Forum:SH Archive/Let's figure out a policy on removing talk page messages.

Hey everyone,

There seem to be quite a few different takes on when and why talk page messages should be removed. As such, I figure we might as well nail down a policy on the matter. This isn't a response to any specific user's actions, but rather a good-natured attempt at getting something set in stone so that we'll all be on the same page.

Basically, I think that we're pretty inconsistent on the matter. This template exists, which states "Please do not remove messages from talk pages or other discussion pages. All messages are part of the public record and must remain visible." If this template is accurate, then additions to talk pages should never be reverted. However, talk page reversions are very common, usually when someone fails to heed the talkheader template or when they reply to a several-years-old discussion.

I'm of the opinion that additions to talk pages should never be reverted. If someone adds an off-topic comment to a talk page, a notice on why they shouldn't have done so should be left on their talk page, sure, but outright reverting their addition to the talk page is counterproductive and directly contrary to the earlier-linked template and its "all messages are part of the public record" claim. Reverting a talk page comment because it's responding to a several-years-old discussion is especially counterproductive to the point of a talk page --- if it's actual discussion related to improving the article, then where's the harm? Give it its own sub-heading and move it to the bottom of the page, sure, but don't simply revert it.

I've heard it said in the past that the only time talk page messages should ever be removed is if they contain racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive comments. However, in the last year or so, reverting talk page messages seems to have slowly become the rule rather than the exception, without any sort of formal consensus on the matter. In addition to it being counterproductive to the point of a talk page, I believe that such reversions won't actually do anything to prevent future talk page abuse. Actively replying to off-topic posts on a talk page and saying "This is not what a talk page is for" would leave a tangible notice for future talk-page editors to not do the same, but simply reverting off-topic posts leaves no such notice.

In short, I do agree that leaving a message on the misguided editor's talk page is a good thing, but reverting their edit is just overkill. It's counterproductive to the point of a talk page; it's contrary to our "public record" policy; and, by removing it from the record, nothing is done to discourage other editors from doing it in the future.

What do you guys think? Menkooroo (talk) 06:50, June 28, 2013 (UTC)