Troubleshooting Common Issues
Wikipedia's collaborative nature can sometimes lead to challenges for organizations and individuals. Understanding how to address common issues while following Wikipedia's guidelines ensures better outcomes and maintains positive relationships with the editing community.
Why does my article have a warning banner at the top?
Warning banners appear when Wikipedia editors believe an article has issues that need attention. These notices alert readers that the content may not meet Wikipedia's standards and encourage further improvement. Common types of banners include:
A notability warning, suggesting the subject may not be considered significant enough for its own article
An advertising warning, indicating the content sounds promotional rather than neutral
A neutrality warning, signaling that the article may be biased or one-sided
A cleanup warning, pointing out problems with formatting, tone, or structure
These banners aren't meant to be permanent, but they won't be removed until the issues are resolved. To understand what prompted the banner, review the article's edit history and Talk page. Editors sometimes leave notes explaining their concerns and what would need to change. If they haven't, you may have an opportunity to suggest changes and fix it.
For step-by-step instructions, read our How-To Guide on getting warning banners removed.
How do I get inaccurate information corrected?
If you have a conflict of interest, such as being affiliated with the subject of the article, you should not edit the page directly. Instead, go to the article's Talk page and clearly explain what is incorrect, why it's inaccurate, what the correct information is, and provide reliable, independent sources to support your request.
Use the {{Edit COI}} template to signal that you're requesting a change. Be clear, neutral, and specific in your explanation. It may take time for an editor to respond; if no one replies after a couple of weeks, try asking for guidance at the Teahouse, a help forum for new users.
For more on handling this process transparently, read our How-To Guide on correcting inaccurate information.
What should I do if a hostile editor is targeting my article?
If you feel that another editor is being hostile or combative, the most important thing you can do is stay calm and avoid responding in kind. Wikipedia discourages personal attacks and generally rewards editors who remain civil and focused on policy—so long as you're right on the policy.
Engage professionally on the article's Talk page. Acknowledge the other editor's concerns where appropriate, and clearly explain your position. Read up on Wikipedia's content guidelines, especially about using sources. If you have a conflict of interest, note that you're following Wikipedia's COI guidelines by proposing changes on the Talk page rather than editing the article directly.
For more on how to handle this situation, read our How-To Guide on responding to hostile editors.
Can I remove negative content about my company?
You cannot remove content from Wikipedia just because it’s unflattering. Wikipedia’s Neutral Point of View policy requires that articles reflect how a subject is covered in reliable, independent sources—both the positive and the negative. If reputable publications have reported on a controversy, lawsuit, or criticism, that information is likely to appear in the article, provided it's presented fairly and proportionately.
However, you can request the removal or revision of content that is inaccurate, poorly sourced, misleading, or gives undue weight to a minor issue. The key is to focus on verifiability and balance. If something is factually incorrect or lacks independent sourcing, that's a valid reason to raise a concern. Focus on ensuring the content is accurate, measured, and properly sourced rather than trying to eliminate legitimate criticism covered by reliable sources.
What should I do if my edit requests are being ignored?
Wait at least one week before following up; Wikipedia is maintained by volunteers, and responses can take time. If there's no reply, post a polite follow-up on the article's Talk page. Make sure your original request was clear, neutral in tone, supported by reliable sources, and included a proper conflict-of-interest disclosure. Requests that seem promotional or lack solid sourcing are more likely to be ignored.
If you still don't get a response after a reasonable amount of time, there are other places to seek help. You can post at Wikipedia's Teahouse or Help Desk, reach out to a relevant WikiProject that covers your topic area, or request a Third Opinion if the issue involves a content dispute.