Template:Not a ballot
If you came here because someone asked you to, or you read a message on another website, please note that this is not a majority vote, but instead a discussion among Wikipedia contributors. Wikipedia has policies and guidelines regarding the encyclopedia's content, and consensus (agreement) is gauged based on the merits of the arguments, not by counting votes.
However, you are invited to participate and your opinion is welcome. Remember to assume good faith on the part of others and to sign your posts on this page by adding ~~~~ at the end. Note: Comments may be tagged as follows: suspected single-purpose accounts:{{subst:spa|username}} ; suspected canvassed users: {{subst:canvassed|username}} ; accounts blocked for sockpuppetry: {{subst:csm|username}} or {{subst:csp|username}} . |
This template is used on approximately 8,000 pages and changes may be widely noticed. Test changes in the template's /sandbox or /testcases subpages, or in your own user subpage. Consider discussing changes on the talk page before implementing them. |
This template is recommended for discussions of controversial decisions. |
Usage
{{Not a ballot}}
generates the standard text with "someone asked you to, or you read a message on another website"{{Not a ballot|reason}}
replaces the text above with "reason"{{Not a ballot|1=reason}}
if your "reason" text contains a '=' (often external URLs)
{{Not a ballot|1=reason}}
will show the template only on the current page, not log pages where multiple discussions are shown (WP:AfD, for example)
Note: Please insert this template underneath the heading/link to the article and/or the nomination. Placing the template above the heading makes it look as if the warning is associated with the previous discussion when displayed on the daily deletion discussion listings.
Please do not place this template preemptively. Participants of discussions are usually aware of how consensus is established and don't need a reminder. Only use this template when there is some indication that inexperienced editors were canvassed to this discussion.