User:GreenMeansGo/WP:Death by template
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Templates are a useful way to quickly provide new users with valuable information and let them know they've misunderstood something or made a mistake. However, it's usually quite easy to spot automated or semi-automated responses, and when overused, these may make new users feel like they're being spammed with overwhelming amounts of information, from a not-so-friendly, not-so-community.
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![]() | This page in a nutshell: Templates can be useful, but often not quite as useful as conversation. |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/New_user_drowning_in_templates.png/320px-New_user_drowning_in_templates.png)
Rather than defaulting immediately to {{subst:uw-newbie alert}}, many times it's better to attempt an actual conversation.