View source for Wiki143:Requests for comment

<noinclude>{{Pp-move-indef}}</noinclude>
{{Redirect|WP:RFC|active RFCs|WP:RFC/A|requests for checkuser|WP:SPI|redirects for creation|WP:AFC/R|requests for closure|WP:RFCL}}
{{short description| Information page on the process of requests for comment on Wikipedia}}
{{Information page|WP:RFC}}
{{notice|image=Thumbs up green with plus sign.svg|You can sign up to receive a user talk page invitation to discussions of interest to you. See '''[[Wikipedia:Feedback request service]]'''}}
{{dispute-resolution}}
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This page describes the process, including instructions for how and why to create a '''request for comment''' ('''RfC'''), to participate in one, and to end one.

RfC is one of several processes available within Wikipedia's [[Wikipedia:Dispute resolution|dispute resolution system]].  Alternative processes include [[WP:THIRD|third opinion]], [[WP:RS/N|reliable sources noticeboard]], [[WP:NPOV/N|neutral point of view noticeboard]], the [[WP:DR/N|dispute resolution noticeboard]], and, for editors' behavior, the [[WP:ANI|administrator's incident noticeboard]] and [[WP:ARBCOM|binding arbitration]].

* A list of all current RfCs can be found at [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/All]] ([[WP:RFC/A]]).
* An archive of (selected) past RfCs and other discussions can be found at [[Wikipedia:Centralized discussion/Archive]].

== What an RfC is ==
{{see also|Wikipedia:Consensus#Consensus-building}}
A '''request for comment''' (RfC) is a way to ask the [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia community|Wikipedia community]] for input on an issue. Often, the issue is what an [[Wikipedia:What is an article?|article]] should say.  Sometimes it is a proposal for a Wikipedia [[Wikipedia:Processes|process]] or [[Wikipedia:Policies and guidelines|policy]] change. The aim of RfC discussions is to [[Wikipedia:Improve|improve]] the encyclopedia, and they may relate to article content pages, [[Wikipedia:Dispute resolution|editorial disputes]]; changes to policies, guidelines, or procedures; or other topics.

An RfC invites comment from a [[Wikipedia:Consensus#Levels of consensus|broader selection]] of editors than an unadvertised discussion on a talk page; the results of a broadly-attended RfC are therefore the opposite of [[WP:LOCALCONSENSUS]]. And, because Wikipedia makes decisions by [[WP:CON|consensus]], an RfC can act as a [[Wikipedia:Dispute resolution|dispute resolution]].  If, for example, editors cannot agree on whether a certain fact should be mentioned in an article, they can use an RfC to find out what the community thinks and, if [[Wikipedia:Consensus#Achieving consensus|a consensus emerges]], that usually resolves the dispute.

Comments are provided and discussed via an ordinary Wikipedia discussion that follows the normal [[Wikipedia:Talk page guidelines|talk page guidelines]] and procedures, including possible [[Wikipedia:Closing discussions|closing]].  Closing an RfC discussion, particularly a longer one, is especially helpful, as the purpose of an RfC is usually to develop a consensus about some disputed point.  Because [[Wikipedia:Consensus can change|consensus can change]], no consensus is permanently binding, including a consensus formed in a discussion advertised via RfC.

{{anchor|BEFORE|RFCBEFORE}}

== Before starting the process ==
{{shortcut|WP:RFCBEFORE|WP:RFC#BEFORE}}
RfCs are time consuming, and [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia is a volunteer service|Wikipedia being a volunteer project]], editor time is valuable. Editors should try to resolve their issues before starting an RfC. Try [[Wikipedia:Resolving disputes|discussing the matter with any other parties]] on the related [[Wikipedia:Talk page guidelines|talk page]]. If you can reach a consensus or have your questions answered through discussion, then there is no need to start an RfC.

If a local discussion does not answer your question or resolve the problem, then some other forums for resolution include:

*Asking for input or assistance at one or more relevant [[Wikipedia:List of WikiProjects|'''WikiProjects''']], which are often listed at the top of the article's talk page.
*If an article content question is just between two editors, you can simply and quickly ask for a third opinion on the '''[[Wikipedia:Third opinion|Third opinion]]''' page.
*If more than two editors are involved or the issue is complex, dispute resolution is available through the '''[[WP:DRN|Dispute resolution noticeboard]]'''.
*If you want general help in improving an article, such as achieving [[Portal:Featured content|Featured status]], then list it at [[Wikipedia:Peer review|'''Peer review''']].

