What is the etiquette for modifying posts?

Question

I'm getting pretty close to the reputation where I can start to edit others' posts, and I'm wondering what the etiquette for when (and when not) to do so.

I figure that I should edit in the following circumstances:

• Grammatical or spelling errors.
• Clarification where the meaning is not changed. For instance if the title does not describe the question very well.
• Where the user has made a very minor mistake that doesn't justify a full post to clarify.
• To add related resources or links that will help someone answer the post, or provide context

Before the commenting feature was added, I noticed that some moderators edit posts in order to insert a reply or extension to the post. I feel this isn't good etiquette (but I could be wrong) because I don't know what to do with their changes when I come to re-edit or respond.

I also feel that I should be very careful not to change the meaning of any question or answer, even if that meaning is misguided.

What other rules would be best practice?

• Signatures and fluff are discouraged and are fair game to be removed. See, for example, this post by Jeff Atwood and this post by Jon Skeet and also see What is the policy on signatures and links in answers for SO questions?. Also see Jeff Atwood's response in the comments to The Great Edit Wars

Return to FAQ Index

Answer 1

I've noticed that some moderators edit posts in order to insert a reply or extension to the post. I feel this isn't good etiquette (but I could be wrong) because I don't know what to do with their changes when I come to re-edit or respond.

You've provided a great list that matches well with my expectations of our community. You edit to make things better, clearer, more effective -- never to change meaning.

Of course all this has to be codified in the FAQ.

Answer 2

I think the types of edits that are acceptable can be summed up as copy editing.

The “Five Cs” summarize the copy editor's job: make the copy (i) clear, (ii) correct, (iii) concise, (iv) comprehensible, and (v) consistent; that is: make it say what it means, and mean what it says. Typically, via the publisher's house style, copy editing ensures the use of correct spelling, consistently used terminology, accurate punctuation, correct infelicities of style, i.e. grammatical and semantic errors, and formatting of text in accordance with the house style headers, footers, headlines, etc.

Answer 3

The first thing I want to say is that I am no longer inline editing posts. I wanted a way to respond to people's questions directly, and there is currently no built-in way to do this (though Jeff mentioned that "annotations" are coming soon).

In a way I was following Jeff's example. But I think now there is consensus that this isn't a good practice, so thanks, Keith, for setting me straight.

Now to jump in with my thoughts, edit to:

• Fix grammar / fix spelling / improve formatting.
• Make the post clearer or more effective.
• Linking to other resources related to the post.
• Add a warning if the post is dangerous (i.e. recommends solution with a security vulnerability)
• Add new relevant information missing from the post.

But do not:

• Change the meaning of the post.
• Add inline conversation.

I want to point out that Jeff has explicitly told us that Stack Overflow is going to be wiki-like and is not a discussion forum. Those with edit ability who have something important to add shouldn't feel bad about doing so—it's the whole point of the site.