This is an
essay on the
conduct policy. 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 in a nutshell: Some actions that may appear harmless or helpful, may actually be provocative and result in being growled at—or even mauled. |
Bears are lovely creatures that often hibernate and are, for the most part, non-violent. However, when poked, bears can become quite angry. As such, it's always best not to poke the bear.
Be careful not to imply that a specific individual is a bear. In Russia "bear" may be a compliment, but elsewhere( OED) it can mean a rough or bad-mannered person and "like a bear with a sore head" means very irritable. Using "don't poke the bear" to hint that an editor is over-sensitive on a subject might not be true, and could be construed as a personal attack. You might also offend fellow editors if they think you are accusing them of " bear-baiting" – a bloodsport which involved setting dogs to attack a captive bear.( OED)
This is an
essay on the
conduct policy. 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 in a nutshell: Some actions that may appear harmless or helpful, may actually be provocative and result in being growled at—or even mauled. |
Bears are lovely creatures that often hibernate and are, for the most part, non-violent. However, when poked, bears can become quite angry. As such, it's always best not to poke the bear.
Be careful not to imply that a specific individual is a bear. In Russia "bear" may be a compliment, but elsewhere( OED) it can mean a rough or bad-mannered person and "like a bear with a sore head" means very irritable. Using "don't poke the bear" to hint that an editor is over-sensitive on a subject might not be true, and could be construed as a personal attack. You might also offend fellow editors if they think you are accusing them of " bear-baiting" – a bloodsport which involved setting dogs to attack a captive bear.( OED)