talkpage

A talkpage is a discussion page associated with a wiki article or other content page. It provides a venue for editors to discuss proposed changes, ask questions, raise concerns, and coordinate editing without modifying the main article text. On most MediaWiki-based wikis, the article page includes a separate Talk tab, linking to the discussion area. The conversation history on the talkpage complements the article’s revision history, helping readers follow how decisions about the page were reached.

Participation and etiquette on talkpages emphasize civility, constructive feedback, and assuming good faith. Editors sign their messages with their username and a timestamp using the site’s standard signing method. Proposals for edits should be clear and may include citations or links to sources. If disagreements arise, editors may seek community input, reference project guidelines, or escalate the issue to more formal processes such as policy pages or notices.

Organization and maintenance practices vary by project but commonly include sections or headings, archived discussions, and templates indicating the page’s purpose (for example, discussions, requests for comments, or administrative notices). Talkpages are usually editable by users with appropriate permissions, though some wikis apply restrictions or protections to prevent vandalism or disruptive editing. Moderation may delete vandalism and help route issues to the main article or to relevant policy discussions.

In summary, talkpages are the primary forum for collaborative discussion, consensus building, and coordination of edits on wiki projects, separate from the content of the articles themselves.