FamilySearch Wiki:Manual of Style: Difference between revisions

FamilySearch Wiki:Manual of Style (view source)

Revision as of 10:04, 26 April 2014

360 bytes removed , 26 April 2014

Clarified pronoun and antecedent information

VisualWikitext

Myrasueharris

6,207

edits

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 == 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 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.
+Everyone can contribute to FamilySearch Wiki. [[FamilySearch Wiki:Ownership of articles|Pages are not owned]] by anyone exclusively. Since anyone can work on a page, the original author of a page may 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  ==
-'''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>
+'''Every contributor is important:''' Even though users may be concerned about their writing skills and may feel inadequate for the task, their contributions are needed. 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 original 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>
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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>
-'''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:
+'''Avoid 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:
 :;Correct
 ::{{xt|Indexes can be used to find ancestral records quickly.}}
-'''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 mixing&nbsp; pronouns and antecedents.''' For clarity, pronouns should be used correctly. If needed, rewrite the sentence or repeat the noun. <br>
+:;Incorrect
+::{{xt|If a person wants to succeed in genealogy, you have to know how to search the records.}}
 :;Correct
-::{{xt|Ancestors who fought in the U.S. Civil War may be listed in the U.S. Civil War pension records.}}
+::{{xt|If you want to succeed in genealogy, you have to know how to search the records.}}
-:;Correct
-::{{xt|If ancestors of the users fought in the U.S. Civil War, users may find the ancestors’ records in the U.S. Civil War pension records.}}
-:;Incorrect
-::{{!xt|If the ancestors fought in the U.S. Civil War, they may find their records in the U.S. Civil War pension records.}} (Here “they” is meant to represent users, but “they” would mean “the ancestors.”)
 '''Avoiding “we” and “I.”''' Contributors should not use “we” or “I” to refer to themselves and others in the wiki community.