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FamilySearch Wiki:Manual of Style: Difference between revisions
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'''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 == | |||
Anyone can contribute to FamilySearch Wiki. Pages are not owned by anyone exclusively. Since anyone can add to a page, the original author of a page will see his work added to and changed by others. When a user adds or edits a wiki page, he relinquishes 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 all 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 == | == Grammar == | ||
'''Important:''' Even if users are concerned about their writing skills, the FamilySearch Research Wiki would like them to contribute information. Other members of the wiki community can help polish the writing. <br> | '''Important:''' Even if users are concerned about their writing skills, the FamilySearch Research Wiki would like them to contribute information. Other members of the wiki community can help polish the writing. <br> | ||
'''Consistent grammar style within an article.''' Grammar styles may vary by a contributor’s location and preference. Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be maintained throughout the article. Other contributors should follow the original style.<br> | '''Consistent grammar style within an article.''' Grammar styles may vary by a contributor’s location and preference. Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be maintained throughout the article. Other contributors should follow the original style.<br> | ||
'''Complete sentences.''' Write with complete sentences (sentences that contain a subject and verb). Complete sentences are easier to understand, especially if English is not a user’s native language. The command form (which has an implied subject) is considered a complete sentence.<br> Correct: The parish kept the records from 1770 to 1932. <br> Correct: Click the link to the Family History Library Catalog.<br> Incorrect: Not bad. | '''Complete sentences.''' Write with complete sentences (sentences that contain a subject and verb). Complete sentences are easier to understand, especially if English is not a user’s native language. The command form (which has an implied subject) is considered a complete sentence.<br> Correct: The parish kept the records from 1770 to 1932. <br> Correct: Click the link to the Family History Library Catalog.<br> Incorrect: Not bad. | ||
'''Shorter sentences that express one idea.''' As much as possible, write with shorter sentences that express one idea. They are easier to understand, especially if English is not a user’s native language.<br> Correct: This is an index to some birth and christening records from Arizona. The records cover 1909 through 1917. The index is not necessarily complete for any particular place or region.<br> | '''Shorter sentences that express one idea.''' As much as possible, write with shorter sentences that express one idea. They are easier to understand, especially if English is not a user’s native language.<br> Correct: This is an index to some birth and christening records from Arizona. The records cover 1909 through 1917. The index is not necessarily complete for any particular place or region.<br> | ||
'''Neutral tone'''. Writing should be factual and avoid stereotypes, judgments, and gender bias. However, quotes should not be changed to meet this guideline. <br> | '''Neutral tone'''. Writing should be factual and avoid stereotypes, judgments, and gender bias. However, quotes should not be changed to meet this guideline. <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. <br> Correct: When users find an ancestor’s family in the census, they should copy all the information for the family. <br> Incorrect: When a user finds his or her ancestor’s family in the census, he or she should copy all the information for the family. <br> Incorrect: When a user finds their ancestor’s family in the census, they should copy all the information for the family. <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. <br> Correct: When users find an ancestor’s family in the census, they should copy all the information for the family. <br> Incorrect: When a user finds his or her ancestor’s family in the census, he or she should copy all the information for the family. <br> Incorrect: When a user finds their ancestor’s family in the census, they should copy all the information for the family. <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> Correct: Ancestors who fought in the U.S. Civil War may be listed in the U.S. Civil War pension records. <br> Correct: 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. <br> Incorrect: 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 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> Correct: Ancestors who fought in the U.S. Civil War may be listed in the U.S. Civil War pension records. <br> Correct: 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. <br> Incorrect: 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. <br> Correct: If there are differing opinions about information in an article, the opinions can be added to the Discussion page to get input from the wiki community. <br> Incorrect: If there are differing opinions about information in an article, we want the opinions added to the Discussion page to get input from the wiki community. <br> | '''Avoiding “we” and “I.”''' Contributors should not use “we” or “I” to refer to themselves and others in the wiki community. <br> Correct: If there are differing opinions about information in an article, the opinions can be added to the Discussion page to get input from the wiki community. <br> Incorrect: If there are differing opinions about information in an article, we want the opinions added to the Discussion page to get input from the wiki community. <br> | ||
'''Ampersand (&).''' Do not replace the word “and” with an ampersand (&).<br>Exception: If the ampersand is part of an official name, use the ampersand. <br> | '''Ampersand (&).''' Do not replace the word “and” with an ampersand (&).<br>Exception: If the ampersand is part of an official name, use the ampersand. <br> | ||
'''Accepted authority.''' When there is uncertainty about grammar, follow an accepted authority such as the Chicago Manual of Style.<br> | '''Accepted authority.''' When there is uncertainty about grammar, follow an accepted authority such as the Chicago Manual of Style.<br> | ||
'''Using the Discussion page.''' If differing opinions about a grammar issue cannot be resolved by referring to an accepted authority, the opinions should be added to the article’s Discussion page for input from the wiki community.<br><br> | '''Using the Discussion page.''' If differing opinions about a grammar issue cannot be resolved by referring to an accepted authority, the opinions should be added to the article’s Discussion page for input from the wiki community.<br><br> | ||
== Naming == | == Naming == | ||
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=== Name a new article === | === Name a new article === | ||
{{main|FamilySearch Wiki:Name a new article}}Before creating a new article, take the time to think of a name that clearly explains in a few words the content of the article. <br> | {{main|FamilySearch Wiki:Name a new article}}Before creating a new article, take the time to think of a name that clearly explains in a few words the content of the article. <br> | ||
*'''Unique titles.''' No two articles may have the same title. <br> | *'''Unique titles.''' No two articles may have the same title. <br> | ||
*A wiki search should be done for the proposed title to ensure that there is not an existing article with that title.<br> | *A wiki search should be done for the proposed title to ensure that there is not an existing article with that title.<br> | ||
*Avoid duplication of articles. If an article already exists for the same topic, contributors should edit the existing article rather than create a new article. | *Avoid duplication of articles. If an article already exists for the same topic, contributors should edit the existing article rather than create a new article. | ||
*'''Specific but short titles.''' Titles should be as short as possible but specific enugh 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 enugh 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. | ||
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*You may want to run it by experienced wiki contributors. <br> | *You may want to run it by experienced wiki contributors. <br> | ||
==== Capitalization in titles<br> | ==== Capitalization in titles<br> ==== | ||
In titles, use sentence-style capitalization, which means that only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized. (For some wiki capabilities, sentence capitalization is required.) Do not list words all in capitals unless the word is an acronym.<br> | In titles, use sentence-style capitalization, which means that only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized. (For some wiki capabilities, sentence capitalization is required.) Do not list words all in capitals unless the word is an acronym.<br> | ||
'''Exception:''' The historical records collections in FamilySearch.org use book title capitalization.<br> | '''Exception:''' The historical records collections in FamilySearch.org use book title capitalization.<br> | ||
Correct: Cemetery records for St. Joseph County, Michigan | Correct: Cemetery records for St. Joseph County, Michigan | ||
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Incorrect: FAMILY HISTORY CENTERS | Incorrect: FAMILY HISTORY CENTERS | ||
Correct: Canada Ontario Births (FamilySearch Historical Records)<br> | Correct: Canada Ontario Births (FamilySearch Historical Records)<br> | ||
==== Place names ==== | ==== Place names ==== | ||
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'''Places that have had different names or jurisdictions.''' If a place has had more than one name or been in more than one jurisdiction (county, state, province, country and so on), the current name and jurisdiction should be used in the title. If the article gives information about the place only when it had a specific name or jurisdiction, use those in the title. Redirects can be used to make sure users will find the article regardless of the name or jurisdiction they search for. | '''Places that have had different names or jurisdictions.''' If a place has had more than one name or been in more than one jurisdiction (county, state, province, country and so on), the current name and jurisdiction should be used in the title. If the article gives information about the place only when it had a specific name or jurisdiction, use those in the title. Redirects can be used to make sure users will find the article regardless of the name or jurisdiction they search for. | ||