For a more complete description of dispute resolution options, see the [[WP:DR|Dispute resolution policy]] and the list of [[Wikipedia:Noticeboards|noticeboards]].

If you are not sure if an RfC is necessary, or about how best to frame it, ask on the [[Wikipedia talk:Requests for comment|talk page]] of this project.

{{anchor|RFCNOT}}
==What not to use the RfC process for==
{{shortcut|WP:RFCNOT}}

{{Hatnote|For the rationale originating this section, see [[Wikipedia talk:Requests for comment/Archive 16#Specifying that RfCs should not be listed on AfDs|Specifying that RfCs should not be listed on AfDs]]}}
{{Clear}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Alternative processes to RfC
|-
! Problem !! Follow the procedures described at 
|-
| Help needed|| [[Help:Contents]] or {{tlx|help me}}
|-
| Deletion processes|| {{Section link|WP:Deletion process#Deletion discussion venues}} or [[WP:Deletion review]]
|-
| Did You Know suggestions || [[Template talk:Did you know]]
|-
| Featured Article/List/Picture/Topic discussions|| [[WP:FAC|Featured article candidates]], [[WP:FAR|Featured article review]], [[WP:FLC|Featured list candidates]], [[WP:FLRC|Featured list removal candidates]], [[WP:FPC|Featured picture candidates]], [[WP:FTC|Featured topic candidates]], [[WP:FTRC|Featured topic removal candidates]], or [[WP:TFAR|Today's featured article/requests]]
|-
| Good Article/Topic discussions || [[WP:GAN|Good article nominations]], [[WP:GAR|Good article reassessment]], [[WP:GTC|Good topic nominations]], [[WP:GTRC|Good topic removal candidates]]
|-
| In the news candidates || [[Wikipedia:In the news/Candidates|In the news candidates]]
|-
| Merge proposals || [[WP:Merging]]
|-
| Split proposals || [[WP:Splitting]]
|-
| Peer review || [[WP:PR|Peer review]]
|-
| Renaming categories || [[WP:CFD|Categories for discussion]]
|-
| Renaming pages (other than categories)|| [[WP:Moving a page|Moving a page]] or [[WP:Requested moves|Requested moves]]
|}
=== About the conduct of another user ===
:''To report an offensive or confusing '''user name''' in violation of [[Wikipedia:Username|Wikipedia username policy]], see subpage [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/User names|'''User names''']].''
:''To report [[Wikipedia:Spam|spam]], page blanking, and other blatant vandalism, see '''[[Wikipedia:Vandalism]]'''.''

The use of requests for comment on [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/User conduct|user conduct]] has been discontinued. In severe cases of misconduct, you may try [[Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents]]. If the dispute cannot be resolved there, then [[Wikipedia:Arbitration|arbitration]] may be warranted as a last resort. You may want to read about other options in the [[WP:CONDUCTDISPUTE|Resolving user conduct disputes]] policy.
<!--
 PLEASE ENSURE THIS SECTION IS KEPT CONSISTENT WITH [[WP:CONDUCTDISPUTE]] and {{Section link|Wikipedia:Civility#Dispute resolution}}
-->

== Creating an RfC ==
<!-- this section is linked to in the User RfC section below -->
{{anchor|Placing an RfC in a page other than a talk page|CREATE|START}}{{shortcut|WP:RFCOPEN|WP:RFCST|WP:RFCTP}}<!-- short for RfC start -->
You create an RfC by [[Wikipedia:Talk page guidelines#New topics and headings on talk pages|starting a discussion]] which typically takes place on a section or subsection of a talk page or noticeboard, and including in that discussion an {{tlx|rfc}} template tag.

