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{{essay|WP:SPA|WP:SPU}} {{Redirect|WP:SPA|the policy on sock puppet accounts|WP:SOCK}}
{{redirect|WP:SPA|the policy on sockpuppet accounts|WP:SOCK}} {{Essay|WP:SPA|WP:SPU}}
⚫ A '''single-purpose account''' ('''SPA''') is a ] or IP editor whose editing is limited to one very narrow area or set of articles, or whose edits to many articles appear to be for a common purpose. Many single-purpose accounts turn out to be well-intentioned editors with a niche interest, but a significant number appear to edit for the purposes of promotion, showcasing and/or ].


⚫ A '''single-purpose account''' ('''SPA''') is a ] or ] whose editing is limited to one very narrow area or set of articles, or whose edits to many articles appear to be for a common purpose. If you are in this situation and some editors directed you to this page, pointing out that you made "few or no other edits outside this topic", they are encouraging you to familiarize yourself with the Misplaced Pages guidelines about ] and ]. This is because while many single-purpose accounts turn out to be well-intentioned editors with a niche interest, a significant number appear to edit for the purposes of promotion or showcasing their favored point of view, ].
⚫ For these reasons, experienced editors often scrutinize the editing activities of new editors and single-purpose accounts carefully in a discussion to discern whether they appear to be ] (perhaps needing help and advice), or alternatively edit for ]. The community seeks to attract new and well-informed users knowledgeable in a particular subject; at the same time it is not a platform for advocacy.


Misplaced Pages's ] has ] "single purpose accounts and editors who hold a strong personal viewpoint on a particular topic covered within Misplaced Pages are expected to contribute neutrally instead of following their own agenda and, in particular, should take care to avoid creating the impression that their focus on one topic is non-neutral, which could strongly suggest that their editing is not compatible with the goals of this project."
⚫ :* '''New editors''' should be aware that while courtesy and a warm greeting will usually be extended, they may be subject to more scrutiny in the early stages of their editing as other editors attempt to assess how well they adhere to Misplaced Pages standards.
⚫ :* '''Existing editors''' should act fairly, civilly, ], and remember everyone was new at some time. Care is needed if addressing single-purpose accounts on their edits.


⚫ For these reasons, experienced editors often scrutinize the editing activities of new editors and single-purpose accounts to determine whether they are ] (perhaps needing help and advice), or whether they are editing for ]. Although the community seeks to attract new and well-informed users knowledgeable in a particular subject, Misplaced Pages is an encyclopedia and not a platform for advocacy.
⚫ The ] may be used to visually highlight that a participant in a multi-user discussion has made few or no other types of contribution. However a user who edits appropriately and makes good points that align with Misplaced Pages's ] should have their comment given full weight regardless of any tag.
⚫ * '''New editors''' have the right to be treated with ], but they should also be aware that, while courtesy and a warm greeting will usually be extended, they may be subject to more scrutiny in the early stages of their editing as other editors attempt to assess how well they adhere to Misplaced Pages standards.
⚫ * '''Existing editors''' must ] concerning the user account, act fairly and civilly, and ]. Remember that every editor on Misplaced Pages was new at some point. Care is needed if addressing single-purpose accounts on their edits.

⚫ The ] may be used to visually highlight that a participant in a multi-user discussion has made few or no other types of contribution. However, a user who edits appropriately and makes good points that align with Misplaced Pages's ] should have their comments be given full weight regardless of any tag placed on them.


== General test == == General test ==
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:{| style="border:black solid 1px" width="90%" :{| style="border:black solid 1px" width="90%"
| ''A user who appears to have a very brief editing history, or an apparent focus on one (or at most a handful of) matters or purposes, creating a legitimate reason for users to assess whether their editing and comments appear ], reasonably free of ], aware of ], not ], and aimed at ]''. | ''A user who appears to focus their edits on a particular article or related set of articles in a way which may cause other users to question whether that person's edits are ] and are reasonably free of ]. Such users may not be aware of ], may have engaged in ], and might not be here to ]''.
|} |}


Evidence that the user seems to be editing appropriately and collaboratively to add knowledge in a niche area, may suggest the user is likely to be an editor with a preferred focus. By contrast, evidence that a user is also editing to add promotional, advocative, or non-neutral approaches, or has a personal or emotional interest in the area of focus, possibly with limited interest in pure editing for its own sake, is more likely to suggest the user has the kinds of concerns described in the introduction. It must be understood that evidence that a user seems to be editing appropriately and collaboratively to add knowledge in a niche area may suggest that the user is likely to be an editor with a preferred focus—this is perfectly acceptable. By contrast, evidence that a user is editing to add promotional, advocative, or non-neutral material or has a personal or emotional interest in the area of focus, possibly with limited interest in pure editing for its own sake, is more likely to raise concerns.


