 | This is an essay. 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: If you choose to leave the project, do so in a graceful and dignified fashion. It is not necessary to secure the last word, and it is not fair to put other editors in the difficult position of having to assist you withdraw from the project while you attempt to do so. |
When making the decision to withdraw from the project (either temporarily or permanently), one should always endeavour to leave gracefully. It is not appropriate to coerce other editors into assisting one's withdrawal from the project by editing in a disruptive and provocative fashion with the intent of provoking a preventative response from administrators ("retirement by admin").
Rather than putting administrators in the difficult position of having to block an editor who has made valuable contributions to the project, users who are experiencing stress should consider taking a break, withdrawing, or retiring, from the project voluntarily, and in a dignified manner.
Editors should attempt to recognize when fellow good faith users seem to be editing in such a fashion and encourage them to re-examine why they enjoy contributing to the project; assist them with engaging the project on a constructive, harmonious, and collaborative level; and ask them to observe Wikipedia:Five pillars or consider leaving gracefully.