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
- Be polite to others - Thought this might be obvious, we want to maintain LOSTpedia flamewar-free, if you have something to say utilize the talk page and be respectful to other's opinion.
- Don't edit other people's comment in talk pages - Though you see a spelling mistake in what somebody else said, don't edit it, this is considered a serious breach of respect, as it may head to some ill-intentioned user to put words in someone else's mouth.
- User pages are off limits - Never edit a user page without the express consent of that user, specially to criticize him/her. This is very serious and sysops can ban users for this reason alone. If you want to leave a comment use the talk page.
- Spamming and vandalism are never tolerated - 'Nuff said. This will result in a permanent ban.
- Never sign your contributions to articles - The whole concept of a wiki establishes that there is no single author, but it's rather a collaborative effort. You might be extra proud of your article, but it will be mercilessly ripped apart by the rest of us. For any questions of authorship refer to the Creative Commons license. Signatures found are to be deleted, nothing personal.
- Always sign your comments left on a talk page - While there is a log entry left for your edit, please sign comments on a talk or discussion page using the signature button (http://lostpedia.com/skins/common/images/button_sig.png) on the edit toolbar, or with wiki code: --~~~~
- Have fun!