View source for Consumer Rights Wiki:Talk page guidelines

This guide explains how to effectively communicate on the wiki, particularly when using talk pages and user discussions via the source editor. 
These functions are automatic when using the visual discussion page editor but, as there is a known bug for users who are still new and need to complete a captcha this guide serves as an alternative way to communicate using discussion pages until the issue is resolved.

==Discussion/Talk pages==
[[File:Discussion-page-pointer.png|300px|thumb|right]]
Every page on the wiki has an associated discussion page, commonly reffered to as a talk page for discussions about the content. You can access it by clicking the "Discussion" tab at the top of any page. Use these talk pages to discuss the issues on the atricle page or to make suggestions to other active contributors. Please keep the content relaevant to each article.

Each user has their own talk page at <code>User talk:Username</code> where others can leave messages for them. Use these to discuss topics regarding the wiki or that are adjacent to its contents. 

==Using talk pages==
===Starting topics===
When starting a new topic treat it as a section on a regular page and add your message directly below. Use this format 
<pre>== Section Title ==
Your message here.
~~~~
</pre>

*Four tildes <code>&#x7E;&#x7E;&#x7E;&#x7E;</code> automatically add your signature and timestamp
*Use clear, descriptive section headers
*Always sign your messages
===Reply to topics===
When replying on a talk page, use this format:<pre>:Your message here ~~~~</pre>Key elements:

*The colon <code>:</code> indents your reply. If there are multiple replies indent as much as nesseccary (ie add more colons)
*Four tildes <code>&#x7E;&#x7E;&#x7E;&#x7E;</code> automatically add your signature and timestamp
*Add one more colon than the message you're replying to for nested discussions

===Notifying Users===
MediaWiki doesn't automatically notify users of replies. To ensure your message is seen:

1. Use the ping syntax in your message:<pre>:Hi [[User:Username|@Username]]! Your message here ~~~~</pre>2. Leave a note on their user talk page:<pre>== Re: Topic ==
[[User:Username|@Username]] I've replied at [[Talk:PageName]]. ~~~~</pre>For maximum visibility, do both!

===Example Full Conversation===
<pre>== Original Topic ==
Initial message here. ~~~~
:Hi [[User:Username|@Username]]! Responding to your point... ~~~~
::Thanks for the reply! Additional thoughts... ~~~~</pre>

==Best Practices==

===Maintaining Conversations===

*Keep replies on the same page where the discussion started
*Use proper indentation to show reply hierarchy
*Update old discussions by adding to them rather than starting new ones

===Common Mistakes to Avoid===

*Forgetting to sign messages with <code><nowiki>~~~~</nowiki></code>
*Not notifying users of replies
*Starting new threads instead of replying to existing ones
*Editing others' comments (instead, reply to them)

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