== SPA tagging == == SPA tagging ==
=== Decision-making tags === === Decision-making tags ===
:In communal decision-making, single-purpose accounts suspected of ] or ] will sometimes have a tag added after their name, as an aid to those discussing or closing the debate. These tags are not an official Misplaced Pages policy, and may be heeded or not based upon your judgment and discretion. If you are tagged as an SPA, please do not take this as an attack on your editing. Some users just find it easier to discuss issues when it is clear who the new editors are. The format of the tag is: :In communal decision-making, single-purpose accounts suspected of ] or ] will sometimes have a tag unilaterally added after their name (producing a note that the editor "has made few or no other edits outside this topic"), as an aid to those discussing or closing the debate. These tags are not an official Misplaced Pages policy, and may be heeded or not based upon your judgment and discretion. If you are tagged as an SPA, please do not take this as an attack on your editing. Some users just find it easier to discuss issues when it is clear what the new editors are doing. The format of the tag is:
:<code>{{<nowiki>subst:</nowiki>]|''username''}}</code>&nbsp;&nbsp;''add this after the user's signature (do not replace the signature)'' :<code>{{<nowiki>subst:</nowiki>]|''username''}}</code>&nbsp;&nbsp;''add this after the user's signature (do not replace the signature)''
:<code>{{<nowiki>subst:</nowiki>]|''username''|''UTC timestamp''}}</code>&nbsp;&nbsp;''use this if the user did not add a signature'' :<code>{{<nowiki>subst:</nowiki>]|''username''|''UTC timestamp''}}</code>&nbsp;&nbsp;''use this if the user did not add a signature''


:Before adding such a tag make sure you are doing so with '''good reason'''. Not all unhelpful editors are SPAs, and it is important not to blindly tag all of them as such. Please consult the general test and the "who not to tag" section below, in deciding whether the editor is actually an SPA. Please keep in mind that the tag may be taken as an insult or an accusation—use with consideration. :Before adding such a tag make sure you are doing so with '''good reason'''. Please consult the general test and the "who not to tag" section below, in deciding whether the editor is actually an SPA. Please keep in mind that the tag may be taken as an insult or an accusation to the tagged editor—use with consideration. If a tag is warranted, it should be limited to one instance per single-purpose account per conversation thread to inform readers in that thread. Adding a tag after every comment by a single-purpose account within a single thread is unnecessary and likely to be perceived as antagonistic.


=== Who ''not'' to tag (SPA tagging guidelines) === === Whom ''not'' to tag (SPA tagging guidelines) ===
{{Shortcut|WP:SPATG}} {{Shortcut|WP:SPATG}}
The following is a list of common misuses of the single-purpose account tag. You should under no circumstance consider anything that falls into the below categories as evidence for warranting an SPA tag. The following is a list of common misuses of the single-purpose account tag. You should, under no circumstance, consider anything that falls into the below categories as evidence for warranting an SPA tag.


:'''Editing time line:''' the timeline of a user’s edits should not be considered when using single-purpose account tags. One must look at the editor’s complete edit history, not just recent edits. Examples of ''non-SPAs'' include '''Editing timeline:''' A given user's ''overall'' timeline of editing should be taken into consideration before placing an SPA tag on that user's edits. Only a complete edit history will allow a fair consideration of that editor's intentions. Examples of users whose edits should ''not'' be labeled as being those of an SPA include the following:
::*Users with a diversified edit history that become inactive for an extended period and later re-establish themselves with single subject edits. Note that a time gap in edit history may be evidence that the person was referred to Misplaced Pages by an outside source, but it isn't evidence that the person is an SPA. * Users with a diversified edit history that indicates that the user became inactive for an extended period and then later re-established themselves with single-subject edits. Note that a time gap in edit history may be evidence that the person may have been referred to Misplaced Pages by an outside source (see ]), but this is not evidence that the account is an SPA.
::*An established editor focusing on a single topic is not an SPA. Once an editor is well established with a large, diversified edit history, he or she can focus on single subjects for extended periods of time without being labeled an SPA. * Users who are established editors whose current focus is on a single topic. Once an editor is well established with a large, diversified edit history, such users are welcome to edit on single subjects for extended periods without their edits or their accounts warranting the SPA tag.

