Wikipedia:Before commenting in a deletion discussion
 | This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
 | There are several things you should be aware of before you comment in a deletion debate in order to best make your case. |
For some, it can be very frustrating when an article you wrote or one you otherwise like is proposed for deletion. For others, there are articles you wonder why they are on Wikipedia, and you may wish for them to get deleted. But either way, there are some important things to know before commenting in a deletion discussion.
- Don't panic. You may think, just because an article is up for deletion, it is over and the article will surely be gone. Actually, this is just the beginning. This may actually be an opportunity to have the article improved.
- Don't remove the deletion tag from the top of the page! If this is not a {{prod}} tag, but rather an {{AfD}} proposal (or other proposal with a discussion), removing this tag will not avert the deletion. It'll only make it so others will be unaware the page is proposed for deletion, thereby possibly increasing the chances the outcome will be different from what you want.
- Understand this is not a vote. A page will not be deleted simply because 10 people say "delete" and only two people say "keep." The comments that go along with these seemingly magic words, particularly those linked to policies, guidelines, and certain essays, will really make or break the deal. Therefore, do not create new accounts or recruit others just to vote more than once! Such "votes" will not be counted, and may be held against you as a sock puppetry violation.
- Don't be influenced too much by others who have already commented, but do read them. Give the view based on your own beliefs, not those of others. It is best to see a wide variety of views in order to help come to a consensus. See Wikipedia:Follow the leader for more details.
- Get to know what policies, guidelines, and essays can be best used to prove your point. There are plenty of them out there. Wikipedia:List of policies and guidelines to cite in deletion debates gives an easy-to-read list of those that can help you find what best fits.
- The link to the policy, guideline, or essay is key. But avoid using it alone. Simply stating per [[WP:POLICYNAME]] does not give an understanding of why you selected that policy. Add a comment to explain why you believe that policy or guideline is a reason or the outcome you wish.
- See Wikipedia:Arguments to make in deletion discussions and Wikipedia:Arguments to avoid in deletion discussions to understand what arguments will work and which ones probably will not.