| Before proposing new or expanded criteria, read this:
Contributors frequently propose new (or expansions of existing) criteria for speedy deletion. Please bear in mind that CSD require careful wording, and in particular, need to be:
- Objective: Most reasonable people should be able to agree whether a page meets the criterion. Often this requires making it very specific.
- Uncontestable: It must be the case that almost all pages that could be deleted using the rule, should be deleted, according to consensus. CSD should cover only situations where there is a strong precedent for deletion. Remember that a rule may be used in a way you don't expect, unless you word it carefully.
Frequent: Speedy deletion is primarily a means of reducing load on other deletion methods such as Articles for deletion and Proposed deletion. These processes are more discriminating because they treat pages case-by-case and involve many points of view; Speedy deletion sacrifices these advantages in favor of speed and efficiency. If a situation arises only rarely, it's probably easier, simpler, and fairer to delete it with one of the other methods instead. This also keeps CSD as simple and easy to remember as possible to avoid instruction creep.
- Nonredundant: If the deletion can be accomplished using a reasonable interpretation of an existing rule, just use that. If this application of that rule is contested, consider discussing or clarifying it. New rules should be proposed only to cover situations that cannot be speedily deleted otherwise.
If you believe your proposal passes these guidelines, feel free to propose it at Wikipedia talk:Speedy deletion. Be prepared to offer evidence of these points and to refine your criterion if necessary. Consider explaining how it meets these criteria when you propose it. Do not, on the other hand, add it unilaterally to the SD page. |