Wikipedia:Teahouse/Host lounge/Expectations

Question forum » Host profiles » Just a few expectations that keep the Teahouse friendly...

Shantavira, a Teahouse host

The Teahouse is a unique place and, as a Teahouse host, there are certain expectations that you should think about when welcoming and working with new editors.

Welcome everyone with a friendly hello when you answer questions.
Be polite and patient with all editors who visit the Teahouse. Remember that although you may have seen that same question fifty times before, the editor posting it has asked it only once.
Keep it simple. Explain as much as possible, as simply as possible, to new editors when answering questions. (Don't use wiki jargon!) Avoid repeating information already provided by others hosts.
Avoid over-linking when responding to questions. Wikipedia policies, procedures, and documentation are overwhelming to many editors. Do your best to explain processes and policies and answer the guest's particular question rather than pointing them to more documentation as a first resort.
Leave a talkback notification on the guest's user talk page after answering a new question, or notify the editor by pinging them to let the guest know you've responded. (Find the script here!)
Check for unanswered questions from time to time. A brief reply or apology after 24 hours is better than no reply at all.