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This page in a nutshell: Wikidrama often arises in bad situations, but the drama itself is not what makes them bad. |
WordNet defines drama as "an episode that is turbulent or highly emotional". Those who have been editing for Wikipedia for very long are surely familiar with such episodes.
Drama on Wikipedia is often viewed as harmful for a variety of reasons. Heated arguments can go on for pages and consume many Wikipedian-hours. People may threaten to leave the project if they don't get their way. Testiness may border on or cross the line into incivility. If grudges are held, working relationships (e.g. within a WikiProject or article) may be damaged; and people may carry over resentment to other interactions with opposing editors. Once the wikidrama starts, the pace of the discussion tends to accelerate, and the situation may begin to seem out-of-control, leading to perceived urgency to do something about all the fuss.
Uncomfortable with such situations and/or concerned about their possible implications, onlookers may take measures to stop or prevent drama; in particular, closing debates or blocking contributors.
Before overreacting to a drama-filled situation, consider: