Editing Encyclopedia:Etiquette (section)

===Avoid indirect criticism===
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Avoid use of unexplained [[scare quotes]] and other means of implying criticism or making indirect criticism when you are writing in edit comments and talk pages. Write clearly, plainly, and concisely, and do so in a way that allows other editors to easily respond to you.

Keep in mind that sarcasm cannot easily be conveyed in writing and may be misinterpreted or mistranslated. Insinuation and [[double entendre]] should be avoided when expressing constructive criticism. This also helps the editor receiving the criticism to correctly understand your demeanor and respond to your concerns. This can particularly help editors for whom [[English as a second or foreign language|English is not a first language]] or aid those who have trouble natively understanding written English.

When this style of communication is necessary in the interest of being concise or illustrative, it is best to explain the intended meaning of your use of scare quotes or other indirection immediately afterward.

Of course, criticism communicated in any manner and concerning any subject must be [[Wikipedia:Civility|civil]], should reflect the assumption of good faith as described in the [[Wikipedia:Assume good faith|relevant guideline]], should not constitute or exhibit the [[Wikipedia:Please do not bite the newcomers|biting of newcomers]], and should comply with other [[Wikipedia:Policies and guidelines|Wikipedia policies and guidelines]]. If directed generally towards an editor's behavior or other aspects of talk page commentary, any and all criticism made {{strong|must not}} constitute a ''personal attack'' as described in Wikipedia's "[[WP:no personal attacks|no personal attacks]]" policy. See also the essay "[[Wikipedia:Avoid personal remarks|Avoid personal remarks]]" for a viewpoint on the latter form of criticism.