to provide a substantive explanation in the edit summary or on the talk page. Even if the reason seems obvious to you, it will not always be obvious to someone else.
How to respond to a "no consensus" edit summary
Step one: start a discussion on talk. No, you shouldn't have to do it. And yes, it's a pain. But it's the best path to a civil resolution of the dispute. Use a Subject/headline such as "Revert of January 5, 2021", start the text with a {{
If the reverting editor does not reply within three days then, on the fourth day, check user contributions to assure that editor is active and has had a fair chance to respond. If so, post a follow up message with a ping and text such as "it appears from your silence that you no longer object to the edit you reverted. If that is not the case then please reply to my [date of your original post] post within the next three days." If you get no reply within three more days then revert the reversion "per talk". If you get a substantive reply, work with the user to reach a consensus.
If the reverting editor simply repeats "no consensus" (or some variant) on talk, respond with something like "I am here now hoping to work with you toward a consensus. Would you please tell me what, if anything, you find objectionable about the change you reverted?"
If the reverting editor claims other editors must express agreement with your change, reply with text such as "I do not read either
If none of these strategies work, you have reached an impasse. It’s time to consider the options listed at