A talk page stalker (TPS), also known as a WikiJaguar or talk page watcher (TPW), is an individual who keeps an eye on one or more users' talk pages (often via the watchlist) and answers or adds input to threads in which the stalker is not directly involved.
Popular targets of talk page stalkers include catministrators, bureaucats, checkusers, high-profile or highly active users, and other types of megalomanicats. Talk page stalkers have even been known to stalk each other! Contrary to popular belief, talk page stalkers might not all be scheming villains – rather, they generally contribute with some helpful piece of advice especially when the particular user the message was left for is not immediately available. Talk page stalkers have also been known to make minor tweaks to the talk pages they stalk; for example, replacing plain text archive listings with archive boxes. One can see just how stalked a particular person is by looking at their page information.
It is considered polite to announce one's intention to stalk another's talk page, perhaps through some creative means, or an amiably worded self-invitation to the talk page's owner using as many weasel words as you can manage.
How to spot a stalker
Known talkpage stalkers sometimes like to display it on their own talkpages:
Wikipedians whose talk pages are routinely stalked are often not disturbed by this fact; and sometimes even welcome the practice, displaying a fair warning to others who dare post there. A banner is also available for this purpose, and lets talk page stalkers know they are welcome and appreciated.
This user talk page might be watched by friendly talk page stalkers, which means that someone other than me might reply to your query. Their input is welcome and their help with messages that I cannot reply to quickly is appreciated.
This user's talk page is monitored by talk page watchers. Some of them even talk back. Their input is welcome, and their help with messages that I cannot reply to quickly is appreciated.
Some stalkers surreptitiously advertise this essay by tagging individual messages with {{tps}} replying to the message on the talkpage that they stalk; that template produces: (talk page stalker)
Awarding stalkers
If you've been helped by a talk page stalker, consider awarding them the WikiJaguar Award for Excellence by adding {{subst:WP:TPS/award|(message) ~~~~}} to their talk page. If you do not include a custom message the output will be as follows:
For your recent assistance responding to the request I left on someone else's talk page, I award you the WikiJaguar Award for Excellence in talk page stalking efforts. ~~~~
If you wish to use the above default text but add an additional custom message before the signature, type {{subst:WP:TPS/award|2=(additional message here)}}
Surprise your stalkers
Another talk page stalker lies in wait.
The first obligation of a host is to not always offer the same thing. Be often polite, gracious, and soothing; but do not constantly offer such fare. Remember that unrelieved politeness may carry an implicit reproach. If a guest feels that they have been told: "Look at me being incredibly polite; can you do this?", they are unlikely to return. Allow them instead to experience an agreeable sense of superiority by telling them to get lost.
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