Forum:Removal of red links

Dear all,

It is my understanding that red links are intended to show wanted pages, that is pages we have not yet created but someday will. However, observation indicates that our wanted pages list contains an enormous quantity of unnecessary entries that make it difficult to see those that are actually significant. It is my belief that the vast majority of these red links could easily be eliminated, thereby greatly increasing the utility of the list.

Based on an examination of several red links, it appears that most could be dealt with using one of the following means:
 * Ignore it--Links to useful future pages or untouched talk or user pages can remain red for now.
 * Remove it--Worthless links or those to deleted pages can be eliminated altogether.
 * Correct it--Fixing spelling or even case can repair a bad link.
 * Rename it--Use a pipe (|) in the link to send it to a page with a similar or synonymous name.
 * Forward it--Create redirect pages for links that should not be altered such as those on archives, user or talk pages, essays, or imported documents.
 * Export it--Links to external sites such as Wikipedia or Conservapedia should be properly directed.

In order to improve the usefulness of our wanted pages list, I would like to begin removing red links throughout articles in RationalWiki. I will make an effort to ask permission before editing personal pages and to give notice prior to major revisions. If any of my changes seem inappropriate they can of course be reverted.

I welcome any comments regarding this plan.

zieber (talk) 21:34, 1 May 2011 (UTC)


 * I did a little bit of that not so long ago, perhaps a few dozen links' worth. Just cruised random mainspace pages looking for red links, and deleting double square brackets. Each one got a casual glance for "useful future pages" possibility, but I can't remember letting a single one stand on that basis. If someone wants the link restored, that is easy enough, and making a stub to blue the link is almost as easy. Sprocket J Cogswell (talk) 23:30, 1 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Why don't you focus on creating articles in mainspace as a way to remove redlinks? --  17:47, 25 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Brxbrx, in answer to your recent inquiry, in undertaking this project it is my intention to address unneeded red links in order that those entries remaining on the wanted pages list are in fact wanted pages. Thank you for your continued support. zieber (talk) 14:54, 29 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Agree with most of the suggestions, but not creating unnecessary redirects. Redirects should only be created when there's a good reason for having them, not because you're squeamish about intruding on someone's talk page comments.  I think correcting links (including removing them where appropriate) is a reasonable exception to the rule of not editing others' comments.  15:12, 29 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Be careful how you judge "unneeded" red links, Zieber. Perhaps we should rewrite whatever guide you were robotically following to allow more leeway? I also don't think editing other's comments to remove dreaded redlinks is very good form.  It's kinda rude, really.  02:39, 6 June 2011 (UTC)