Wikipedia:Contributing to complicated discussions

This is an essay on talk page conduct. 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.

Shortcuts WP:COMPLICATEDTALK WP:UNQUALIFIED

This page in a nutshell: When you lack knowledge needed to contribute to a discussion productively, it's often better to stay silent or at least acknowledge your ignorance. Educate yourself when it's an efficient use of your time.

Sooner or later, every Wikipedian will come across a discussion to which they do not feel qualified to contribute. This might be because the discussion is technical, or requires subject expertise, or requires contextual knowledge of past discussions. When you come across such a discussion, you have several options:

1. Do research or ask for explanation until you do feel qualified to contribute.
2. Stay silent.
3. Contribute only to the part of the discussion for which you do feel qualified.
4. Offer your thoughts anyways, using your limited understanding as best you can.

This essay explores these options.