 | This page in a nutshell: The reference desk is for general-knowledge questions. It does not provide legal or medical advice, and it is not a venue for debate, predictions, or original research. |
This page sets out the guidelines for using the reference desk. They apply to everyone who asks or answers a question there.
What the reference desk is for[edit source]
The reference desk is a place to ask factual questions and receive answers based on published sources. It works like a library reference desk: you ask, volunteers help you find what you need. Typical questions include:
- What is the origin of a particular word or phrase?
- Who invented a device or process, and when?
- What do reliable sources say about a historical event?
- How does a scientific or mathematical concept work?
The desk is not a substitute for reading an article, and it is not a venue for extended discussion of a topic. Its purpose is to help you find information, not to host a debate.
What the reference desk is not for[edit source]
- Legal advice. Editors are not lawyers and cannot advise you on your legal rights or obligations. Questions about what the law says in general are acceptable; questions asking what you should do in a specific legal situation are not.
- Medical advice. Editors cannot diagnose conditions or recommend treatments. See Bharatpedia:Medical disclaimer.
- Homework answers. Editors will help you understand a problem, but will not do your assignment for you.
- Predictions. The desk does not forecast election results, sports outcomes, or future events.
- Debate. If a question invites argument rather than answers, it belongs elsewhere.
- Opinions. The desk is for factual questions. Questions asking what editors personally think are not appropriate.
- Help with using Bharatpedia. Use the Help desk or the Teahouse for that.
How to ask a question[edit source]
A well-formed question is much more likely to get a useful answer.
- Be specific. "When was the Eiffel Tower built?" is answerable. "Tell me about France" is not.
- Give context. If you are asking about a word, a film, or a historical event, give enough detail for someone to know which one you mean.
- Say what you already know. If you have already searched and not found an answer, say so — it saves editors from repeating what you have tried.
- One question per section. Open a new section for each new question, using the "Ask a new question" box at the top of the desk.
- Sign your post. Use four tildes (
~~~~) at the end of your question. - Be patient. Answers come from volunteers. A question may go unanswered for a day or more.
How to answer a question[edit source]
- Answer from sources. Where possible, cite the source you are relying on. The desk aims to point people to information they can verify.
- Be clear about uncertainty. If you are not sure, say so. A confident wrong answer is worse than an honest "I don't know".
- Keep it concise. A short, accurate answer is more useful than a long, rambling one.
- Be civil. Do not mock the question, even if the answer seems obvious to you.
- Do not give legal or medical advice even when asked. Point the questioner towards the appropriate professional instead.
Refactoring and archiving[edit source]
Editors should not remove or substantially alter another editor's question or answer, except where it is clearly disruptive. Minor formatting fixes and indentation corrections are acceptable.
Desks are archived periodically to keep them manageable. Old questions are moved to Bharatpedia:Reference desk/Archives. See Help:Archiving a talk page for the process, and Help:OneClickArchiver for the gadget.
Enforcement[edit source]
The reference desk is a project-space venue and is covered by Bharatpedia's behavioural policies, including civility and no personal attacks. Disruptive behaviour — vandalism, trolling, repeatedly posting inappropriate questions after being asked to stop, or using the desk as a platform for advocacy — may result in sanctions.
Questions that violate these guidelines may be removed or collapsed, with a brief note explaining why.