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FamilySearch Wiki:Manual of Style: Difference between revisions
FamilySearch Wiki:Manual of Style (view source)
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[[Image:Book-copy-1-.jpg|right|130x117px|Book-copy-1-.jpg]]A '''wiki''' '''manual of style''' (or style guide) is a set of standards for designing and writing wiki articles. The guide provides direction for visual and technical aspects, prose style, best usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and fairness. The consistent use of the style guidelines provides uniformity in style and formatting of wiki articles, which makes the articles easier for readers to understand and use. | [[Image:Book-copy-1-.jpg|right|130x117px|Book-copy-1-.jpg]] | ||
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A '''wiki''' '''manual of style''' (or style guide) is a set of standards for designing and writing wiki articles. The guide provides direction for visual and technical aspects, prose style, best usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and fairness. The consistent use of the style guidelines provides uniformity in style and formatting of wiki articles, which makes the articles easier for readers to understand and use. | |||
== General Principles == | == General Principles == | ||
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'''Appropriate content.''' Content and images must be [[FamilySearch Wiki:Purpose and Appropriate Topics|appropriate]] to the FamilySearch Research Wiki. Inappropriate content or links will be removed. | '''Appropriate content.''' Content and images must be [[FamilySearch Wiki:Purpose and Appropriate Topics|appropriate]] to the FamilySearch Research Wiki. Inappropriate content or links will be removed. | ||
'''Neutrality.''' Articles should be as [[ | '''Neutrality.''' Articles should be as [[FamilySearch Wiki:Neutral point of view|neutral]] as possible. Descriptions should be factual and avoid negative or positive judgements ("settlers from western Europe" rather than "poor, uneducated peasants"). Avoid hype. | ||
'''Simplicity.''' Writing should be clear and simple. When a term is used that may be unfamiliar to people (for example, gazetteer), it should be defined the first time it appears in the body of an article. Avoid using specialized terms or acronymns when a common term is available. As much as possible, the information should be understandable for every user, even if English is not the user's first language. | '''Simplicity.''' Writing should be clear and simple. When a term is used that may be unfamiliar to people (for example, gazetteer), it should be defined the first time it appears in the body of an article. Avoid using specialized terms or acronymns when a common term is available. As much as possible, the information should be understandable for every user, even if English is not the user's first language. | ||
== Bylines == | == Bylines == | ||
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*'''Specific but short titles.''' Titles should be as short as possible but specific enough that users can identify the topic of the article when it appears in the search results. Avoid clever but unclear titles. Remove any unnecessary words or punctuation. | *'''Specific but short titles.''' Titles should be as short as possible but specific enough that users can identify the topic of the article when it appears in the search results. Avoid clever but unclear titles. Remove any unnecessary words or punctuation. | ||
*'''Common terms.''' Titles should use common terms that users might search for. A well chosen name for a new article can be very helpful to users and make it easier for search engines to guide users to the most relevant wiki article. | *'''Common terms.''' Titles should use common terms that users might search for. A well chosen name for a new article can be very helpful to users and make it easier for search engines to guide users to the most relevant wiki article. | ||
*'''Get input'''. Consider consulting with an [[ | *'''Get input'''. Consider consulting with an [[FamilySearch Wiki:Mentors|experienced wiki contributor]] if you have questions.<br> | ||
==== Capitalization in article titles ==== | ==== Capitalization in article titles ==== | ||
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==== '''Italics''' ==== | ==== '''Italics''' ==== | ||
In a title, italicize only the titles of books and ships.<br> | In a title, italicize only the titles of books and ships.<br> | ||
=== Rename an existing article === | === Rename an existing article === | ||
Renaming an article requires moving the content of the article to a page with a different name. Articles may need to be renamed to correct an error, or to better state the purpose of the aticle. If it is likely that the page has been widely viewed and bookmarked, a "[[Help:Redirects|redirect]]" should be placed on the old article following the move. After the content has been moved to a new article, some old articles can simply be [[Help: | Renaming an article requires moving the content of the article to a page with a different name. Articles may need to be renamed to correct an error, or to better state the purpose of the aticle. If it is likely that the page has been widely viewed and bookmarked, a "[[Help:Redirects|redirect]]" should be placed on the old article following the move. After the content has been moved to a new article, some old articles can simply be [[Help:Deleting a page|marked for deletion]].<br> | ||
{{main|Help:Renaming a page}} | {{main|Help:Renaming a page}} | ||
=== Naming subheadings within articles === | === Naming subheadings within articles === | ||
==== Organizing information ==== | ==== Organizing information ==== | ||
In an article, subheadings or sections should be used to organize the content and keep similar information together. Subheadings should help users scan an article to find the information they need. | In an article, subheadings or sections should be used to organize the content and keep similar information together. Subheadings should help users scan an article to find the information they need. | ||
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==== Guidelines for subheadings/section titles. ==== | ==== Guidelines for subheadings/section titles. ==== | ||
Use the guidelines for article titles with the following differences. | Use the guidelines for article titles with the following differences. Once you put in a title it can't be changed by you but subtitles can be changed, removed and reorganized by you. | ||
Once you put in a title it can't be changed by you but subtitles can be changed, removed and reorganized by you. | |||
#There are many [[Help:A quick guide to templates|templates]] that will help to organize a page. | #There are many [[Help:A quick guide to templates|templates]] that will help to organize a page. Two great examples: <br> | ||
*[[FamilySearch Wiki:WikiProject County Page Template]] | *[[FamilySearch Wiki:WikiProject County Page Template]] | ||
*[[FamilySearch Wiki:WikiProject U.S. counties]] | *[[FamilySearch Wiki:WikiProject U.S. counties]] | ||
#Use Help pages they are guides to assist in the detailing of a page. | #Use Help pages they are guides to assist in the detailing of a page. An example: | ||
*[[Help:Adding details to a Family History Center page]] | *[[Help:Adding details to a Family History Center page]] | ||
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[http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ Click here] to order United States military records online. | [http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ Click here] to order United States military records online. | ||
Clearly, the first link is much easier to read, takes less space, and helps users understand what they will find by clicking the link. | Clearly, the first link is much easier to read, takes less space, and helps users understand what they will find by clicking the link. | ||
==== Free web sites ==== | ==== Free web sites ==== | ||