'''Non English place names.''' Generally, if a country is listed in the title, use the English name (for example, Germany rather than Deutschland). Search engines pull up a different list of articles depending on the place that is listed in the title. Redirects can be used to make sure users will find the article regardless of which spelling is used.<br> | '''Non English place names.''' Generally, if a country is listed in the title, use the English name (for example, Germany rather than Deutschland). Search engines pull up a different list of articles depending on the place that is listed in the title. Redirects can be used to make sure users will find the article regardless of which spelling is used.<br> | ||
'''Places and dates in titles.''' If the place, country, or time period is important to the content of the article, include them in the title of the article. Add the word county in the title if the article is about a county.<br> | '''Places and dates in titles.''' If the place, country, or time period is important to the content of the article, include them in the title of the article. Add the word county in the title if the article is about a county.<br> | ||
Correct: Birth records for Farmington, Utah, from 1890 to 1925<br> | Correct: Birth records for Farmington, Utah, from 1890 to 1925<br> | ||
Correct: Orange County, California<br> | Correct: Orange County, California<br> | ||
Incorrect: Orange, California<br> | Incorrect: Orange, California<br> | ||
==== '''Diacritics and quotation marks''' <br> | ==== '''Diacritics and quotation marks''' <br> ==== | ||
In article titles, you may use words with diacritics or letters that do not appear in the English alphabet however, the search engine may not display the article if users search for the English version of the word. Quotation marks should be avoided in article titles.<br> | In article titles, you may use words with diacritics or letters that do not appear in the English alphabet however, the search engine may not display the article if users search for the English version of the word. Quotation marks should be avoided in article titles.<br> | ||
==== '''Punctuation'''<br> | ==== '''Punctuation'''<br> ==== | ||
Do not end the title with punctuation. | Do not end the title with punctuation. | ||
Correct: Finding newspaper records<br> | Correct: Finding newspaper records<br> | ||
Incorrect: Finding newspaper records.<br> | Incorrect: Finding newspaper records.<br> | ||
==== '''Abbreviations'''<br> | ==== '''Abbreviations'''<br> ==== | ||
Abbreviations, including US postal codes, should not be used in article titles or text because abbreviations can mean different things in different parts of the world. For example, the abbreviation CA could mean either California or Canada, depending on the reader's nationality. | Abbreviations, including US postal codes, should not be used in article titles or text because abbreviations can mean different things in different parts of the world. For example, the abbreviation CA could mean either California or Canada, depending on the reader's nationality. | ||
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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 (moving) an article or page means giving it another name. In other words, the content on a page contained under one title is moved to a new page with a different title. The page is "renamed." Renaming an existing article may be desired if you find that the article title was misspelled or is ambiguous.<br> | Renaming (moving) an article or page means giving it another name. In other words, the content on a page contained under one title is moved to a new page with a different title. The page is "renamed." Renaming an existing article may be desired if you find that the article title was misspelled or is ambiguous.<br> | ||
{{main|Help:Renaming a page}} | {{main|Help:Renaming a page}} | ||
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'''Guidelines for subheadings/section titles.''' Use the guidelines for article titles with the following differences. | '''Guidelines for subheadings/section titles.''' Use the guidelines for article titles with the following differences. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Punctuation == | == Punctuation == | ||
'''Punctuation style.''' The rules of punctuation vary greatly (for example, whether a comma is placed before “and” in a series of items: red, white, and blue). Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be maintained throughout the article. Other contributors should follow the original style. <br> | '''Punctuation style.''' The rules of punctuation vary greatly (for example, whether a comma is placed before “and” in a series of items: red, white, and blue). Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be maintained throughout the article. Other contributors should follow the original style. <br> | ||
