User:ZabMilenko/Don't template the newbies

When novice editors break rules, it is quite possible that they are unaware of it, but while educating them is beneficial the abundance of tersely-worded templates may have a negative affect. Indeed, the various user talk templates easily warn users about possible violations of vandalism ({{uw-vandalism3}}), the three-revert rule ({{uw-3rr}}), and other policies and guidelines using a uniform, concise method. However, most new users apt to demonstrate favorable traits such as not giving a fuck may also suffer from the epidemic too-long-didn't-read. In fact, they just might leave.

Veteran editors may not even be aware that they are template bombing a newbie, thanks to automated tools which can fill a new talk page with a single click. Template warnings are very generic, typically out of date, and occasionally say never when certain circumstances are allowable. Since only the most blatant vandalism and copyright violations are as clear as glass, a personal message would almost always work better in questionable situations.

Welcoming by deletion

A common template message called Template:Welcome typically gets added to some new users along with a prod or deletion notice. The combination minimally presents 12 lines of text and 24 links to the recipient.

See also

• Wikipedia:Don't template the regulars, the article which inspired this one
• Wikipedia:Don't be a fanatic
• Wikipedia:The grey zone