{{anchor|Notification|Categories|RFCCAT|CAT}}{{clear right}}
{{Wikipedia RFC topics}}{{Shortcut|WP:RFCBOT|WP:RFCCAT}}
# [[#Before starting the process | Before starting the process]], make sure that all relevant suggestions have been tried.
# Open a new section at the bottom of the [[Help:Talk pages|talk page]] of the article or project page that you are interested in.
#*In some situations, such as when you expect an extremely high number of comments or there is no obviously relevant talk page, you may instead place an RfC discussion on a [[Wikipedia:Subpages|subpage]] of an appropriate, relevant page, such as: a subpage of the [[Wikipedia:What is an article?|article's]] talk page, of a [[Wikipedia:Project namespace|project page]] (or its talk page), of one of the [[WP:VP|Village pumps]], or of this page. For example: [[Wikipedia:Pending changes/Request for Comment 2012]], [[Wikipedia:Village pump (proposals)/RfC: Ending the system of portals]], and [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Categorization of persons]].</p>
# The [[Help:Section#Section editing|section heading]] should begin with "RfC" or "Request for comment", for example "RfC on beak length" or "Request for comment on past or present tense for television series".
# Insert an {{tlx|rfc}} template tag at the top of the new talk page section, directly below the section header. Don't add two {{tlx|rfc}} tags in the same edit. If you want to start two RfCs on the same page, then read {{Section link|#Multiple simultaneous RfCs on one page}} first.
#* The tag must include as parameters one or more categories from [[:Template:Wikipedia RFC topics|the adjacent table]], and the category must be in lower case. For example: {{tlx|rfc|econ}}. If no category seems to fit, pick the one that seems closest. If the RfC is relevant to two categories, include them both in the same {{tlx|rfc}} tag.  For example: {{tlx|rfc|econ|bio}}.
#**The "[[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Language and linguistics|Language and linguistics]]" category is for requests related to a Wikipedia article (or part of one) about language and linguistics, ''not'' for requests concerning the language on a page. If you want comments on how an article should be worded, categorize your request according to the topic of the article.
#** The "[[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Wikipedia policies and guidelines|Wikipedia policies and guidelines]]" category is for discussing changes to the [[WP:Policies and guidelines|policies and guidelines]] themselves, ''not'' for discussing how to apply them to a specific case. The same applies to "[[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Wikipedia style and naming|Wikipedia style and naming]]", and the other non-article topics categories.
# Include an initial [[#Statement should be neutral and brief|brief, neutral statement or question]] about the issue in the talk page section, immediately below the {{tlx|rfc}} tag (see {{Section link|#Example}}). If the RfC is about an edit that's been [[Wikipedia:DISPUTE|disputed]], consider including a [[Help:Diff|diff]]. 
#* The statement should be self-contained, and should not assume that the section title is available (because the section title will not be copied to the RfC list pages). 
#* A long statement (including [[Wikipedia:Markup|wiki markup]]), may be [[wikt:truncate#Verb|truncated]] or may fail to be copied at all. If you have more information to say concerning the issue, first, provide (and sign) the initial brief and neutral statement on the page, and then publish the page. After that, you can edit the page again and place additional comments ''below'' the initial statement and timestamp. Your additional comments should follow normal talk page rules<ref>which (within reason) allow you to be as verbose and non-neutral as you want</ref>.
#* For technical reasons, initial statements may not contain tables or complex formatting. Similarly, the statement should not begin with a list – but if this is unavoidable, use the markup <syntaxhighlight inline lang="html">&#32;</syntaxhighlight> before the list, either directly after the {{tlx|rfc}} tag or on a line of its own. 
# [[Wikipedia:Signatures#How to sign your posts|Sign]] the brief statement with either [[WP:4TILDES|<code><nowiki>~~~~</nowiki></code>]] (name, time and date) or [[WP:5TILDES|<code><nowiki>~~~~~</nowiki></code>]] (just the time and date). Failing to provide a time and date will cause Legobot to remove your discussion from the pages that notify interested editors of RfCs.
# [[Help:Editing#Edit screen(s)|Publish]] the talk page edit. 

{{anchor|RFCBOT|BOT|LEGOBOT|Legobot}}[[User:Legobot|Legobot]] will, as a result of the {{tlx|rfc}} tag, advertise the RfC by copying the markup of the initial statement <ref>from the end of the {{tlx|rfc}} tag (exclusive) and the first valid timestamp (inclusive))</ref> to a subpage of Wikipedia:Requests for comment (this page), posting the RfC in the corresponding lists of active RfCs. Whilst Legobot normally runs once an hour, it may take it up to a day to list an RfC, so be patient.