:'''Editing only within a single broad topic:''' When identifying single-purpose accounts, it is important to consider what counts as a diverse group of edits. For example, subjects like spiders, nutrition, baseball, and geometry are diversified topics within themselves. If a user only edits within a broad topic, this does not mean the user is an SPA. '''Edits by a single user within a single broad topic:''' When identifying single-purpose accounts, it is important to consider what counts as a diverse group of edits. For example, subjects like "spiders", "nutrition", "baseball", or "geometry" are diversified topics within themselves. If a user only edits within a broad topic (such as "spiders"), this does not mean the user is an SPA (though only editing the page '']'' might). Some very broad but specialized academic topics may seem narrow to editors with little or no knowledge of the field – if you are unsure what constitutes a specialized topic, then it may be best to mention this fact when claiming a certain account is an SPA or to not place such a label in the first place.
⚫ :'''Lack of a user page:''' While many single-purpose accounts do not have user pages, this is not a reason for identifying a person as an SPA. Some established users who edit articles on a variety of subjects do not have user pages.

⚫ :'''A subject outside of SPA area:''' An editor can be an SPA within a given subject, but if they make edits on an unrelated page, the tag should not be used for these edits. The tag should only be used on the pages that relate to the single-purpose account's "single purpose."
⚫ '''Lack of a user page or signature:''' While many single-purpose accounts do not have user pages, this is not a reason for identifying a person as an SPA. Some established users who edit articles on a variety of subjects do not have user pages. In addition, even the most experienced editors occasionally forget to sign their comments.

⚫ '''A subject outside of SPA area:''' An editor can become labeled as an SPA within a given subject, but do not label other edits as belonging to an SPA if the edits are to a genuinely unrelated page. The tag should only be used on pages that relate to the single-purpose account's "single purpose".

'''Number of edits:''' A user should not be tagged as an SPA ''just'' because they only have a handful of edits. While all users with just a single edit are by definition an SPA, users with as few as five or even 10 edits are not necessarily SPAs even if those edits are on a single topic or appear to be promoting a "single purpose". More important than the number is the ''content'' of those edits. Labeling a new account as an SPA after very few edits may be construed as biting the newcomers.


==Handling and advice== ==Handling and advice==
; If you are in a discussion with someone who edits as a single-purpose account: ===If you are in a discussion with someone who edits with appearance of being a single-purpose account===
: Communal standards such as ] apply to all users. Be courteous. Focus on the subject matter, '']''. If they are given fair treatment, they may also become more involved over time. Community standards such as ] apply to all users. Be courteous. Focus on the subject matter, '']''. If treated fairly, newcomers may become more involved over time. If a newcomer is participating in an ] discussion, then consider adding a '''{{tl|Afd-welcome}}''' tag to their talk page. Only tag users as SPAs if they actually fit the tagging guidelines above. Even if the tagging guidelines are followed, use the tag only if it actually serves a constructive purpose in the context that it is being used.
: If they are participating in an ] discussion, then consider adding a '''{{tl|Afd-welcome}}''' message to their talk page.
⚫ ; If you are a newcomer or editing as a single-purpose account:
⚫ : Good policy-based editing will gain rapid respect. Ask others for help as you learn. The same policies apply to you as to everyone else, although your reputation and your evidence will inevitably be taken into account in discussions by some experienced editors.


