Help:Editing Guidelines
From ProPHOTO WIKI
Contents |
Introduction
In order to maintain consistant style throughout the articles within ProPhotoWiki, contributors should read and follow these guidelines when adding or editing articles. Following these guidelines will ensure smooth operation of the system and make it easier for readers to find the information they are looking for. While it is not mandatory, we would ask that all contributors follow these guidelines to maximize continuity of the content.
General Guidelines
Spelling
Contributors should take care to ensure that the content of their articles are spelled correctly. This is especially important for key words that people may use to search for topics, as misspellings may cause them to miss your article. If you notice any spelling mistakes in other articles, please correct them immediately so as to ensure proper operation of the site.
International Variations
For the purposes of continuity, where international variations exist contributors should use the British spelling of the word (eg 'colour' instead of 'color'). Please refer to the Oxford English Dictionary for reference.
When creating article titles containing words with variation between regions, it is strongly advised that contributors create a second article to redirect users to the appropriate articles. This ensures that users in all locales are able to find the information that they are looking for.
Article Titles
One of the most important guidelines in this document, maintaining strict standards on article titles is important for organization of the Wiki. Please read the following sections carefully and make sure that you follow them to the letter.
Singular Form
All article titles should be created in their singular form (eg Article and not Articles). The markup structure of MediaWiki allows singular titles to be pluralized automatically, however plural titles require manual intervention.
Product Names
When writing articles about a product, please use the formal model name used by the manufacturer. If time permits, add commonly used variants to the Wiki and redirect them to the original article. Asside from assisting users in finding articles, this also helps to avoid duplicate articles.
If different model names are used around the world, select the most commonly known name and use it for the main article. When that is complete, add additional articles with the other model names and simply place a link back to the original article.
Audience
ProPhotoWiki is aimed at a broad range of professional photographers with various different backgrounds. While some may have technical backgrounds, many do not so we ask that contributors write articles with that in mind. Please avoid using technical jargon as much as possible and try to explain all technical topics in simple language so that everyone can understand the content.
Advanced Articles
If necessary, ProPhotoWiki has an advanced namespace for contributors to provide more detailed descriptions of complex topics. When using this, write a non-technical version of the article and place a reference to the advanced version for users looking for more information. When creating the advanced version, simply prefix the article name with Advanced: and add it to the advanced category.
International Considerations
When writing articles for ProPhotoWiki please keep in mind the fact that this website has a global audience. When referring to issues that may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction (eg legal matters) please clarify the scope of the information being provided. If possible, please refer to regulations in all jurisdictions that you are familiar with.
Neutrality
All articles contained in ProPhotoWiki should maintain a neutral and objective stance on any subjective topics. This resource is intended as a reference so all content must be written in a professional and objective manner. If a topic requires potentially sensitive material for complete coverage, the article should address all points of view in an accurate an objective manner. If in doubt, please contact an administrator for clarification.
If you see an article in ProPhotoWiki that you feel has an unbalanced point of view, please contact the previous author and try to arrive at a consensus. If one is found then simply edit the article, if one is not found then contact the administrator for a resolution to the problem.
Please note that this is one of the most important guidelines on this list, and repeated violations may lead to restrictions on a users ability to edit articles.
Article Structure
Introduction
All articles should start with a brief introduction outlining the topic covered in the entry. This allows readers to get some basic information quickly, and provides a starting point for further reading.
Content
After the introduction, generate the core contents of the article. The structure of this section will depend on the nature of the content, so further instruction can not be provided in this context. Please check similar articles and follow their example in this regard.
See Also
If possible, articles should contain a list of articles on related topics in order to help users find further information. These links should be provided in a bulleted list with a short two line description alongside the link. If possible, this description should also point out its relation to the article at hand.
External Links
If there are any external links or cites contained in the page, they should be placed in this section. The links should be placed in a bulleted list with a short desciption as above. Use this facility whereever possible, as it allows users to seek further information from an independant source.
Categories
All articles should be added to at least one category in order to assist users browsing the Wiki. Please see the list of categories to select an appropriate match.
Conventions
Asside from these formal rules, please try to follow the conventions that are already used within existing articles. Prior to adding your article, look for other articles on related topics and try to use a similar format when producing new content.
See Also
- Editing Articles - Detailed instructions on how to create and edit articles.
- Help Contents - Access the various other help articles in the system.
- List of All Help Articles - List of all help articles within the ProPhotoWiki system.