You may wish to [[#Publicizing RfCs|publicize]] it further.

If you subsequently amend the text of the initial RfC statement (or if you add another RfC category), Legobot will copy the amended version to the RfC listings the next time that it runs. If you add another RfC category, this must not be placed after the {{para|rfcid}} parameter (if one is present), because Legobot will not process it properly if you do.

{{anchor|RFCBRIEF|RFCNEUTRAL|GOODRFC|BADRFC}}
=== Statement should be neutral and brief ===
{{shortcut|WP:RFCBRIEF|WP:RFCNEUTRAL}}
{{info|align=center|1=You can '''ask for help with writing your RfC question''' on [[Wikipedia talk:Requests for comment|this page's talk page]]. }}
{{also|WP:Writing requests for comment}}

<div style="float:right;width:19em;margin-left:1em;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;padding:0.6em; clear:right;">
{{tick}} '''Good questions''':
* Should the picture in the lead be changed?
* Is [http://example.com/ this website] a good source for information about this product's invention?

{{cross}} '''Bad questions''':
* What do other editors think about the discussions on this page?
* We should talk about this some more.
* Please vote on the following <s>four</s> <s>five</s> ''six'' options for the first sentence.
</div>

The initial RfC statement (and heading) should be [[WP:NPOV|neutrally worded]] and brief. Statements are often phrased as questions, for example: "Should this article say in the lead that John Smith was a contender for the Pulitzer Prize?" [[Wikipedia:Avoid instruction creep|There is no actual rule]] saying that editors who start RfCs must make their initial explanations look like they are responses to the question (e.g., by placing them inside a ===Discussion=== subsection) or otherwise making them less prominent.  

If you feel that you cannot describe the issue neutrally, you may either ask someone else to write the initial statement or question, or simply do your best and leave a note asking others to improve it.  It may be helpful to discuss your planned RfC question on the talk page or at the [[Wikipedia:Village pump (idea lab)]], before starting the RfC, to see whether other editors have ideas for making it clearer or more concise.


{{anchor|Example}}

=== Formatting example ===
{{Main|Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Example formatting}}

There are many acceptable ways to format an RfC discussion.  Below is one example of how a simple RfC discussion could appear when you are editing the talk page.  This example will work best for average or smaller discussions; [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Example formatting|for major disputes, other, more structured formats may be more appropriate]].  

You can [[Cut, copy, and paste|copy and paste]] this example, but be sure to change the wording to reflect your particular topic (for example, the "hist" category may need to be changed).  A signature ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>") or at least a time and date ("<nowiki>~~~~~</nowiki>") is required. Do not include any opening html tags (e.g., {{tag|small|o}}) in the initial RfC statement unless its corresponding closing tag (e.g., {{tag|small|c}}) also comes before the first timestamp, i.e., don't "straddle" the first timestamp inside html code, otherwise it may corrupt the entry of the RfC on the topic discussion pages. Similarly, the timestamp must not be placed inside a template parameter. After you have inserted text similar to this into the talk page, you must publish the page. 

<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" highlight="2">
== RfC about the photo in the history section ==
{{rfc|hist}}
Should the "History" section contain a photograph of the ship? ~~~~
</syntaxhighlight>

===Multiple simultaneous RfCs on one page===
<div style="float:right;width:19em;margin-left:1em;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;padding:0.6em; clear:right;">
{{n.b.}} '''Overuse of RfCs doesn't help.'''

It is rare for a single article, or a single editor, to have more than one or two productive RfCs open at a time.  Before starting a lot of RfCs, please check in on [[Wikipedia talk:Requests for comment|the RfC talk page]] for advice.
</div>

There is no technical limit to the number of simultaneous RfCs that may be held on a single talk page, but to avoid [[WP:TALKFORK|discussion forks]], they should not overlap significantly in their subject matter.