'''Commas.''' Commas are frequently used at the end of introductory phrases and to separate the items in a list. In a list, a comma may either be used before “and” or left out. Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be maintained throughout the article. <br> Correct: At that time, immigrants from Eastern Europe either sailed directly to the United States or changed ships in Liverpool, England, before sailing to the United States. <br> Correct: This collection includes birth, death, and marriage records. <br> Correct: This collection includes birth, death and marriage records.<br> | '''Commas.''' Commas are frequently used at the end of introductory phrases and to separate the items in a list. In a list, a comma may either be used before “and” or left out. Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be maintained throughout the article. <br> Correct: At that time, immigrants from Eastern Europe either sailed directly to the United States or changed ships in Liverpool, England, before sailing to the United States. <br> Correct: This collection includes birth, death, and marriage records. <br> Correct: This collection includes birth, death and marriage records.<br> | ||
'''Commas with places.''' When a place is listed, each jurisdiction (governmental divisions such as country, province, state, county, and so on) is separated by a comma. In a sentence, a comma also comes after the final jurisdiction unless it ends the sentence. <br> Correct: Bannow, County Wexford, Ireland<br> Correct: He was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, in an area that is now part of LaRue County, Kentucky. <br> Incorrect: Bannow County Wexford <br> | '''Commas with places.''' When a place is listed, each jurisdiction (governmental divisions such as country, province, state, county, and so on) is separated by a comma. In a sentence, a comma also comes after the final jurisdiction unless it ends the sentence. <br> Correct: Bannow, County Wexford, Ireland<br> Correct: He was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, in an area that is now part of LaRue County, Kentucky. <br> Incorrect: Bannow County Wexford <br> | ||
'''Punctuation in numbers.''' Use commas in numbers over 999 (for example, 1,000; 1,000,000, and so on). Use a period to indicate a fraction of a digit (for example .25, 3.76, and so on).<br> | '''Punctuation in numbers.''' Use commas in numbers over 999 (for example, 1,000; 1,000,000, and so on). Use a period to indicate a fraction of a digit (for example .25, 3.76, and so on).<br> | ||
'''Punctuation within quotation marks.''' English-speaking areas follow differing guidelines for adding punctuation within quotation marks (for example, whether the period is placed within or outside of the final quotation mark). When editing, contributors should follow the existing style in the article. <br> Correct: Lincoln began the Gettysburg address by referring to the Revolutionary War, which occurred “Four score and seven years ago.” <br> Correct: Lincoln began the Gettysburg address by referring to the Revolutionary War, which occurred “Four score and seven years ago”. <br> | '''Punctuation within quotation marks.''' English-speaking areas follow differing guidelines for adding punctuation within quotation marks (for example, whether the period is placed within or outside of the final quotation mark). When editing, contributors should follow the existing style in the article. <br> Correct: Lincoln began the Gettysburg address by referring to the Revolutionary War, which occurred “Four score and seven years ago.” <br> Correct: Lincoln began the Gettysburg address by referring to the Revolutionary War, which occurred “Four score and seven years ago”. <br> | ||
'''Ampersand.''' Do not replace the word “and” with an ampersand (&).<br>Exception: If the ampersand is part of an official name, use the ampersand. <br> | '''Ampersand.''' Do not replace the word “and” with an ampersand (&).<br>Exception: If the ampersand is part of an official name, use the ampersand. <br> | ||
'''And/or. '''Do not use “and/or.” Rewrite the sentence, or use just one word. If items are frequently together, use “and.” If items are seldom together, use “or.” <br>Correct: Each record has a death and burial date. <br>Correct: Each record has a death or burial date. Some records have both dates. <br>Incorrect: Each record has a death and/or burial date. | '''And/or. '''Do not use “and/or.” Rewrite the sentence, or use just one word. If items are frequently together, use “and.” If items are seldom together, use “or.” <br>Correct: Each record has a death and burial date. <br>Correct: Each record has a death or burial date. Some records have both dates. <br>Incorrect: Each record has a death and/or burial date. | ||
'''Using a slash (/) between two years.''' Do not use a slash between two years unless you are writing an actual double date (see guideline 15.8). Use the word “or.”<br> Correct: In 1530 or 1531, the parish boundaries were changed. <br> Incorrect: In 1530/1531, the parish boundaries were changed. <br> | '''Using a slash (/) between two years.''' Do not use a slash between two years unless you are writing an actual double date (see guideline 15.8). Use the word “or.”<br> Correct: In 1530 or 1531, the parish boundaries were changed. <br> Incorrect: In 1530/1531, the parish boundaries were changed. <br> | ||
'''Parentheses and brackets.''' Use parentheses ( ) around explanatory or alternate information. If the information in parentheses is a complete sentence, the period goes within the final parenthesis. (This sentence would be an example.) Use brackets [ ] to indicate words in a quote that have been altered from the original. <br> Correct: 10 Vendémiaire IX (2 October 1800)<br> Correct: “All men [and women] are created equal.” <br> Incorrect: 10 Vendémiaire IX [2 October 1800] | '''Parentheses and brackets.''' Use parentheses ( ) around explanatory or alternate information. If the information in parentheses is a complete sentence, the period goes within the final parenthesis. (This sentence would be an example.) Use brackets [ ] to indicate words in a quote that have been altered from the original. <br> Correct: 10 Vendémiaire IX (2 October 1800)<br> Correct: “All men [and women] are created equal.” <br> Incorrect: 10 Vendémiaire IX [2 October 1800] | ||
