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Bulbanews:Manual of style: Difference between revisions
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This is an instruction '''manual''' that addresses the conventions adopted by Bulbanews in writing, editing, formatting and linking. Please read it before you contribute to Bulbanews and refer to it when necessary. | This is an instruction '''manual''' that addresses the conventions adopted by Bulbanews in writing, editing, formatting and linking. Please read it before you contribute to Bulbanews and refer to it when necessary. | ||
Any questions or disputes regarding Bulbanews style should be directed to [[User talk: | Any questions or disputes regarding Bulbanews style should be directed to [[User talk:George Hutcheon|George Hutcheon]]. | ||
For information on how to submit an article to Bulbanews, please see the [[Bulbanews:Article submission|article submission guide]]. | For information on how to submit an article to Bulbanews, please see the [[Bulbanews:Article submission|article submission guide]]. | ||
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==Basic wikicode== | ==Basic wikicode== | ||
In addition to writing articles with factual, useful and relevant information backed up by reliable sources, Bulbanews contributors are expected to demonstrate fluency in the English language and a basic understanding of {{wp|Wikitext|wikicode}}. Some of the most commonly used aspects of wikicode are listed below. Should you forget, above the text editors for articles are a row of buttons with many common wikicode attributes. | In addition to writing articles with factual, useful and relevant information backed up by reliable sources, Bulbanews contributors are expected to demonstrate fluency in the English language and a basic understanding of {{wp|Wikitext|wikicode}}. Some of the most commonly used aspects of wikicode are listed below. Should you forget, above the text editors for articles are a row of buttons with many common wikicode attributes. | ||
* '''Text formatting:''' To make text bold, put three apostrophes on either side of it, such as <code><nowiki>'''Bulbanews'''</nowiki></code>. This will result in '''Bulbanews'''. However, bold text is mostly for any names or facts which need a very large amount of emphasis. For a normal emphasis (such as translations of Japanese text), it is common style to put text in italics, which is done with two apostrophes instead of three, such as <code><nowiki>''Bulbanews''</nowiki></code>. | * '''Text formatting:''' To make text bold, put three apostrophes on either side of it, such as <code><nowiki>'''Bulbanews'''</nowiki></code>. This will result in '''Bulbanews'''. However, bold text is mostly for any names or facts which need a very large amount of emphasis. For a normal emphasis (such as translations of Japanese text), it is common style to put text in italics, which is done with two apostrophes instead of three, such as <code><nowiki>''Bulbanews''</nowiki></code>. This will result in ''Bulbanews''. Use your judgment and follow precedent as to when bold or italics are appropriate. | ||
* '''Links:''' Whenever something is referenced in an article that has its own article on {{bp|Bulbapedia}}, be sure to link to it. | * '''Links:''' Whenever something is referenced in an article that has its own article on {{bp|Bulbapedia}}, be sure to link to it. This is done by putting two brackets, a vertical pipe and the letters '''bp''' on either side of a word. For example, <code><nowiki>{{bp|Pokémon}}</nowiki></code> will result in {{bp|Pokémon}}. However, sometimes there's no way to use the exact name of an article in a sentence without the sentence being awkwardly worded. In these instances, to have different text display than the article's name, put vertical pipes between '''bp''', the article's name and the text you would like to display. For example, <code><nowiki>{{bp|Pokémon|Pocket Monsters}}</nowiki></code> will result in {{bp|Pokémon|Pocket Monsters}}, which you may notice links to the ''Pokémon'' article. | ||
** '''Short links:''' There are several quick links which are not only useful, but common style. For example, when linking to a Pokémon article, typing <code><nowiki>{{p|Pikachu}}</nowiki></code> results in {{p|Pikachu}}, which you may notice links to the article ''Pikachu (Pokémon)'' on Bulbapedia. Another quick link is <code><nowiki>{{m|Splash}}</nowiki></code> for the move {{m|Splash}}, for example. | ** '''Short links:''' There are several quick links which are not only useful, but common style. For example, when linking to a Pokémon article, typing <code><nowiki>{{p|Pikachu}}</nowiki></code> results in {{p|Pikachu}}, which you may notice links to the article ''Pikachu (Pokémon)'' on Bulbapedia. Another quick link is <code><nowiki>{{m|Splash}}</nowiki></code> for the move {{m|Splash}}, for example. | ||
**'''External links:''' Other links can be done with using a single bracket. In this instance, a vertical line is not necessary to divide the name from the link. However, the full address is needed to link to a page. For example, to link to the Bulbagarden Forums, typing <code><nowiki>[http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/index.php Bulbagarden Forums]</nowiki></code> would result in [http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/index.php Bulbagarden Forums]. External links are primarily used to cite sources and to link