Tardis:Guidelines for administrators
The administrators of Tardis Data Core are here to ensure that policy is followed, that the Wiki runs smoothly and is self-consistent, and that the community remains an emotionally healthy environment for editors.
This means administrators are peacekeepers, not rulers. We aren't the owners of the Wiki; just its custodians. As Fandom's global policy puts it, every Wiki's rules should be followed by everyone in the community, including admins.
Gaining and losing admin rights
See Tardis:User rights nominations for the full procedure on how to become an admin on Tardis. In short, applicants should already be established editors, make a credible pledge to be active in adminship and to exhibit the qualities listed below, and show that they are well-versed in the Wiki's policies. They can put up formal applications, which are then discussed and voted upon by the community.
If you are an admin, but no longer wish for the responsibilities of adminship, it is always possible to "retire" from active adminship voluntarily by transferring yourself from the "Frequently active admins" section of Tardis:Administrators to the list of "administrators emeriti". You will retain your local rights, but will no longer be expected to take an active part in the community, such as closing discussions or answering blocking appeals. If you take this route, be sure to also add a note to your user page informing users that they should not expect quick replies to talk page messages from you, and pointing them in the direction of active admins. If you want something more extreme, you can also relinquish your user rights completely and ask a bureaucrat to strip them from your account.
Fandom's global policy additionally notes that "violations of the Fandom-wide Wiki Rules and Blocking Policy may be met with loss of local user rights and, in extreme cases, additional disciplinary action, as deemed necessary by Fandom staff". Whether you are a simple editor or a fellow admin, if you believe a Tardis admin's actions fall afoul of this one situation under which it is possible for an admin to involuntarily lose adminship, talk to the admin in question to warn them or get an explanation from them. Admins should take such accusations seriously, and not be afraid to change their behaviour if they've been acting wrongly. Complaints should only be sent to Fandom Staff against local admins if all for peaceful, local discussion have been attempted and failed.
Guidelines for admins
Additionally, the qualities recommended by Fandom's global policy are:
- Be open and responsive. Communication is key. Many users, especially new ones, will look to you for guidance and advice. Being a friendly and approachable face, as well as addressing users in a timely manner, is important to creating an open and welcoming environment on the Wiki.
- Do not act as the "owner" of the site. Wikis belong to the community, and ideally admins should not be considered “in charge,” even if they’re the founder of the Wiki. They are experienced users who are trusted to use a few extra tools for the betterment and protection of the community as a whole, not for personal gain.
- Do not protect large numbers of content pages. The majority of pages on a Wiki should remain unprotected to encourage all users in the community to edit. Page protection should only be implemented if it serves the betterment of the community for reasons such as preventing persistent vandalism or “edit warring.” Protection should not be used to lock a page on a version you prefer, to reserve the page to be edited later as an admin project, or to mark any page as “complete” - there is always more to be improved.
- Do not revert edits made in good faith without explanation. Rewording should always be considered before resorting to reversion. If the edit is incorrect or cannot be reworded or revised, then a clear explanation should be provided to the user that made the edit as to why it was reverted, either through the edit summary or, if it is of insufficient length, via a talk page message.
- Do not shut out the opinions of other users. Everyone in the community should feel encouraged and empowered to speak up and engage in reasonable discussions about topics that pertain to the Wiki, even if their opinions differ from that of an administrator.
- Do not play favorites. All editors should be given the opportunity to learn and grow in the community.
- Understand your limits. Being an admin on a Wiki can be rewarding, but it can also be tiring. If you need to take a break or leave the Wiki, it is okay. Talk to your fellow admins and let them know.
Blocking users is one of admins' most easily-misused powers, and must be treated responsibly. Blocking an editor who is not simply a vandal or troll is a matter which should be given heavy thought. If you are an admin and have blocked a user, make sure to watch out for an an appeal and to consider that appeal in good faith. Favour short-term, "educational" blocks over punishing, long-term ones.
