Wikipedia:Ignore all rules/Alternate wordings

Ignore All Rules was one of the first guidelines proposed for Wikipedia. Here are some versions that have been used or proposed over the years. The actual consensus probably lies somewhere in the middle between them.

Feel free to add versions of which you're certain have held consensus for some amount of time.

But don't go making new stuff up here, of course, because that's what the original page and associated talk are for. Can you find a better wording for the Consensus?

oldest version

[1] If rules make you nervous and depressed, and not desirous of participating in the Wiki, then ignore them and go about your business.

B

[2] If a rule prevents you from working with others to improve or maintain Wikipedia, ignore it.

C

[3] If the rules prevent you from improving or maintaining Wikipedia, ignore them.

D

[4] If the rules prevent you from improving or maintaining Wikipedia, ignore them.

Advice about this policy

• Rules derive their power to compel from historical consensus. They are not set in stone, but are rather a reflection of the shared opinion of a great many editors.
• Rules are sometimes poor attempts to put complex thoughts into words. The wording of a rule is never important; rather, the spirit of a rule is what counts.
• Rules are never final, as they are derived from consensus, and consensus can change.
• Rules tend to be descriptive rather than prescriptive, and sometimes lag behind the practices they describe. Follow consensus, not policy.
• Rules should be subject to constant scrutiny. When consulting the rules, consider not only what the rule says, but whether it is a valid rule to begin with.
• Rules cannot be lawyered with. There are no "loopholes" or "technicalities", as the spirit of the rule trumps the letter of the rule.
• Rules should still be followed most of the time in most situations.

What this means for editors

• Over time, familiarize yourself with the rules as well as the underlying philosophies behind them. Read the talk pages about the rules: they often shed light on ideas in the rules that are contentious.
• Feel free to break the rules if you need to.
• Anytime you break the rules, explain to your fellow editors why doing so improves the encyclopedia.
• At the same time, listen to your fellow editors: if many people disagree with your actions, consider reverting them.
• You are still responsible for reasonably forseeable effects of your actions.
• Consider all issues on a case-by-case-basis.
• Participation in Wikipedia is not contingent upon knowledge of any rules. If someone unknowingly breaks a rule, politely point her to the appropriate rule pages, but still consider that her judgment may be correct.

See also

Wikipedia:What "Ignore all rules" means