View source for Wiki143:Centralized discussion

<noinclude>{{pp-semi-indef}}{{pp-move-indef}}</noinclude>
{{Redirect|WP:CD|other uses|WP:CD (disambiguation)}}
{{for|the template itself|Template:Centralized discussion}}
{{information page|WP:CD|WP:CENT|WP:CENTRAL}}
{{Nutshell|The {{tl|Centralized discussion}} template is a widely-transcluded listing of ongoing discussions, specifically those which have potentially wide-ranging impacts and therefore require input from the community at large.}}

{{Centralized discussion|float=center}}
{{TOCleft}}
{{clear}}

The '''{{tl|centralized discussion}} template''' (shortcut: [[T:CENT]]) is generally used to draw attention to discussions regarding policies, guidelines or other matters that have a wide impact and on which a broad consensus is needed.  It expands to the box listing with heading "Centralized Discusssion" at the top of this page, listing such discussions.

There are many alternative methods of publicizing discussions.  Announcements, such as for [[WP:ArbCom elections|ArbCom elections]], etc., are generally done via the [[MediaWiki:Watchlist-messages|Watchlist notice]] or the [[MediaWiki:Sitenotice|Sitenotice]]. Discussions related to content, including use of infoboxes and templates within a specific topic area, are usually best advertised within the appropriate WikiProjects.

==Background==
[[Wikipedia:Wikipedians|Wikipedians]] frequently discuss proposed changes to a [[Wikipedia:Policies and guidelines|Wikipedia policy or guideline]]; these may take the form of new proposals, amendments to existing policies or guidelines, or [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment|requests for comments]]. These discussions generally take place on relevant [[Help:Talk pages|talk pages]]. They may also occur at [[M:|Meta-Wiki]].

[[Wikipedia:Village pump (policy)]] and [[Wikipedia:Village pump (proposals)]] provide central areas both for giving notice of discussions elsewhere and for debate itself. Despite regular archiving, these pages tend to grow rather lengthy. It's not always easy to know what issues are active.

==Listing examples==
{{shortcut|WP:CENTNOT}}
Discussions listed on Cent are about matters that are significant enough to require a broad consensus. See [[Wikipedia:Canvassing]] for guidance on the appropriate way to gain attention.

Some discussions may also be listed on [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment]].

===Appropriate===
* Discussions on existing policies, guidelines and procedures
* Discussions on proposed policies, guidelines and procedures
* Discussions on matters that have a wide impact

===Inappropriate===
* Announcements – see [[Wikipedia:Community portal]], [[MediaWiki:Watchlist-messages]], or [[MediaWiki:Sitenotice]]
* Content disputes – see [[Wikipedia:Dispute resolution requests]]
* Topic-specific discussions – see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject]]
* Minor matters, housekeeping, article content discussions, or maintenance – see [[Wikipedia:Be bold]] or [[Wikipedia:Talk page guidelines]].
* General ideas or proposals, reviving dead projects, technical issues, or any other matters that would be better suited to [[Wikipedia:Village pump]]

==How to list==
* To add a new item, edit [[Template:Centralized discussion]], and place the item at the top of the list.
* Link directly to the discussion. Single, unambiguous and concise links are preferred.
* Describe the matter or proposal in neutral terms. It is not necessary to label the type of discussion, e.g. "RFC".
* Add date of listing between [[Help:Hidden text|hide brackets]]: <code><nowiki><!--</nowiki></code> <code><nowiki>--></nowiki></code>.
*At the discussion itself, add {{tlxs|Notified|2=<nowiki>WP:CENT{{subst:!}}centralized discussion</nowiki>}} or similar.

==When and how to archive<span id="When_to_archive"></span>==
<!-- id is for links to a former heading which was changed -->
Entries for inactive discussions, closed or not, should be moved to [[Wikipedia:Centralized discussion/Archive]].

==Cautions==
Like any tool, this may be [[Wikipedia:Don't stuff beans up your nose|misused]]. Kindly exercise restraint, [[Wikipedia:Assume good faith|assume good faith]], and allow process to take its course. Please don't add new policy ideas indiscriminately; trial balloons are better floated at [[Wikipedia:Village pump (proposals)]]. This template should be reserved for ongoing discussions. Remember, its usefulness is in inverse proportion to its size.

Before joining a debate, it might be wise to gather some background, especially on complex or long-standing issues. Please be courteous to your fellow editors and {{strong|read}} existing discussion before adding your own comment. It's hoped that {{tl|centralized discussion}} will contribute to the opening of policy debate and the broadening of [[Wikipedia:Consensus|consensus]]; but of course no good purpose is served by uninformed comment. {{strong|[[Wikipedia:Staying cool when the editing gets hot|Stay cool]].}}

==Documentation==
* This page is for explanation of how {{tl|centralized discussion}} is used.
* [[Wikipedia talk:Centralized discussion]] is for any discussion about this process.
* [[Template:Centralized discussion]] contains the actual box content of ongoing policy issues. It should be edited to stay current at all times.
* [[Template:Centralized discussion/doc]] contains technical documentation of the template.
* [[Template talk:Centralized discussion]] redirects to [[Wikipedia talk:Centralized discussion]].
* You may add any page to the centralized-discussion template; consider opening a thread on one of the [[WP:VP|village pumps]] if it does not appear that any particular existing page is the correct place for a policy-related discussion. Please note that there are a great many talk pages; a very large number of discussions are ongoing. Before creating yet another debate page, check to see that the topic is not already under discussion elsewhere. Search the project for keywords related to the topic in question.
* Links are stored at [[Wikipedia:Centralized discussion/Archive]].

==See also==
* [[:Category:Wikipedia proposals]]
* [[:Category:Wikipedia policies]]
* [[:Category:Wikipedia guidelines]]
* [[Wikipedia:Perennial proposals]]
* [[Wikipedia:How to contribute to Wikipedia guidance]]
* [[Wikipedia:Policy writing is hard]]
* [[Wikipedia:Polling is not a substitute for discussion]] ↔ [[Wikipedia:Voting is not evil]] & [[Wikipedia:Of course it's voting]]
* [[Wikipedia:Closing discussions]]
* [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Democracy]] – informations on current elections, votings, polls and centralized discussions.
* [[User:Timeshifter/Centralized discussion]] – a show-hide box that can be added to user pages, etc.
{{Wikipedia community|state=collapsed}}
[[Category:Wikipedia discussion]]
[[Category:Wikipedia centralized discussion| ]]