⚫ If you are a newcomer or are editing as a single-purpose account, good policy-based editing will likely earn you rapid respect. Ask others for help as you learn. The same policies apply to you as to everyone else, although your reputation and your evidence will inevitably be taken into account in discussions by some experienced editors.
⚫ : If you create a single-purpose account, do not pick a username related to the topic you are editing. Adopting such a username might lead some editors to assume you harbor a conflict of interest, causing unnecessary drama.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/User_talk:Virgin_United</ref><ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/User:Young_Trigg</ref>


⚫ ===If you are working a single-purpose account===
⚫ : If you wish to continue working as a SPA, capitalize on the strengths of that role, particularly as regards sources. Be willing to buy or borrow books and articles on your chosen subject. Search thoroughly for information on-line. Make notes reminding you from where your information comes, carefully check its ] and ]. Reproduce it in the form of ].
⚫ If you create a single-purpose account, do not pick a username related to the topic you are editing. Adopting such a username might lead some editors to assume you harbour a conflict of interest, causing unnecessary drama.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/User_talk:Virgin_United |title=User talk:Virgin United – Misplaced Pages, the 💕 |publisher=En.wikipedia.org |date= |accessdate=2014-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/User:Young_Trigg |title=User:Young Trigg – Misplaced Pages, the 💕 |publisher=En.wikipedia.org |date= |accessdate=2014-01-08}}</ref>


⚫ If you wish to continue working as an SPA, capitalize on the strengths of that role, particularly with regard to sources. Be willing to buy or borrow books and articles on your chosen subject. Search thoroughly for information online. Make notes reminding you from where your information comes, carefully check its ] and ]. Reproduce it in the form of ].
⚫ : The community's main concern is that edits by single-purpose accounts stand at odds with Misplaced Pages's ] and ] policies. Indeed, in some cases, there may be clear ]. Care in these areas will be seen as a sign of good editorship.

⚫ The community's main concern is that edits by single-purpose accounts stand at odds with Misplaced Pages's ] and ] policies. Indeed, in some cases, there may be clear ]. Care taken in these areas will be seen as a sign of good editorship.


=== Other considerations === === Other considerations ===
:While a new user without an edit history who immediately performs tasks that seemingly require a post-beginner level of editing skills (such as editing non-mainspace pages, uploading images, or participating in a discussion) ''may'' be an illegitimate ], it remains possible that a new user’s contributions are alternatively the product of a disinterested third party with previous wiki editing experience wishing to improve the Misplaced Pages project. For this reason, ] should be avoided in almost all circumstances. The term should be used descriptively and should not be read pejoratively unless a ] is clearly established. Users should be informed of relevant policies and content guidelines in a ] and ] manner, especially if a tag will be applied to their comment. While a new user without an edit history who immediately performs tasks that seemingly require a post-beginner level of editing skill (such as editing non-mainspace pages, uploading images, or participating in a discussion) ''may'' be an illegitimate ], it remains possible that a new user’s contributions are alternatively the product of a disinterested third party with previous wiki editing experience who wishes to improve the Misplaced Pages project, or it may even be that tasks, like editing non-mainspace pages, uploading images or participating in a discussion, are nowhere near as difficult as you might think and don't actually require extensive experience or a degree in wikiology. For this reason, ] should be avoided in almost all circumstances. The term should be used descriptively and should not be read pejoratively unless a ] is clearly established. Users should be informed of relevant policies and content guidelines in a ] and ] manner, especially if a tag will be applied to their comment.


:New users acting in good faith often edit topics in which they have a general interest. Such accounts warrant particularly ] scrutiny before accusing them of any breach of official policies and content guidelines. Indeed, some new users may be unaware that editing a single topic, and in the process adding their own views, may lead to some editors giving less weight to their ideas in article discussions. New users acting in good faith often edit topics in which they have a general interest. Such accounts warrant particularly ] before accusing them of any breach of official policies and content guidelines. Indeed, some new users may be unaware that editing a single topic, and in the process adding their own views, may lead to some editors giving less weight to their ideas in article discussions.


⚫ It may be helpful to cite the official policies regarding ] and ] for guidance on such matters, especially if new users have joined Misplaced Pages specifically to participate in a debate, or if they have joined at the request of another user who wants help in discussions on a particular article.
⚫ :One can only form opinions of editors as a result of their actions. Over time, they may diversify their contributions. Users who continue to work within a narrow range of articles ''may'' find it difficult to build credibility in community discussions, although extended improvement to a specific section of Misplaced Pages ''should not'' disadvantage an expert opinion. As with all Misplaced Pages articles, users need to cite the relevant ] published evidence from ] to support their ]. Inevitably, some experienced editors might not agree with cited interpretations during content discussions. Please do not be discouraged by such editors. Eventually, they will respect you.


