 | This page is a guideline on the Indian English Bharatpedia. Many editors agree with the ideas on this page. It is a good idea to follow it, but it is not policy. You can change the page as needed, but please use the talk page to make sure that other editors agree with any big changes. |
"Assume good faith" (AGF) is a fundamental behavioral guideline on Bharatpedia. It states that unless there is clear evidence to the contrary, you should assume that other contributors are trying to help the project, not harm it.
Most editors who contribute to Bharatpedia want to build a free, reliable, and open encyclopedia. Even when an edit seems incorrect, poorly written, or unhelpful, it is usually a well-intentioned mistake rather than deliberate malice.
Why assuming good faith matters[edit source]
- Encourages new contributors: New editors may not yet be familiar with Wikicode, policies, or referencing guidelines. Treating them with patience helps them learn and stay.
- Prevents unnecessary conflict: Accusing someone of bad motives escalates arguments and creates a hostile editing environment.
- Keeps focus on content: Focusing on what was changed rather than who changed it leads to healthier and more productive discussions.
How to practice good faith[edit source]
- Comment on content, not the contributor: Discuss the edit itself, sources, or layout on the talk page rather than attacking the user's character or motives.
- Explain your reverts: Always leave a polite, descriptive edit summary or talk page message when undoing someone's work.
- Guide rather than punish: Point new editors toward relevant guidelines (such as Bharatpedia:Tutorial or Bharatpedia:Simplified Manual of Style) when they make formatting errors.
What "Assume good faith" DOES NOT mean[edit source]
Assuming good faith is about your attitude toward other editors, not an obligation to keep bad edits. It does not mean:
- Ignoring bad or inaccurate edits: You can (and should) correct or revert unhelpful, unsourced, or biased edits while still assuming the person made them in good faith.
- Blind faith in the face of clear evidence: If a user repeatedly commits vandalism, posts spam links, or inserts blatantly false information despite warnings, you do not need to continue assuming good faith.
- A defense against policy violations: Saying "I acted in good faith" does not excuse violations of core rules, such as copyright infringement or pushing an un-neutral point of view.
What to do when bad faith is evident[edit source]
If an editor continues to disrupt articles or violate policies despite friendly advice:
- Avoid edit wars and stay civil.
- Leave clear, polite warnings on their user talk page citing the relevant policy.
- Report persistent vandalism or disruption to an administrator or the appropriate noticeboard.