How to understand reverts, revisions, blocked submissions, and common issues on EpsteinWiki
Contributing to EpsteinWiki is meaningful work, and sometimes your edits will need changes before they can be published. This guide explains the most common issues contributors run into, why they happen, and how to fix them quickly.
Why Your Edit May Have Been Reverted
Edits are reverted when something in the submission violates safety rules, classification standards, or documentation requirements. Common reasons include:
Missing or incomplete redactions
If a minor’s name, identifying detail, or survivor information is visible, moderators must revert the edit immediately.
Unverified or unclear sources
If the source is unknown, unreliable, or missing, the content cannot stay live.
Speculation or identity guessing
Any attempt to guess a pseudonym, fill in a redacted name, or infer guilt will be reverted.
Incorrect classification of a person or organization
If someone was labeled as a perpetrator, associate, survivor, or staff member without sufficient evidence, the edit may be undone.
Disinformation indicators
Manipulated images, questionable documents, or suspicious screenshots will trigger reversions.
Unsuitable tone
Sensational language, graphic descriptions, or emotionally charged wording must be removed.
If your edit is reverted, moderators will usually leave a note explaining why.
Why Your Submission Might Be Blocked
Blocked submissions happen when:
• a document’s authenticity is uncertain
• a public figure is named without a verified source
• redactions were not applied correctly
• content contains survivor or minor details
• the context is incomplete or ambiguous
• the document appears manipulated
• the chain of custody is unclear
• the classification contradicts established guidelines
Blocked does not mean rejected. It means moderators need clarification or revision.
How to Fix a Blocked Submission
1. Read the moderator’s note carefully
Most blocks include specific instructions such as:
• “Needs a verified source link”
• “Please redact minor identifiers”
• “Classify this individual as Associate, not Perpetrator”
• “Document metadata is inconsistent — please flag as Unverified”
2. Apply the correct template
If your submission wasn’t aligned with the proper structure (person page, document page, timeline, etc.), move your content into the right template.
3. Redo your redactions
Ensure all sensitive information is removed, especially pertaining to minors or survivors.
4. Recheck your sources
Confirm that the source is reputable and traceable.
If unsure, submit as:
“Unverified — Requires Moderator Review.”
5. Adjust language to be factual and neutral
Avoid implying guilt, describing rumors, or interpreting intent.
6. Resubmit the corrected version
Once the fixes are made, your content will move back into the review pipeline.
What to Do If Two Sources Conflict
Conflicting documents happen often. When they do:
• Present each version neutrally
• Avoid taking a side
• Label the section “Contradictory Evidence”
• Add both sources to the reference section
• Flag for moderator review
Avoid using conflicting information to draw conclusions.
What to Do If You’re Unsure About Authenticity
If anything looks off, such as formatting errors, odd metadata, mismatched fonts, or questionable sourcing:
• Do not summarize it
• Do not add it to a live page
• Upload it only to the Review Queue
• Label it “Potentially manipulated — needs review”
Moderators will evaluate it.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Naming public figures without legal or journalistic verification
→ Always link the source.
• Posting screenshots from social media
→ Never acceptable as evidence.
• Forgetting to classify content
→ Use the Content Classification Guide.
• Using emotional or speculative language
→ Keep it neutral and factual.
• Guessing identities from context clues
→ Strictly forbidden.
If Your Edit Was Declined
Declines usually involve:
• disinformation
• defamation risk
• privacy violations
• manipulated documents
• attempts to identify minors or unnamed survivors
• conspiracy-framed content
Declined submissions are archived for internal study but not published. A note will explain the reason.
How to Ask for Help
If you are confused, stuck, or disagree with a decision, you can:
• message moderators directly
• ask for clarification on what rule applies
• provide additional evidence
• request a second review
• ask for help applying templates
The community is here to support you.
Contributor Rights
You have the right to:
• receive clear feedback
• ask questions respectfully
• appeal factual decisions
• withdraw your submission
• be credited for your work
• be treated professionally and respectfully
Moderators and contributors work as a team.
Why Troubleshooting Matters
A transparent troubleshooting system empowers contributors, reduces frustration, and keeps the project healthy and accurate. The more clearly we understand how to fix issues, the stronger and more resilient this archive becomes.