⚫ One can only form opinions of editors as a result of their actions. Over time, they may diversify their contributions. Users who continue to work within a narrow range of articles ''may'' find it difficult to build credibility in community discussions, although extended improvement to a specific section of Misplaced Pages ''should not'' disadvantage expert opinions. As with all Misplaced Pages articles, users need to cite the relevant ] published evidence from ] to support their ]. Inevitably, some experienced editors might not agree with cited interpretations during content discussions. Please do not be discouraged by such editors. Eventually, they will respect you, especially if you remember that ], and your focus, even expertise, is best directed toward finding and citing independent reliable sources for the articles you edit.
⚫ :It may be helpful to cite the official policies regarding sock puppets and ] for guidance on such matters, especially if new users have joined Misplaced Pages specifically to participate in a debate, or if they have joined at the request of another user who wants help in discussions on a particular article.


==Further information if you have been linked to this page== ==Further information if you have been linked to this page==
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* ]—the editing foundations of Misplaced Pages. * ]—the editing foundations of Misplaced Pages.
* ]—the core policy that informs how pages are to be approached. * ]—the core policy that informs how pages are to be approached.
* ]—the core policy covering both users with multiple accounts, and multiple users working together on one "viewpoint" in a debate. * ]—the core policy covering both users with multiple accounts, and multiple users working together on one "viewpoint" in a debate.
* ]—some new users may find the single-purpose account label to be insulting. * ]—some new users may find the single-purpose account label to be insulting.
* ]—new members will become new contributors soon enough if they are willing to learn about Misplaced Pages culture, so welcoming new users does more good than labeling them as new. * ]—new members will become new contributors soon enough if they are willing to learn about Misplaced Pages culture, so welcoming new users does more good than labeling them as new.


==See also== == See also ==
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
⚫ * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
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==Notes== ==Notes==
<references/> <references />
{{DEFAULTSORT:{{PAGENAME}}}}


{{Misplaced Pages sock puppetry}} {{Misplaced Pages sockpuppetry}}
{{Misplaced Pages accounts|collapsed}}<noinclude>
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
</noinclude>

]
⚫ ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 09:18, 12 September 2024

"WP:SPA" redirects here. For the policy on sock puppet accounts, see WP:SOCK. Essay on editing Misplaced Pages
This is an essay.
It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Misplaced Pages contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Misplaced Pages'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

A single-purpose account (SPA) is a user account or IP editor whose editing is limited to one very narrow area or set of articles, or whose edits to many articles appear to be for a common purpose. If you are in this situation and some editors directed you to this page, pointing out that you made "few or no other edits outside this topic", they are encouraging you to familiarize yourself with the Misplaced Pages guidelines about conflicts of interest and advocacy. This is because while many single-purpose accounts turn out to be well-intentioned editors with a niche interest, a significant number appear to edit for the purposes of promotion or showcasing their favored point of view, which is not allowed.

Misplaced Pages's Arbitration Committee has determined that "single purpose accounts and editors who hold a strong personal viewpoint on a particular topic covered within Misplaced Pages are expected to contribute neutrally instead of following their own agenda and, in particular, should take care to avoid creating the impression that their focus on one topic is non-neutral, which could strongly suggest that their editing is not compatible with the goals of this project."

For these reasons, experienced editors often scrutinize the editing activities of new editors and single-purpose accounts to determine whether they are here to build an encyclopedia (perhaps needing help and advice), or whether they are editing for promotion, advocacy or other unsuitable agendas. Although the community seeks to attract new and well-informed users knowledgeable in a particular subject, Misplaced Pages is an encyclopedia and not a platform for advocacy.

  • New editors have the right to be treated with respect and civility, but they should also be aware that, while courtesy and a warm greeting will usually be extended, they may be subject to more scrutiny in the early stages of their editing as other editors attempt to assess how well they adhere to Misplaced Pages standards.
  • Existing editors must assume good faith concerning the user account, act fairly and civilly, and not bite newcomers. Remember that every editor on Misplaced Pages was new at some point. Care is needed if addressing single-purpose accounts on their edits.