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'''Quotation marks.''' Use double quotation marks around quotes and titles of articles rather than single quotation marks. <br> Correct: For more information about these records, see “Australia Census.”<br> Incorrect: For more information about these records, see ‘Australia Census.’ | '''Quotation marks.''' Use double quotation marks around quotes and titles of articles rather than single quotation marks. <br> Correct: For more information about these records, see “Australia Census.”<br> Incorrect: For more information about these records, see ‘Australia Census.’ | ||
'''The “#” symbol for the word “number.”''' The symbol “#” does not represent the word “number” in all cultures. Instead of “#”, use “number,” “No.,” or reword the sentence. <br> Correct: The number 1 cause of war deaths was disease. <br> Incorrect: The #1 cause of war deaths was disease. <br> | '''The “#” symbol for the word “number.”''' The symbol “#” does not represent the word “number” in all cultures. Instead of “#”, use “number,” “No.,” or reword the sentence. <br> Correct: The number 1 cause of war deaths was disease. <br> Incorrect: The #1 cause of war deaths was disease. <br> | ||
'''Accepted authority.''' Because of the variety in the rules of punctuation, this list of guidelines is brief. When there is uncertainty about punctuation, follow an accepted authority such as the Chicago Manual of Style.<br><br> | '''Accepted authority.''' Because of the variety in the rules of punctuation, this list of guidelines is brief. When there is uncertainty about punctuation, follow an accepted authority such as the Chicago Manual of Style.<br><br> | ||
== Formatting == | == Formatting == | ||
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==== Underline ==== | ==== Underline ==== | ||
Because the use of underline indicates text with a [http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/h/hyperlink.html hyperlink] that can be clicked to learn more, do not use underline as a way to emphasize text.Do not underline book titles.<br> | Because the use of underline indicates text with a [http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/h/hyperlink.html hyperlink] that can be clicked to learn more, do not use underline as a way to emphasize text.Do not underline book titles.<br> | ||
=== Source Citations === | === Source Citations === | ||
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=== Acronyms and Abbreviations === | === Acronyms and Abbreviations === | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Capitalization<br> | == Capitalization<br> == | ||
'''Merriam-Webster.''' When in doubt, follow Merrian-Webster. | '''Merriam-Webster.''' When in doubt, follow Merrian-Webster. | ||
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'''Spelling variations of English.''' Variations of English are acceptable. For example, either colour (British) or color (United States) is acceptable. Each article should use only one variation of English. When editing, use the variation of English already established in the article. | '''Spelling variations of English.''' Variations of English are acceptable. For example, either colour (British) or color (United States) is acceptable. Each article should use only one variation of English. When editing, use the variation of English already established in the article. | ||
<br> <br> | <br><br> | ||
== Linking == | == Linking == | ||
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==== Links should not display the full URL ==== | ==== Links should not display the full URL ==== | ||
Many URLs (website addresses) are long and not reader-friendly. For readability's sake, links should not include the full URL of the destination page. There may be extremely rare instances where displaying the full URL is desirable, but this should be the exception, not the rule, and should be done only if there is a compelling reason.<br> | Many URLs (website addresses) are long and not reader-friendly. For readability's sake, links should not include the full URL of the destination page. There may be extremely rare instances where displaying the full URL is desirable, but this should be the exception, not the rule, and should be done only if there is a compelling reason.<br> | ||
===== '''Example 1: a link by itself''' ===== | ===== '''Example 1: a link by itself''' ===== | ||
