Editing MicroVault:Editing guidelines

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;MicroVault Editing Guidelines
These guidelines explain how to write, structure, and maintain high-quality articles on '''MicroVault'''.
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MicroVault documents real-world micronational governments, events, institutions, and individuals.  
These guidelines ensure consistency, readability, and reliability across the entire encyclopedia.


== 1. Writing style ==
=== Neutral tone ===
Articles must be written in a factual, neutral tone.

* No praise, insults, or emotional language.  
* Avoid taking sides in disputes or conflicts.  
* Attribute statements ('''According to the government of…''', '''X announced…''') when needed.  

=== Third-person perspective ===
Write articles in third person:

* '''The Republic of Exampleland was founded…'''  
not  
* '''We founded Exampleland…'''

=== Clear and simple language ===
Use straightforward and accessible language.  
Avoid overly complex sentences or personal commentary.


== 2. Structure of an article ==
A standard micronation page usually includes:

* '''Introductory summary''' (what it is, when founded, key facts)  
* '''History''' (formation, developments, major events)  
* '''Government''' (heads of state, ministries, legislative bodies, reforms)  
* '''Geography''' (claimed territory, regions, municipalities)  
* '''Diplomacy & relations'''  
* '''Military / defense''' (if applicable)  
* '''Economy & currency'''  
* '''Culture & symbols'''  
* '''References or sources'''  

Other pages — leaders, parties, organizations — follow similar logic: start with an overview, then expand with well-organized sections.

Do not overload pages with unnecessary subsections or empty sections.


== 3. Infoboxes, categories, and navigation ==
=== Infoboxes ===
Use infoboxes whenever applicable.  
(Example: Infobox micronation, infobox person, infobox organization.)

They provide:

* Quick facts  
* Consistency  
* Strong navigation  

If an infobox is missing for an article type, request one at the [[MicroVault:Community portal|Community Portal]].

=== Categories ===
Every page must include categories at the bottom:

<pre>
[[Category:Micronations]]
[[Category:Leaders]]
</pre>

Use broad categories unless a specialized category is clearly appropriate.

=== Internal linking ===
Use internal links to connect related pages:

<pre>
The nation maintains diplomatic ties with [[Exampleland]] and [[New Rivara]].
</pre>

Avoid excessive linking or linking common nouns that do not lead to relevant articles.


== 4. Sources and verification ==
=== Acceptable sources ===
* Government announcements  
* Constitutions, charters, or official legal texts  
* Public Discord statements or public posts  
* Published documents, maps, flags, or media  
* Screenshots verifying an event  

=== Unacceptable sources ===
* Private messages  
* Leaked documents  
* Anonymous rumors  
* Claims without proof or context  
* Personal drama with no verifiable record  

If a detail cannot be verified, mark it for clarification or remove it.


== 5. Names, titles, and formatting standards ==
=== Names ===
Use the full official name on first mention:

* '''The United Kingdom of the Great Bayou (UKGB)'''  
Then abbreviations may be used.

=== Titles ===
Capitalize official titles:

* '''King'''  
* '''President'''  
* '''Chancellor'''  
* '''Prime Minister'''  
* '''Speaker'''  
* '''Governor'''

But do not capitalize general descriptive terms:

* '''the government'''  
* '''the ministry'''  
* '''the nation'''

=== Dates ===
Use one consistent date format throughout the wiki:

* '''Month Day, Year''' (example: April 12, 2023)

=== Numbers ===
Spell out numbers below 10 unless referring to precise data:

* '''three ministries'''  
* '''12 districts'''  


== 6. Images, flags, and symbols ==
When uploading images:

* Use descriptive filenames such as '''Flag_of_Exampleland.png'''.  
* Ensure images are official, authorized, or otherwise permitted for upload.  
* Avoid uploading meme edits, joke versions, or vandalized files.  
* Add a brief description and categorize media when possible.

Place images logically: in infoboxes or in the sections they relate to.


== 7. Editing etiquette ==
=== Collaboration ===
* Treat other editors respectfully.  
* Discuss disagreements on talk pages.  
* Never revert repeatedly without attempting communication.  
* Assume good faith unless proven otherwise.

=== Edit summaries ===
Use the summary field to briefly explain what you changed:

* '''Fixed grammar'''  
* '''Updated political leadership'''  
* '''Added flag from official source'''

Clear summaries reduce confusion and prevent conflict.


== 8. Avoiding common mistakes ==
Editors should avoid:

* Adding personal opinions  
* Making unverified claims  
* Writing like a promotional advertisement  
* Including irrelevant private details  
* Speculating about motives or behind-the-scenes events  

Stick to documented, relevant, factual micronational information.


== 9. Major or sensitive edits ==
For significant changes — leadership transitions, disputes, dissolutions, reforms — editors must:

* Provide sources  
* Use talk pages when controversial  
* Avoid escalating tensions  
* Request assistance from an administrator when needed  


== 10. Need help? ==
For assistance, clarification, or questions:

* Visit the '''[[MicroVault:Community portal|Community Portal]]'''  
* Use the talk page of the article  
* Contact MicroDev Institute staff through their official Discord server  


== See also ==
* [[MicroVault:Policies]]  
* [[MicroVault:Community portal]]  
* [[Help:Contents]]