Each {{tlx|rfc}} tag should also be added in a separate edit, with a delay between each edit to let the bot assign an id number to the first before attempting to start a new RfC. If you are starting another RfC on a page which already has one or more ongoing RfCs, first ensure that all of the existing {{tlx|rfc}} tags already contain a {{para|rfcid}} parameter.  The process looks like this:
* Add your question with one {{tlx|rfc}} tag.
* Wait for the bot to edit the page and add an id number to the first RfC question. (Part of the text will change from "Within 24 hours, this page will be added ..." to "This page has been added ..."; this usually takes less than an hour.)
* Add another question with a second {{tlx|rfc}} tag.

If any {{tlx|rfc}} tag anywhere on the page lacks the {{para|rfcid}} parameter, even if that RfC was started by another editor, then wait for Legobot to add it before adding another {{tlx|rfc}} tag anywhere on the page. If there are two {{tlx|rfc}} tags on the same page that both lack the {{para|rfcid}} parameter, Legobot will assign the same value to both, with the result that only the lowest one of the page will be publicised; moreover, the incoming link will lead to the higher RfC question, which will cause confusion.  To repair this, remove the {{para|rfcid}} parameter from the unpublicised one (usually the higher one).

{{anchor|Publicizing|PUBLICIZING|Advertising|ADVERTISING}}

== Publicizing RfCs ==
{{see also|Wikipedia:Canvassing#Appropriate notification|Wikipedia:Publicising discussions}}

After you create an RfC it should be noticed by editors that [[WP:WATCHLIST|watch]] the talk page. To encourage a broader range of editors to contribute to the discussion, you may also publicize the RfC by posting a notice at one or more of the following locations, if related to it:

* One of the [[Wikipedia:Village pump|Village Pump]] forums, such as those for [[Wikipedia:Village pump (policy)|policy issues]], [[Wikipedia:Village pump (proposals)|proposals]], or [[Wikipedia:Village pump (miscellaneous)|miscellaneous]] (The [[Wikipedia:Village pump (technical)|technical]] forum is almost never an appropriate venue.  You may want to ask there before starting an RfC.)
* [[Wikipedia:Noticeboards|Noticeboards]] such as [[WP:POVN|point-of-view noticeboard]], [[WP:RSN|reliable source noticeboard]], or [[WP:ORN|original research noticeboard]]
* Talk pages of relevant [[Wikipedia:WikiProject|WikiProjects]]
* Talk pages of closely related articles or policies

When posting a notice at those locations, provide a link to the RfC, and a brief statement, but do not argue the RfC. You may use {{Tlx|rfc notice}} to inform other editors. Take care to adhere to the [[WP:CANVASS|canvassing guideline]], which prohibits notifying a chosen group of editors who may be biased. When creating a new Wikipedia policy or suggesting major modifications to a policy, follow the instructions at [[WP:PROPOSAL]].  [[Wikipedia:Centralized discussion|Centralized discussion]] may be used for policy-related RfCs but is [[WP:CENTNOT|not for publicizing any content disputes]] in articles. 

=== How to find RfCs ===
If you would like to know which RfCs are underway, here are some ways to do that:
*You can bookmark and visit [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/All]] or its subpages regularly.  If you want to [[Help:Watchlist|put them on your watchlist]] them, you need to watch the individual subpages (e.g., [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Biographies]]) instead of the /All page. 
*You can subscribe to the [[Wikipedia:Feedback request service|Feedback request service]] (FRS).  You choose the subject areas you want to be notified about, at a rate you choose (e.g., one RfC per month).  You will then be automatically notified on your talk page about randomly selected RfCs in your chosen settings by [[User:Yapperbot|Yapperbot]]. 
*You can bookmark or watch [[Wikipedia:Dashboard/Requests for comment]]. 
*You can put [[:Category:Wikipedia requests for comment]] on your watchlist, if you have the relevant setting for "Hide categorization of pages" saved in [[Special:Preferences#mw-htmlform-changeswatchlist]].

== Responding to RfCs ==
All editors (including IP users) are welcome to respond to any RfC.

