Wiktionary:What Wiktionary is not

From Wiktionary

Wiktionary is an online dictionary and, as a means to that end, also an online community. Therefore, there are certain things that Wiktionary is not.

[edit] What Wiktionary is not

1. Wiktionary is not an encyclopedia, a genealogy database, or an atlas; that is, it is not an in-depth collection of factual information, or of data about places and people. If you are looking for an encyclopedia, try Wikipedia. Wiktionary articles are about words. A Wiktionary entry should focus on matters of language and wordsmithing: spelling, pronunciation, etymology, translation, usage, quotations, and links to related words and concepts.
2. Wiktionary is not paper. Thus, Wiktionary effectively has no size limits, can include links, can be more timely, etc. It also means that the style and length of writing appropriate for paper may not be appropriate here.
3. Wiktionary is not a soapbox, chatroom, or discussion forum.
4. Wiktionary is neither a “mirror” nor a repository of links, images, or media files. All content added to Wiktionary may be edited mercilessly to be included on the site.
5. Wiktionary is not a free wiki host or webspace provider. You may not host your own website at Wiktionary. If you are interested in using the wiki technology for a collaborative effort on anything other than writing a dictionary of all words in all languages, even if it is just a single page, there are many sites that provide wiki hosting (free or for money). You can even install wiki software on your server.
6. Wiktionary is not a battlefield. Every user is expected to interact with others civilly, calmly and in a spirit of cooperation. Do not insult, harass or intimidate those with whom you have a disagreement. Rather, approach the matter in an intelligent manner, and engage in polite discussion. Do not create or edit articles just to prove a point. Do not make legal or other threats against Wiktionary, Wiktionarians, or the Wikimedia Foundation. Threats are not tolerated and may result in a ban.
7. Wiktionary is not censored for the 'protection of minors' (content-rated). First, anyone can edit an article and the results are displayed instantaneously, so we cannot guarantee that a child will see or read nothing objectionable. Second, Wiktionary has no organized system for the removal of material that might be thought likely to harm minors. However, articles can be, and are, censored by consensus.
8. Wiktionary is not monolingual. Wiktionary is a dictionary written in English of all words in all languages, just as Wikipedia is an encyclopedia written in English of all topics from all language-areas. Although one could look up être at fr.wiktionary (fr:être), that would not do someone who doesn't speak French any good, and the person still wouldn't know what être meant. All of the Wiktionaries define all words from all languages in their own language, so a reader can access the definitions of all of them in their own language.