to any related Web sites. | **'''External links:''' Other links can be done with using a single bracket. In this instance, a vertical line is not necessary to divide the name from the link. However, the full address is needed to link to a page. For example, to link to the Bulbagarden Forums, typing <code><nowiki>[http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/index.php Bulbagarden Forums]</nowiki></code> would result in [http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/index.php Bulbagarden Forums]. External links are primarily used to cite sources and to link to any related Web sites. | ||
***'''Do not''' use any links or templates in an article's blurb. It will mess up the [[Front page]] and {{bp|User:BulbaBot|Bulbabot}}. | ***'''Do not''' use any links or templates in an article's blurb. It will mess up the [[Front page]] and {{bp|User:BulbaBot|Bulbabot}}. | ||
* [[File:001Bulbasaur.png|thumb|100px|Bulbasaur]] '''Images:''' Images are added in a manner similar to links. To add an image, link to the image's name, but add '''File:''' before the name. For example, <code><nowiki>[[File: | * [[File:001Bulbasaur.png|thumb|100px|Bulbasaur]] '''Images:''' Images are added in a manner similar to links. To add an image, link to the image's name, but add '''File:''' before the name. For example, <code><nowiki>[[File:001MS.png]]</nowiki></code> will add in the image [[File:001MS.png]]. Formatting attributes can be added to an image as well, divided with vertical lines. For example, <nowiki>[[File:001Bulbasaur.png|thumb|100px|Bulbasaur]]</nowiki> will add the image to the right. All images are uploaded to [http://archives.bulbagarden.net Bulbagarden Archives]. | ||
**If the image is for some reason hosted elsewhere, just insert the image's link. For example, entering <code><nowiki>http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/Encyclopika/Bulbasaur.jpg</nowiki></code> would result in the image showing. Do not link to images that do not belong to you or that you do not have permission to use. | **If the image is for some reason hosted elsewhere, just insert the image's link. For example, entering <code><nowiki>http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/Encyclopika/Bulbasaur.jpg</nowiki></code> would result in the image showing. Do not link to images that do not belong to you or that you do not have permission to use. | ||
* '''Headlines:''' These are not to be confused with traditional news article headlines. Wiki articles are divided by levels of headlines, much like a large outline. These are indicated by equals signs on either side of the headline text. There are six levels of headlines, with one equals sign being the first and highest level, which would look like <code><nowiki>=Headline text=</nowiki></code>, and six equals signs being the sixth and lowest level, which would look like <code><nowiki>======Headline text======</nowiki></code>. First- and second-level headlines are underlined. Text size decreases with lower level headlines. | * '''Headlines:''' These are not to be confused with traditional news article headlines. Wiki articles are divided by levels of headlines, much like a large outline. These are indicated by equals signs on either side of the headline text. There are six levels of headlines, with one equals sign being the first and highest level, which would look like <code><nowiki>=Headline text=</nowiki></code>, and six equals signs being the sixth and lowest level, which would look like <code><nowiki>======Headline text======</nowiki></code>. First- and second-level headlines are underlined. Text size decreases with lower level headlines. | ||
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===Names of people=== | ===Names of people=== | ||
All modern persons should have their name given in Western order. Since the definition of "modern" may vary from culture to culture, for the Japanese, all names from the Taishō period onwards should be given in Western order. Names from the Meiji restoration may be given in Western or Eastern | All modern persons should have their name given in Western order. Since the definition of "modern" may vary from culture to culture, for the Japanese, all names from the Taishō period onwards should be given in Western order. Names from the Meiji restoration may be given in Western or Eastern order—use prevailing convention on a person-by-person basis. Names prior to the Meiji restoration should be given in Eastern order. | ||
When a person has a specific preference for the way their name is rendered, or where convention differs, use that instead. For example, use {{bp|Hiromoto SIN-Ichi}}, {{bp|Ikue Ohtani}} and {{bp|Rica Matsumoto}} instead of Shin'ichi Hiromoto, Ikue Ōtani and Rika Matsumoto. | When a person has a specific preference for the way their name is rendered, or where convention differs, use that instead. For example, use {{bp|Hiromoto SIN-Ichi}}, {{bp|Ikue Ohtani}} and {{bp|Rica Matsumoto}} instead of Shin'ichi Hiromoto, Ikue Ōtani and Rika Matsumoto. | ||
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==Pokémon terminology and style== | ==Pokémon terminology and style== | ||
===Nouns, capitalization and specific terminology=== | ===Nouns, capitalization and specific terminology=== | ||