* Responses may be submitted in a variety of formats. Some RfCs are structured as a series of distinct responses, one per editor. Others result in [[Wikipedia:THREAD|a threaded (indented) conversation]] involving multiple editors. Yet others offer one or more alternative proposals that are separately endorsed or opposed by editors using a [[WP:POLL|polling process]]. Other RfCs combine polling with threaded discussions. See the [[#Example|example section]] above for a suggested format.
* Edits to content under RfC discussion may be particularly controversial. Avoid making edits that others may view as unhelpful. Editing after others have raised objections may be viewed as [[WP:DE|disruptive editing]] or [[WP:edit warring|edit warring]]. Be patient; make your improvements in accord with consensus after the RfC is resolved.
* Try not to be confrontational. Be friendly and [[Wikipedia:Civility|civil]], and [[Wikipedia:Assume good faith|assume good faith]] of other editors' actions.
* If you feel an RfC is improperly worded, ask the originator to improve the wording, or add an alternative unbiased statement immediately below the RfC question (after the {{tlx|rfc}} tag).  You can also ask for help or a second opinion at [[Wikipedia talk:Requests for comment]].  Do not end an RfC just because you think the wording is biased. An {{tlx|rfc}} tag generally remains on the page until removed by Legobot or the originator. An RfC can be ended only when the criteria at [[#Ending RfCs|Ending RfCs]] are met.
* [[Wikipedia:Mediation|Mediate]] where possible—identify common ground, and attempt to draw editors together rather than push them apart.

{{anchor|RFCEND|RFCCLOSE}}
== Ending RfCs ==
{{also|WP:Advice on closing discussions}}{{Shortcut|WP:RFCEND|WP:RFCCLOSE}}

As an RfC is the solicitation of comment in a discussion, ending an RfC consists of ending that solicitation. When an RfC is used to resolve a dispute, the resolution is determined the same way as for any other discussion:  the participants in the discussion determine what they have agreed on and try to implement their agreement. 

<div style="float:right;width:19em;margin-left:1em;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;padding:0.6em; clear:right;">
Some terms we use:
;Ending an RfC
:Removing the link to the discussion from the central RfC lists.  This is accomplished by removing the {{tlx|rfc}} tag from the talk page; a bot takes care of the rest.  The bot will also remove the tag, if you wait long enough.
;The end of a discussion
:This means people have stopped discussing the question.  When a discussion has naturally ended, you should consider ending the RfC.
;[[Wikipedia:Closing discussions|Closing the discussion]]
:Someone lists conclusions (if any) and discourages further discussion.  Some editors make a distinction between "closing" a discussion (discouraging further discussion, usually with the {{tlx|closed rfc top}} tag pair) and "summarizing" a discussion (naming outcomes).  Neither "closing" nor "summarizing" are required.
</div>

===Duration===
<!-- How long they last -->
An RfC should last until enough comment has been received that consensus is reached, or until it is apparent that it won't be. There is no required minimum or maximum duration; however, Legobot assumes an RfC has been forgotten and automatically ends it (removes the {{tlx|rfc}} tag) 30 days after it begins, to avoid a buildup of stale discussions cluttering the lists and wasting commenters' time. 

But editors should not wait for that. If one of the [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment#Reasons and ways to end RfCs|reasons to end RfCs]] applies, someone should end it manually, as soon as it is clear the discussion has run its course.  Conversely, whenever additional comments are still wanted after 30 days, someone should delay Legobot's automatic action. This latter function is based on the first timestamp following the {{tlx|rfc}} tag.

'''To extend a current RfC''' for another 30 days, and to prevent Legobot from automatically ending the RfC during the next month, insert a current timestamp immediately before the original timestamp of the opening statement with either [[WP:4TILDES|<code><nowiki>~~~~</nowiki></code>]] (name, time and date) or [[WP:5TILDES|<code><nowiki>~~~~~</nowiki></code>]] (just the time and date).