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Major editing work on a page that will not be finished for an extended time may confuse visitors to the page. To avoid this, it is recommend that lengthy or long term editing preparations are worked on in a [[FamilySearch Wiki:Sandbox|sandbox]] you create. Be sure to add a link in the "Discussion" page of where the planned changes will be posted, to the sandbox where the planned changes are being worked on. This will allow comments on the new content until it is moved from the sandbox page to the page that needs the changes. {{further|FamilySearch Wiki:About the Sandbox}} | Major editing work on a page that will not be finished for an extended time may confuse visitors to the page. To avoid this, it is recommend that lengthy or long term editing preparations are worked on in a [[FamilySearch Wiki:Sandbox|sandbox]] you create. Be sure to add a link in the "Discussion" page of where the planned changes will be posted, to the sandbox where the planned changes are being worked on. This will allow comments on the new content until it is moved from the sandbox page to the page that needs the changes. {{further|FamilySearch Wiki:About the Sandbox}} | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Measurements == | == Measurements == | ||
'''Metric or U.S.''' If measurements are needed, they can be written in metric or U.S. systems. The same system should be used throughout the article. It is recommended that the contributor provide the measurement in both systems. Metric may be listed first with the U.S. equivalent in parentheses, or the U.S. measurement may be listed first with the metric equivalent in parentheses. The same order should be used throughout the article. <br> Correct: Many narrow-gauge railroads in the Maine forests were 2 ft (610 mm) wide. <br> Correct: Many narrow-gauge railroads in the Maine forests were 610 mm (2 ft) wide. <br> | '''Metric or U.S.''' If measurements are needed, they can be written in metric or U.S. systems. The same system should be used throughout the article. It is recommended that the contributor provide the measurement in both systems. Metric may be listed first with the U.S. equivalent in parentheses, or the U.S. measurement may be listed first with the metric equivalent in parentheses. The same order should be used throughout the article. <br> Correct: Many narrow-gauge railroads in the Maine forests were 2 ft (610 mm) wide. <br> Correct: Many narrow-gauge railroads in the Maine forests were 610 mm (2 ft) wide. <br> | ||
'''Including a unit.''' Always include the unit of measurement with the number (for example, yard, meter, quart, and so on). Standard abbreviations may be used if they do not have more than one meaning.<br> Correct: Staten Island in New York City covers 59 square miles (153 square kilometers). <br> Correct: Staten Island in New York City covers 59 sq mi (153 km2).<br> Incorrect: Staten Island in New York City covers 59m. <br><br> | '''Including a unit.''' Always include the unit of measurement with the number (for example, yard, meter, quart, and so on). Standard abbreviations may be used if they do not have more than one meaning.<br> Correct: Staten Island in New York City covers 59 square miles (153 square kilometers). <br> Correct: Staten Island in New York City covers 59 sq mi (153 km2).<br> Incorrect: Staten Island in New York City covers 59m. <br><br> | ||
== Currencies == | == Currencies == | ||
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'''Listing costs of services.''' When referring users to a site or institution that charges for its services, it is appropriate to let users know there will be a charge. However, because prices change often, it is best to avoid listing the exact cost of the services. <br> Correct: There is a fee to get a copy of a deceased ancestor’s Social Security application. <br> Incorrect: There is a US$27-$29 fee to get a copy of a deceased ancestor’s Social Security application. | '''Listing costs of services.''' When referring users to a site or institution that charges for its services, it is appropriate to let users know there will be a charge. However, because prices change often, it is best to avoid listing the exact cost of the services. <br> Correct: There is a fee to get a copy of a deceased ancestor’s Social Security application. <br> Incorrect: There is a US$27-$29 fee to get a copy of a deceased ancestor’s Social Security application. | ||
'''Identifying the currency listed.''' If it is important to indicate an amount of money, indicate both the amount and which currency is listed (Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos, British pounds, and so on). Frequently, an abbreviation for the country is listed in front of the amount (for example, US$25). The original price and the equivalent in today’s money may be listed. <br> Correct: In 1800, a private in the British infantry was paid 1 shilling a day. <br> Correct: For the Louisiana Territory, the United States paid France US$15,000,000.<br> Incorrect: For the Louisiana Territory, the United States paid France almost $190 million in today’s money. <br><br> | '''Identifying the currency listed.''' If it is important to indicate an amount of money, indicate both the amount and which currency is listed (Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos, British pounds, and so on). Frequently, an abbreviation for the country is listed in front of the amount (for example, US$25). The original price and the equivalent in today’s money may be listed. <br> Correct: In 1800, a private in the British infantry was paid 1 shilling a day. <br> Correct: For the Louisiana Territory, the United States paid France US$15,000,000.<br> Incorrect: For the Louisiana Territory, the United States paid France almost $190 million in today’s money. <br><br> | ||
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== Related articles == | == Related articles == | ||
{{policies and guidelines}} | {{policies and guidelines}} | ||