The SPA tag may be used to visually highlight that a participant in a multi-user discussion has made few or no other types of contribution. However, a user who edits appropriately and makes good points that align with Misplaced Pages's communal norms, policies and guidelines should have their comments be given full weight regardless of any tag placed on them.

General test

The general test for an SPA is:

A user who appears to focus their edits on a particular article or related set of articles in a way which may cause other users to question whether that person's edits are neutral and are reasonably free of promotion, advocacy and personal agendas. Such users may not be aware of project norms, may have engaged in improper uses of an account, and might not be here to build an encyclopedia.

It must be understood that evidence that a user seems to be editing appropriately and collaboratively to add knowledge in a niche area may suggest that the user is likely to be an editor with a preferred focus—this is perfectly acceptable. By contrast, evidence that a user is editing to add promotional, advocative, or non-neutral material or has a personal or emotional interest in the area of focus, possibly with limited interest in pure editing for its own sake, is more likely to raise concerns.

SPA tagging

Decision-making tags

In communal decision-making, single-purpose accounts suspected of astroturfing or vote stacking will sometimes have a tag unilaterally added after their name (producing a note that the editor "has made few or no other edits outside this topic"), as an aid to those discussing or closing the debate. These tags are not an official Misplaced Pages policy, and may be heeded or not based upon your judgment and discretion. If you are tagged as an SPA, please do not take this as an attack on your editing. Some users just find it easier to discuss issues when it is clear what the new editors are doing. The format of the tag is:
{{subst:spa|username}}  add this after the user's signature (do not replace the signature)
{{subst:spa|username|UTC timestamp}}  use this if the user did not add a signature
Before adding such a tag make sure you are doing so with good reason. Please consult the general test and the "who not to tag" section below, in deciding whether the editor is actually an SPA. Please keep in mind that the tag may be taken as an insult or an accusation to the tagged editor—use with consideration. If a tag is warranted, it should be limited to one instance per single-purpose account per conversation thread to inform readers in that thread. Adding a tag after every comment by a single-purpose account within a single thread is unnecessary and likely to be perceived as antagonistic.

Whom not to tag (SPA tagging guidelines)

Shortcut

The following is a list of common misuses of the single-purpose account tag. You should, under no circumstance, consider anything that falls into the below categories as evidence for warranting an SPA tag.

Editing timeline: A given user's overall timeline of editing should be taken into consideration before placing an SPA tag on that user's edits. Only a complete edit history will allow a fair consideration of that editor's intentions. Examples of users whose edits should not be labeled as being those of an SPA include the following:

  • Users with a diversified edit history that indicates that the user became inactive for an extended period and then later re-established themselves with single-subject edits. Note that a time gap in edit history may be evidence that the person may have been referred to Misplaced Pages by an outside source (see WP:MEATPUPPET), but this is not evidence that the account is an SPA.
  • Users who are established editors whose current focus is on a single topic. Once an editor is well established with a large, diversified edit history, such users are welcome to edit on single subjects for extended periods without their edits or their accounts warranting the SPA tag.

Edits by a single user within a single broad topic: When identifying single-purpose accounts, it is important to consider what counts as a diverse group of edits. For example, subjects like "spiders", "nutrition", "baseball", or "geometry" are diversified topics within themselves. If a user only edits within a broad topic (such as "spiders"), this does not mean the user is an SPA (though only editing the page Latrodectus might). Some very broad but specialized academic topics may seem narrow to editors with little or no knowledge of the field – if you are unsure what constitutes a specialized topic, then it may be best to mention this fact when claiming a certain account is an SPA or to not place such a label in the first place.

Lack of a user page or signature: While many single-purpose accounts do not have user pages, this is not a reason for identifying a person as an SPA. Some established users who edit articles on a variety of subjects do not have user pages. In addition, even the most experienced editors occasionally forget to sign their comments.

A subject outside of SPA area: An editor can become labeled as an SPA within a given subject, but do not label other edits as belonging to an SPA if the edits are to a genuinely unrelated page. The tag should only be used on pages that relate to the single-purpose account's "single purpose".

