Wikipedia:Selective scoping

The following is a proposed Wikipedia policy, guideline, or process. The proposal may still be in development, under discussion, or in the process of gathering consensus for adoption.

Shortcuts policy WP:SCOPING

This page in a nutshell: In order to prevent harassment of editors, the nominator of a page in any namespace for deletion, shall be barred from making concurrent deletion nominations against a single contributor.

"Selective scoping" refers to the malicious practice of selectively and simultaneously nominating numerous articles or pages created by the same contributor, especially (but not exclusively) during an ongoing dispute, with the intention of causing undue stress or attempting to discredit the editor's overall contributions. This behavior is termed "selective scoping." It is often (but not always) the result of disruptive behaviors such as a witch hunt (as per WP:WITCHHUNT) or targeted vandalism. The Policy aims to prevent editors from engaging in this behavior during deletion discussions or any other editor disputes - effectively preventing the misuse of Wikipedia's guideline on assuming good faith (WP:GOODFAITH) to justify the covert harassment of another editor.

Definitions

• "the Policy" refers to the contents of this page (WP:SCOPING) as it stands as an official Wikipedia policy.
• "the Nominator" refers to the Wikipedian who initiates the deletion discussion of a page created by the Contributor.
• "Subsequent Nominator(s)" refers to editors other than the Nominator, who subsequently nominate pages created by the Contributor while the deletion discussion initiated by the Nominator has not been closed yet.
• "the Contributor" refers to the editor whose contribution(s) have received nomination(s) for deletion — the protected party.

Purpose

With the Wikipedia essay on witch hunts by Hellno2 providing its foundation, the Policy aims to put measures in place that prevent targeted harassment of the Contributor and protect their work by means of a reasonable, restricted timeframe in which the Nominator can nominate pages created by the Contributor for deletion. The goal of the Policy is to prevent this covert form of harassment against the Contributor from fostering animosity that fuels further conflict, undermines the retention rate of new editors, and disrupts the community as a whole by means of practical and common-sense restrictions.

Enforceable policy

1. Zero tolerance for targeted nominations:
   Shortcut

   • WP:NOTAR
   Deletion nominations by the Nominator of multiple pages created by the Contributor shall be barred from occurring. Bulk nominations by the Nominator that target the Contributor are in violation of the Policy and subject to its enforcement.
   1. This section does not apply to nominations of pages that are directly related to the contents of the page originally tagged for deletion discussion by the Nominator.
2. Barring concurrent nominations:
   Shortcut

   • WP:MULTINOM
   The Nominator shall not initiate concurrent deletion discussions on more than one page created by the Contributor.
1. This section does not apply when a nomination for deletion includes pages/subpages that are directly related to the Nominator's original nomination.
2. This section does not apply when an editor is tagging articles for speedy deletion in response to vandalism, libel, or copyright concerns.
3. This section does not bar other editors from nominating a page created by the Contributor.
   1. Subsequent Nominator(s) are subject to the contents of the Policy.

Encouraged behavior

1. Focus on content, not contributors: Disputes and discussions should center on the content and its adherence to Wikipedia's policies and guidelines, not on the editor who contributed it. Personalizing disputes undermines the collaborative spirit of Wikipedia.
2. Report harassment: If you believe you are the victim of selective scoping, or witness such behavior, report it to Wikipedia's administrators or through appropriate dispute resolution channels.
3. Participate in good faith (WP:GOODFAITH): All editors are expected to engage in disputes and discussions in good faith, aiming to improve Wikipedia. Efforts to use selective scoping as a means of retaliation or harassment will be addressed according to Wikipedia's conduct policies.

Enforcement

Violations of the Policy may result in warnings, bans, or other sanctions as deemed appropriate by Wikipedia administrators. Repeated or severe instances of selective scoping may lead to more stringent measures to ensure a fair and collaborative editing environment. By adhering to the Policy, we ensure that Wikipedia remains a welcoming and constructive platform for all editors. Disputes should be resolved through thoughtful discussion and adherence to Wikipedia's core principles, not through targeted attacks on contributors.

In order to prevent harassment of editors, the Nominator shall be barred from making concurrent deletion nominations against the Contributor.

• Wikipedia:Articles for deletion
• Wikipedia:Assume good faith
• Wikipedia:Deletion process
• Wikipedia:Overzealous deletion
• Wikipedia:Vandalism
• Wikipedia:Witch hunt