Wikipedia:First contact

This page in a nutshell: Where possible, assist instead of accusing.

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.

The difference between a successful career on Wikipedia and an unsuccessful one oftentimes comes down to the first post on a user's talk page. Editors should remember that Wikipedia is a community and that a new editor's opinion of this community will be formed at that point. The first comment a user receives should not be about teaching them right from wrong, it should be an invitation. Let the editor know that all are welcome here and that we appreciate their decision to donate their time to this project. The questions on policy will come later.