ৱিকিপিডিয়া:Administrators/Misuse of tools section
Notes to editors: - Due to its importance and relevance, this section is reflected both in the main "Admin" page, and the "Tools" subpage. To keep both versions up to date and prevent "drift", it's included via transclusion.
- The text of this section may include #ifeq: expressions to modify the wording depending what page it appears on. Take care when editing. Quick guide to syntax:
- {{#ifeq:{{FULLPAGENAME}}| Target page | Then include this text | Otherwise include this text}}
- It is presently used to make the wording say see below on the main ADMIN page but see (wikilink) on the tools page.
- Main policy links: Wikipedia:Administrators#Misuse of administrative tools, Wikipedia:Administrators#Uninvolved admins
Misusing the administrative tools is considered a serious issue. The administrative tools are provided to trusted users for maintenance and other tasks, and should be used with thought. Serious misuse may result in sanction or even their removal.
Common situations where avoiding tool use is often required:
- Conflict of interest, non-neutrality, or content dispute – Administrators should not use their tools to advantage, or in a content dispute (or article) where they are a party (or significant editor), or where a significant conflict of interest is likely to exist. With few specific exceptions (like obvious vandalism) where tool use is allowed by any admin, administrators should ensure they are reasonably neutral parties when they use the tools.
- Communal norms or policies – When a policy or communal norm is clear that tools should not be used, then tools should not be used without an explanation that shows the matter has been considered, and why a (rare) exception is genuinely considered reasonable.
- Reversing the actions of other administrators – Only in a manner that respects the admin whose action is involved, and (usually) after consultation.
- Reinstating an admin action that has already been reversed (sometimes known as "wheel warring") – Responses have included Arbitration and desysopping even the first time.
See Wikipedia:Administrators (policy link) for these and for the very few exceptions.
In most cases even when use of the tools is reasonable, if a reasonable doubt may exist, it is frequently better to ask an independent administrator to review and (if justified) take the action. This is a matter of judgment if necessary.