Most of this came from here (as I originally wrote it anyway), but I did some additional editing. Once this is finalized, it should probably be copied back into that question.
Just having excerpts for the [status-*] tags are probably sufficient... I think I've described them well enough in that amount of space, and there are no instructions to give to users since they can't tag with those anyway.
bug
Excerpt
Indicates you've found an erroneous or unexpected behaviour in the system that needs to be fixed.
Body
When reporting a bug, your question should include what you did to discover the bug, the steps required to reproduce the problem, the given system output, and the expected system output. If necessary to document or explain the issue, please include a screenshot.
feature-request
Excerpt
You have an idea for a new feature, or for a change to the existing functionality.
Body
Your question should contain the details of your proposal, including a justification of why the new feature is needed and/or how it can improve the community. Basically, prove to the administration that they should spend time developing your feature.
discussion
Excerpt
The question you're asking is designed to solicit opinions or best-practices on a particular topic, with the goal of reaching community consensus.
Body
Discussion questions are the heart of your community. For example: Should a certain question be allowed on the site? For what reason did a moderator lock a certain question? Are said actions setting a precedent? Be sure to present your entire case and background information/data so the subject can be discussed fully.
support
Excerpt
You need help with the use of one or more of the site's features.
Body
Before posting your question, please check the FAQs, and do a search to see if your problem already has a known solution or procedure. If you cannot find an answer, we will be happy to help you.
faq
Excerpt
These questions are the most frequently asked and answered questions on Meta.
Body
Before posting your own question, please consult these questions to see if there is already an answer that solves your problem.
status-completed
Excerpt
Indicates that a feature request has been implemented, a bug has been fixed, or another type of request has been processed.
status-declined
Excerpt
Indicates that a request (usually a feature request) has been considered, but will not be implemented. Generally speaking, a developer will leave a comment as to why, or the community will come to consensus that the request is unnecessary.
status-bydesign
Excerpt
Indicates that a submitted issue is actually due to the existing design of the system and is not considered erroneous behaviour.
status-norepro
Excerpt
Indicates that erroneous reported behavior cannot be reproduced by the developers, or can no longer be reproduced by anyone.
status-reproduced
Excerpt
Indicates that the symptoms of a bug report have been reproduced by the developers, and an action decision is pending.
status-planned
Excerpt
Indicates that a change in functionality has been considered and received positively, and work on it is either in progress, or will begin soon.
status-deferred
Excerpt
Indicates that the issue will be reviewed in the future, or that a change in functionality is being delayed until a future date.
status-review
Indicates that a change in functionality is currently under consideration, or needs further investigation.
featured
Excerpt
A special moderator-only tag to mark important meta discussions. A question with this tag can be seen on the parent site in a special sidebar in the questions list and when viewing individual questions.
Body
This tag is meant to highlight important discussions and attract attention to them. These can be recent events, site definitions, and any discussion whose resolution may have a critical impact on the whole site. It is generally a wise idea to at least look at any new questions with this tag.
(stolen from Gaming)
