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This question recently was edited and approved: How to protect a space elevator against terrorism

The edit provided an embedded picture and link to a relevant xkcd comic. The comic was already linked in a comment. While it is related topically, and might add a little humor to the original question, I fail to see how this edit improves the question in a meaningful way. In addition, the comic contains a certain four-letter word that would otherwise probably be edited away.

What are some rules or guidelines to consider when editing/reviewing edits for other members' posts? While these could be subjective, my first thought is that an edit should:

  1. Not violate the original intent of the question
  2. Provide meaningful improvements to the overall quality of the post.

Any thoughts about this question in particular? About general editing guidelines?

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    $\begingroup$ Yeah, I don't think I'd ever approve an edit that added an image. I prefer links, as they don't clutter up the post as much, and provide a more professional look. But I guess it comes down to personal preference. $\endgroup$
    – DaaaahWhoosh
    Aug 5, 2015 at 17:38
  • $\begingroup$ @DaaaahWhoosh, you actualy did: worldbuilding.stackexchange.com/review/suggested-edits/9409 $\endgroup$
    – clem steredenn
    Aug 5, 2015 at 17:57
  • $\begingroup$ I have for my part to admit that I skipped it. I was a bit unsure, and after all, I haven't been here that long. I was curious what was the take of the community, so thanks for raising the question. $\endgroup$
    – clem steredenn
    Aug 5, 2015 at 17:59
  • $\begingroup$ @bilbo_pingouin Oh, that's what that was! I got confused by the syntax, I guess. There was no image in the preview. $\endgroup$
    – DaaaahWhoosh
    Aug 5, 2015 at 18:01
  • $\begingroup$ @DaaaahWhoosh, no there wasn't. I only realised reading the link... XKCD could only be an image... :-) $\endgroup$
    – clem steredenn
    Aug 5, 2015 at 18:02
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    $\begingroup$ @bilbo_pingouin It could also be a link to an image... which is what I thought it was. Either way, I'm glad I've realized the error of my ways. $\endgroup$
    – DaaaahWhoosh
    Aug 5, 2015 at 18:04
  • $\begingroup$ @DaaaahWhoosh. Those previews can be seen in both "rendered output" view and in "markdown" view. It's probably a good idea to check both. The [![ at the beginning of the link indicates an image. $\endgroup$
    – TRiG
    Aug 8, 2015 at 12:38

2 Answers 2

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The edit in question, had I reviewed it, would have got a reject vote. It violates the intent of the original author. More to the point, it doesn't add any pertinent, permanent detail. The XKCD comic link is nice to have - but in a comment, an ephemeral bit of text that can be quickly deleted if needed. It's not appropriate in the question.

I've rolled the edit back.

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As can be seen in the comments, it turns out I accepted the edit by mistake, not realizing that the new syntax would display an image. I definitely agree with the rollback, and apologize for my mistake.

I guess the lesson to be learned is that it's a good idea to thoroughly review edits, especially those containing code you do not understand. I will certainly be more diligent in the future.

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    $\begingroup$ I made the same mistake. I apologize! $\endgroup$
    – Aify
    Aug 8, 2015 at 3:42

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