===Reasons and ways to end RfCs===
Like other discussions, RfCs sometimes end without an agreement or clear resolution. There are several ways in which RfCs end: 
# The question may be withdrawn by the poster (e.g., if the community's response [[WP:SNOW|became obvious very quickly]]).  In this situation, the editor who started the RfC would normally be the person to remove the {{tlx|rfc}} tag.
# The RfC participants can agree to end it at any time; one of them removes the {{tlx|rfc}} tag.
# The dispute may be moved to another [[Wikipedia:Dispute resolution|dispute resolution forum]].<ref>For this to succeed, however, the {{tlx|rfc}} tag must be removed and the discussion ended first, since most dispute resolution forums and processes will not accept a case while an RfC is ongoing.</ref>
# Any uninvolved editor can post a [[WP:CLOSE|closing summary of the discussion]]; if consensus is undoubtedly clear, even an involved editor may summarize the discussion. The editor removes the {{tlx|rfc}} tag while closing the discussion. To avoid concerns about biased summaries, involved editors (on all sides of a dispute) are encouraged to let someone else write a summary ([[WP:NACINV]]).
# The discussion may just stop, and no one cares to restore the {{tlx|rfc}} tag after the bot removes it.
<u>Please remove the {{tlx|rfc}} tag when the dispute has been resolved, or when discussion has ended.</u>

<!-- How to end a regular RfC -->
'''To end an RfC manually''', remove the {{tlx|rfc}} tag from the talk page. Legobot will remove the discussion from the central lists on its next run.  (When Legobot automatically ends an RfC because of its age, it will remove the {{tlx|rfc}} tag.)  If you are also closing the discussion, you should do this in the same edit. As an alternative to removing the {{tlx|rfc}} tag, you may use one of the template-linking templates such as {{tl|tlx}} to disable it, as in {{tlx|tlx|rfc|bio|4=rfcid=fedcba9}}.

'''Do not''' enclose the {{tlx|rfc}} tag in {{tag|nowiki}} or {{tag|syntaxhighlight}} tags, nor place it in HTML comment markers {{tag|!--}} since Legobot will ignore these and treat the RfC as if it is still open – and may also corrupt the RfC listing pages.

===Closing the discussion===
Anyone who wants an uninvolved editor to write a closing summary of the discussion (ideally with a determination of consensus) can formally request closure by posting at [[Wikipedia:Closure requests]].  '''If the matter under discussion is not contentious and the consensus is obvious to the participants, then formal closure is neither necessary nor advisable'''.  Written closing statements are not required.  Editors are expected to be able to evaluate and agree upon the results of most RfCs without outside assistance.

To alert readers that an RfC has ended, you may optionally enclose the talk page section in a box using a tag pair such as {{tlx|closed rfc top}}/{{tlx|closed rfc bottom}} or {{tlx|archive top}}/{{tlx|archive bottom}}. This is not required, and may be done with or without a closing statement about the discussions results. This example shows one way to do this:
<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext" highlight="2,4">
== RfC about the photo in the History section ==
{{closed rfc top|result= Consensus was reached to keep the photo.  ~~~~  }}
.... here is the entire RfC discussion...
{{closed rfc bottom}}
</syntaxhighlight>

== Restarting an RfC ==
Anyone who wants to have more comments on the topic can restart an RfC that has ended, as long as the discussion has not been closed.  For example, the original poster of an RfC might withdraw it, but someone else may have become interested in the topic in the meantime and restart it.

To restart an RfC, reinsert the {{tlx|rfc}} tag.  If it was automatically removed by Legobot, then be sure to insert a current timestamp after the RfC statement, and before its original timestamp, or it will just get re-removed by the bot. This will give a thirty-day extension; but if the RfC is to be of long duration, you may instead add the line <syntaxhighlight lang="html"><!-- RFCBot Ignore Expired --></syntaxhighlight> before the {{tlx|rfc}} tag.

You should mention at the end of the RfC statement that the RfC ended and restarted, and add your signature if appropriate.

== See also ==
{{Wikipedia glossary}}
* For ongoing discussions and current requests, see [[Wikipedia:Dashboard]].
* [[Wikipedia:CONEXCEPT|Wikipedia:Decisions not subject to consensus of editors]]
* [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/User conduct/Archive|Archives of user conduct disputes]]
* [[Special:Prefixindex/Wikipedia:Requests for comment]] – a list of all subpages of this page
* [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/All]] – a listing of all current RfCs
* [[Wikipedia:Feedback request service]] – sign up to receive notifications of new RfCs on your user talk page
* [[Wikipedia:Request directory]] – all other request departments
* [[Wikipedia:Expert help]]

== Notes ==
<references />
{{rfc list footer}}

[[Category:Wikipedia requests for comment| ]]