User:IceBergYYC/Ignore Everything
 | This is an essay. 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. |
 | This page in a nutshell: There's a reason WP:IAR is a pillar of Wikipedia and your essays aren't. |
We are commanded that if it will improve the project to ignore all rules. Obviously, on some level, this is hyperbole. In the same vane that Wikipedia has an article on everything, it can be said that Wikipedia has a rule for everything. Even if these are not written in the policies, they are often written in essays. There are essays such as WP:CREEP, which are important, widespread essays, likely agreeable to a consensus of Editors. But there are also glorified User essays grandfathered into the Wikipedia space by the fact the Editor made it twenty years ago. You are more than welcome to have your own interpretations of Wikipedia policies, that's how meaningful change happens around here, but citing your own essays in WP:XFD's is not the way to do it.
But my opinions are important!
[edit]Not so important they should be forced on others. Realistically, if it isn't directly covered under the 5 Pillars, it can, and should be ignored.
But it makes me seem knowledgable!
[edit]Wikipedia is not about winning! If you need to cite obscure and rarely followed essays and policies to support your argument, it's likely not going to be very convincing. It comes across as wanting to win simply by the belief that I know more than the other guy, therefore he must be incorrect. We are all here to improve the project, not rack up personal scoreboards or dunk on people. If you so vehemently believe in following every rule, then accept you're going to bite the newbies.
But doesn't that apply to this essay?
[edit]Of course! Improve Wikipedia how you see fit. The objective of this essay is not to change how you personally improve the project, it is to bring forth my own personal viewpoint of Wikipedia's official policies and unofficial essay based "policies".
So what should I do?
[edit]Follow rules, ignore rules, whatever motivates you to improve the project, but that decision should be limited to yourself. Your beliefs are law to nobody but yourself.
If you're new here, be bold!
If you've been around forever, be civil!
Most importantly be here!
Everything else is optional.