A Wikipedia deletion discussion evaluates whether an article belongs under the applicable policies. Contribute relevant evidence and clear reasoning, disclose your connection and engage civilly. The outcome is not determined by how many supporters an organization can recruit.
01
Read the nomination and prior discussion
Identify the stated concern before responding. If the issue is independent significant coverage, a list of product features or customer testimonials does not address it. Check previous deletion discussions and sources already considered so your contribution adds something useful. Record the relevant language edition and process; English Articles for Deletion instructions should not be assumed to apply unchanged everywhere.
02
Make a concise evidence-based contribution
Explain which sources address the concern and why they are reliable, independent or substantial as needed. Provide publication details and relevant context, not a promotional biography. For a hypothetical local institution, an independently reported history may matter more than a petition signed by many supporters. Disclose personal, employment or paid relationships and comply with the applicable paid-contribution requirements.
- Connect each argument to a specific policy issue raised in the discussion.
- Distinguish new evidence from repetition of an existing participant's point.
- Acknowledge source limitations and avoid personal attacks on nominators or editors.
03
Respect consensus and the closing process
Respond to questions when you have useful clarification, but do not repeatedly restate the same position or solicit a coordinated flood of favorable comments. Consider alternatives such as a merge or redirect if they fit the evidence. After closure, read the rationale and use appropriate review procedures only when there is a valid basis. Recreating deleted material without addressing the reasons can be disruptive.
Frequently asked questions
Is the discussion a vote?
No. Wikipedia evaluates policy-based reasoning and evidence. Counting keep and delete comments does not reliably predict the outcome or replace the closing assessment.
Can an agency guarantee a successful defense?
No. It can help organize research and disclosed participation, but independent editors and the relevant process determine the result. Paid influence or hidden participation is not an acceptable shortcut.
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Request a confidential reviewOr call (307) 429-2531Educational information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts and decisions made by third parties.