Number of edits: A user should not be tagged as an SPA just because they only have a handful of edits. While all users with just a single edit are by definition an SPA, users with as few as five or even 10 edits are not necessarily SPAs even if those edits are on a single topic or appear to be promoting a "single purpose". More important than the number is the content of those edits. Labeling a new account as an SPA after very few edits may be construed as biting the newcomers.

Handling and advice

If you are in a discussion with someone who edits with appearance of being a single-purpose account

Community standards such as not biting the newcomers apply to all users. Be courteous. Focus on the subject matter, not the person. If treated fairly, newcomers may become more involved over time. If a newcomer is participating in an Articles for deletion discussion, then consider adding a {{Afd-welcome}} tag to their talk page. Only tag users as SPAs if they actually fit the tagging guidelines above. Even if the tagging guidelines are followed, use the tag only if it actually serves a constructive purpose in the context that it is being used.

If you are a newcomer or are editing as a single-purpose account, good policy-based editing will likely earn you rapid respect. Ask others for help as you learn. The same policies apply to you as to everyone else, although your reputation and your evidence will inevitably be taken into account in discussions by some experienced editors.

If you are working a single-purpose account

If you create a single-purpose account, do not pick a username related to the topic you are editing. Adopting such a username might lead some editors to assume you harbour a conflict of interest, causing unnecessary drama.

If you wish to continue working as an SPA, capitalize on the strengths of that role, particularly with regard to sources. Be willing to buy or borrow books and articles on your chosen subject. Search thoroughly for information online. Make notes reminding you from where your information comes, carefully check its reliability and neutrality. Reproduce it in the form of citations.

The community's main concern is that edits by single-purpose accounts stand at odds with Misplaced Pages's neutrality and advocacy policies. Indeed, in some cases, there may be clear conflicts of interest. Care taken in these areas will be seen as a sign of good editorship.

Other considerations

While a new user without an edit history who immediately performs tasks that seemingly require a post-beginner level of editing skill (such as editing non-mainspace pages, uploading images, or participating in a discussion) may be an illegitimate sock puppet, it remains possible that a new user’s contributions are alternatively the product of a disinterested third party with previous wiki editing experience who wishes to improve the Misplaced Pages project, or it may even be that tasks, like editing non-mainspace pages, uploading images or participating in a discussion, are nowhere near as difficult as you might think and don't actually require extensive experience or a degree in wikiology. For this reason, statements regarding motives should be avoided in almost all circumstances. The term should be used descriptively and should not be read pejoratively unless a disruptive agenda is clearly established. Users should be informed of relevant policies and content guidelines in a civil and courteous manner, especially if a tag will be applied to their comment.

New users acting in good faith often edit topics in which they have a general interest. Such accounts warrant particularly gentle scrutiny before accusing them of any breach of official policies and content guidelines. Indeed, some new users may be unaware that editing a single topic, and in the process adding their own views, may lead to some editors giving less weight to their ideas in article discussions.

It may be helpful to cite the official policies regarding sock puppets and meat puppets for guidance on such matters, especially if new users have joined Misplaced Pages specifically to participate in a debate, or if they have joined at the request of another user who wants help in discussions on a particular article.

One can only form opinions of editors as a result of their actions. Over time, they may diversify their contributions. Users who continue to work within a narrow range of articles may find it difficult to build credibility in community discussions, although extended improvement to a specific section of Misplaced Pages should not disadvantage expert opinions. As with all Misplaced Pages articles, users need to cite the relevant verifiably published evidence from reliable sources to support their point of view. Inevitably, some experienced editors might not agree with cited interpretations during content discussions. Please do not be discouraged by such editors. Eventually, they will respect you, especially if you remember that you are not personally a source, and your focus, even expertise, is best directed toward finding and citing independent reliable sources for the articles you edit.

Further information if you have been linked to this page

If you are new to Misplaced Pages or if you are unfamiliar with Misplaced Pages's editing criteria, please read very carefully the following policy and information pages:

See also

Notes

  1. "User talk:Virgin United – Misplaced Pages, the 💕". En.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 2014-01-08.
  2. "User:Young Trigg – Misplaced Pages, the 💕". En.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 2014-01-08.
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