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FamilySearch Wiki:Manual of Style: Difference between revisions
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== Bylines == | == Bylines == | ||
Everyone can contribute to FamilySearch Wiki. [[FamilySearch Wiki:Ownership of articles|Pages are not owned]] by anyone exclusively. Since anyone can add to a page, the original author of a page will see their work | Everyone can contribute to FamilySearch Wiki. [[FamilySearch Wiki:Ownership of articles|Pages are not owned]] by anyone exclusively. Since anyone can add to a page, the original author of a page will see their work expanded and changed by others. When a contributor adds or edits a wiki page, they relinquish ownership of the content to the community. This relinquishment of content to the community is stated not only in a [[FamilySearch Wiki:Policies|policy page]] but also in the editing screen everyone uses to add content. For these reasons, [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/byline bylines] are not appropriate on wiki pages. If information is added to the wiki from a specific published work, it is appropriate to [[Help:How to add citations|cite that]] work in a footnote, but it is not appropriate to "retain ownership" of a page through use of a byline. | ||
== Grammar and Style == | == Grammar and Style == | ||
''' | '''Every contributor is important:''' Even though users may be concerned about their writing skills and may feel inadequate for the task the FamilySearch research wiki needs their contributions. The information they possess may not be obtainable by other users and is valuable to the wiki in any form. Other members of the wiki community can edit and polish the writing while focusing on keeping the content and information intact. <br> | ||
'''Consistent grammar style within an article:''' Grammar styles may vary by location and preference. Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be consistently maintained throughout the article. Other contributors and editors should follow the original style.<br> | '''Consistent grammar style within an article:''' Grammar styles may vary by location and preference. Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be consistently maintained throughout the article. Other contributors and editors should follow the original style.<br> | ||
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'''Neutral tone:''' Writing should be factual and avoid stereotypes, judgments, and gender bias. However, quotes should not be changed to meet this guideline. If the quote has the potential to offend find another quote.<br> | '''Neutral tone:''' Writing should be factual and avoid stereotypes, judgments, and gender bias. However, quotes should not be changed to meet this guideline. If the quote has the potential to offend find another quote.<br> | ||
'''Not using “he or she":''' As much as possible, avoid using “he or she” and “his or hers” (for example, “He or she can use the index to find his or her ancestor’s record quickly”). Do not use the plural pronoun “they” to replace “he or she.” Often, the problem can be solved by rewriting the sentence: | '''Not using “he or she":''' As much as possible, avoid using “he or she” and “his or hers” (for example, “He or she can use the index to find his or her ancestor’s record quickly”). Do not use the plural pronoun “they” to replace “he or she.” Often, the problem can be solved by rewriting the sentence: | ||
"Indexes can be used to find ancestral records quickly." <br> | "Indexes can be used to find ancestral records quickly." <br> | ||
'''Avoiding unclear “antecedents.”''' A pronoun represents to the last noun used before the pronoun. For clarity, pronouns should be used correctly. If needed, rewrite the sentence or repeat the noun. <br> | '''Avoiding unclear “antecedents.”''' A pronoun represents to the last noun used before the pronoun. For clarity, pronouns should be used correctly. If needed, rewrite the sentence or repeat the noun. <br> | ||