[WikiEN-l] Re: Discussion on English Wikipedia in languages other than English

Tue Jun 14 17:25:49 UTC 2005

Consider it Wikiquette then.

Compare with a social situation where all those present share a 
language.  For a few of the participants to suddenly switch to a 
language understood by only some to make private comments is quite 
simply rude.  Of course, these same people could excuse themselves and 
have a private conversation or contact each other later to discuss 
matters in private ... socially this is more acceptable.  Likewise, 
brash whispering in such a situation is more likely to offend than a 
discreet word in private later.

It may indeed be objectionable, but is probably a matter of manners, not 
policy.

dpbsmith at verizon.net wrote:

>People can and do have "private" discussions about articles via email. Is 
>there any rule prohibiting this?
>
>Is there rule against discussing articles on this mailing list (knowing full 
>well that not all Wikipedians subscribe to this list?)
>
>Is there any rule that forbids any discussion of an article anywhere except 
>on that article's Talk page?
>
>If the answer to the above is "no," then what possible objection can there be 
>to non-English discussions on a talk page? These discussions are _more_ 
>public and accessible than _any_ of the above.
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