Article naming conventions
Because so many subjects related to this show are not specifically named, the best rule overall is "How would you refer to xxxxx in a sentence?".
- Use singular rather than plural. - This makes linking to pages much simpler. To link to Flashback, for example, one can use [[flashback]] or [[flashback]]s. If the article name was plural, one would have to use [[flashbacks|flashback]] to link to it and preserve the proper sentence grammar. However if the plural is significant to the show, like in Stations or Rafts, use plural rather than singular.
- Use lower-case, except for titles and proper names when you shoud use a capital letter. Like singular names, this reflects the most common way one would use the term in a sentence; for example - Walt saw a polar bear in the comic book.
- Use "Lost" in page titles only when absolutely necesary This is the LOSTpedia and everyone knows what you are talking about. However you may want to do a distinction between Australia (the fan location) and Australia (The LOST location).
- Avoid using A/An in page titles, except for proper names when you should use a "The" - Almost every simple noun related to the show could be described with a "a/an" (ex. The Comic Book, The Distress Signal, The Crash), but this can get silly when extended too far. Often such prominence is given only by fans, since scripts and other official sources do not refer to them as such. For consistency, and for making it easier to link to these subjects in a sentence, avoid using "a/an". Use "The" if that is part of the proper name of the item. For example, use comic book, distress signal, and crash (simple nouns), and then use The Swan, The Arrow, and The 23rd Psalm (proper names).
Article content
- Italicise titles. - When referring to a specific title of an episode, book, song, or other such work, it is good practice to italicise by wrapping the title in two pairs of single quotes. For example, ''[[The Whole Truth]]'' becomes The Whole Truth. Doing this makes a visual distinction which helps readers. For example -- In Dave, Hurley chased Dave into the woods.
- Use bold for emphasis - Using bold case is recommended for emphasis. Create bold text by wrapping the title in three single quotes. For example, '''LostPedia:Manual of Style (proposed)''' will result in LostPedia:Manual of Style (proposed).
- Categorize!!! - Please place the article in any of our categories with the following line of code: [[Category:Unsolved]] at the very end of the article. For the complete list of categories, see Special:Categories. Be as specific as you can with the categories. Remember that sometimes articles will fit into more than one category.
- Check your spelling - Before submitting, use the Show preview button and read again what you wrote. You might find that you did not convey your idea as you wanted. Hit the preview button until you are happy and proud with your submission.
- A picture is worth a thousand words - If you can, put an image in your article. An image helps clarify the subject at hand. Presentation goes a long way.
- Templates are your friends - Have you seen the pretty boxes next to the characters entries? They are based on templates. Click edit and look how they are filled. Experiment a little. If you goof it up don't worry! Nobody was born knowing.
Netiquette
- Play well with others
- Nobody likes a smartass, smartass
- The Internet is for porn and All your base are belong to us.
- For dark is the suede that mows like a harvest