* The word '''Pokémon''' is always capitalized, as well as the names of Pokémon species. So are nouns starting with "Poké," such as {{bp|Pokéblock}}, {{bp|PokéNav}} and {{bp|Poké Flute}}. Note, however, there is no one common trend for spelling of words beginning with "Poké" | * The word '''Pokémon''' is always capitalized, as well as the names of Pokémon species. So are nouns starting with "Poké," such as {{bp|Pokéblock}}, {{bp|PokéNav}} and {{bp|Poké Flute}}. Note, however, there is no one common trend for spelling of words beginning with "Poké"—they can be written as a compound word, with the second part of the word capitalized or uncapitalized, or as two words with the second word capitalized. Also note that this applies to many nouns starting with "Pokémon," such as {{bp|Pokémon Trainer}}. | ||
* Items and all words in them are always capitalized; they are considered proper nouns for the purposes of Bulbanews. "{{bp|Leftovers}}," "{{bp|Escape Rope}}" or "{{bp|Water Stone}}" are all correct as written. Case should match that of the game text, such as the {{bp|DeepSeaTooth}}. | * Items and all words in them are always capitalized; they are considered proper nouns for the purposes of Bulbanews. "{{bp|Leftovers}}," "{{bp|Escape Rope}}" or "{{bp|Water Stone}}" are all correct as written. Case should match that of the game text, such as the {{bp|DeepSeaTooth}}. | ||
* Locations should also be capitalized in a manner consistent with English grammar. {{bp|Ruins of Alph}} has the A in Alph always capitalized, while numbered {{bp|route}}s, such as 101, 217 and so on, are proper nouns and must have the R capitalized. | * Locations should also be capitalized in a manner consistent with English grammar. {{bp|Ruins of Alph}} has the A in Alph always capitalized, while numbered {{bp|route}}s, such as 101, 217 and so on, are proper nouns and must have the R capitalized. | ||
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* Use '''bold''' (<code><nowiki>'''bold'''</nowiki></code>) for strong emphasis. '''Do not''' spell words completely capitalized. | * Use '''bold''' (<code><nowiki>'''bold'''</nowiki></code>) for strong emphasis. '''Do not''' spell words completely capitalized. | ||
* Song, movie and episode titles are ''italicized''. | * Song, movie and episode titles are ''italicized''. | ||
* Keep your opinion out of what you write unless it is a column or editorial. Avoid opinionated | * Keep your opinion out of what you write unless it is a column or editorial. Avoid opinionated words—articles must convey a neutral tone. | ||
* Use a spell-checker to catch large errors, but a spell-checker will not catch incorrect use of "there," "their" and "they're," and a grammar-checker may or may not catch mistakes such as typing "nest" instead of "best." | * Use a spell-checker to catch large errors, but a spell-checker will not catch incorrect use of "there," "their" and "they're," and a grammar-checker may or may not catch mistakes such as typing "nest" instead of "best." | ||
* A tagline is a brief, single statement that summarizes or states a major fact from your story. It is meant as a subhead to the article's main headline and should not include the same information as the headline. | * A tagline is a brief, single statement that summarizes or states a major fact from your story. It is meant as a subhead to the article's main headline and should not include the same information as the headline. | ||
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** Exceptions are numerous, including ages, dimensions and addresses, all of which use numerals. Avoid starting sentences with numbers, but when it is unavoidable, spell them out, even those 10 and above. The only exceptions to this rule are years. | ** Exceptions are numerous, including ages, dimensions and addresses, all of which use numerals. Avoid starting sentences with numbers, but when it is unavoidable, spell them out, even those 10 and above. The only exceptions to this rule are years. | ||
* The word "age" isn't needed with an age, such as "Ash Ketchum, age 10," unless the numeral can be confused with some other figure in the same sentence. Hyphenate an age when ahead of the noun, such as "4-year-old boy," and use separate words otherwise, such as, "He is 4 years old." | * The word "age" isn't needed with an age, such as "Ash Ketchum, age 10," unless the numeral can be confused with some other figure in the same sentence. Hyphenate an age when ahead of the noun, such as "4-year-old boy," and use separate words otherwise, such as, "He is 4 years old." | ||
* Subjects and verbs must match, such as "Electric and Psychic '''are''' my favorite types." Some misleading pronouns are singular, such as "everyone": "Everyone brought their Poké Balls" is | * Subjects and verbs must match, such as "Electric and Psychic '''are''' my favorite types." Some misleading pronouns are singular, such as "everyone": "Everyone brought their Poké Balls" is incorrect—instead, write "Everyone brought his or her Poké Balls." | ||
* "It's" is a contraction for "it is" as in "It's time we got this right." "Its" is possessive as in "The {{p|Poochyena}} wants its bone." | * "It's" is a contraction for "it is" as in "It's time we got this right." "Its" is possessive as in "The {{p|Poochyena}} wants its bone." | ||
* Avoid first-person writing (using "I," "me," "us" and "we" to refer to yourself) unless you're writing a first-person feature, column or opinion piece. | * Avoid first-person writing (using "I," "me," "us" and "we" to refer to yourself) unless you're writing a first-person feature, column or opinion piece. | ||