Wikipedia:Don't cry COI

This is an essay on civility. 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:CRY WP:DCC

This page in a nutshell: Do not attack editors just because they are paid editors or have a conflict of interest.

When an editor sees a single purpose editor, one initial reaction might be to cry "WP:COI!" or "Paid editing!", taking the issue to noticeboards and other venues. It is often done in violation of assuming good faith.^{[citation needed]}

Paid editing is editing for money with a clear conflict of interest. Sometimes these edits are promotional, but most of the time they are in good faith.^{[citation needed][dubious – discuss]} Paid editors should be distinguished from experts. While experts may work in a given field, paid editors are paid to edit, while experts merely edit as volunteers.