Wikipedia:Wedge

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.

This page contains material which is kept because it is considered humorous.
Warning: readers may need to understand irony before proceeding.

A wedge. Note the thin end. And the fat one.

When discussing potential changes to Wikipedia policy or guideline, cite WP:WEDGE as a shorthand for:

It's the thin end of the wedge.

This essay will help you understand when to use WP:WEDGE and how to respond to criticism when you do use it.

Using WP:WEDGE

Use this argument for one or more of the following reasons:

It's a bad idea because it'll lead to Evil Things
You can't be bothered to think of a really good argument against it
There isn't a really good argument against it
You're frightened of being accused of WP:IDON'TLIKEIT, but you <ahem> don't like it
Because no-one has written WP:ITSTANDSTOREASON yet, and this is an admirable pub logic substitute

Responding to criticism of WP:WEDGE

Some people dislike the use of this argument. They may accuse you of all sorts of wrongmindedness. However, the beauty of WP:WEDGE is that you need not actually respond to logical argument. Simply repeat "Yes, but WP:WEDGE" and relax.

The more formal among you may prefer the more Parliamentarian response, "I refer the Honourable User to the answer I gave some moments ago."

That should do the trick nicely.

This essay is dedicated in honour of Majorly. Thank you for arguing with logic. --Dweller (talk) 14:33, 23 February 2009 (UTC)[reply]