Editing MicroVault:Policies

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;MicroVault Policies
These are the core rules and standards that govern editing, behavior, and content on '''MicroVault''', the micronational encyclopedia maintained by the MicroDev Institute.
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MicroVault documents real-world micronationalism.  
To maintain accuracy, neutrality, and long-term usefulness, all editors must follow the policies on this page.


== 1. Neutrality ==
MicroVault maintains a '''Neutral Point of View (NPOV)'''.  
Articles must be written factually and without partisan, factional, or personal bias.

* Present verifiable information.  
* Attribute claims to their sources (e.g., “According to the government of X…”).  
* Avoid endorsing political positions, leaders, or controversies.  
* Avoid editorial language such as “clearly,” “obviously,” or “rightfully.”

Neutrality does '''not''' mean giving equal validity to all claims — it means presenting them responsibly.


== 2. Verifiability ==
Facts included in MicroVault must be '''verifiable'''.

Acceptable sources include:

* Official government statements  
* Constitutions, laws, and charters  
* Public announcements  
* Archived documents  
* Official Discord statements or logs  
* Screenshots of relevant material  

Unacceptable sources:

* Private messages  
* Leaked information  
* Doxxed information  
* Anonymous allegations  
* Rumors or speculation  

If a claim cannot be reasonably sourced, it should be removed or flagged until verification is possible.


== 3. No personal information ==
MicroVault forbids posting personal information without explicit consent.

*'''Do NOT include:'''

* Real names (unless publicly known or approved by the individual)  
* Home addresses  
* Private social media  
* Phone numbers  
* Any identifying information not related to micronational activity  

MicroVault documents micronational governments, institutions, and public actions — '''not private lives'''.


== 4. Respect and conduct ==
All contributors must act respectfully.

'''Prohibited''' behavior includes:

* Harassment  
* Edit warring  
* Vandalism  
* Personal attacks  
* Undermining other editors  
* Defamation  

If disagreements occur:

1. Move the discussion to the talk page.  
2. Present evidence and reasoning.  
3. Request administrator involvement if necessary.


== 5. Accuracy and responsibility ==
Because micronational history often depends on digital records, accuracy is critical.

Editors '''should''':

* Correct false or exaggerated claims  
* Avoid dramatizing events  
* Ensure timelines, dates, and leadership histories are accurate  
* Keep articles updated when statuses change (e.g., dissolutions, reforms, elections)  
* Avoid inserting personal commentary or opinions  

If you are unsure, ask for clarification on the talk page or in the MicroDev Institute Discord server.


== 6. Images, symbols, and media ==
Images '''must''' follow these rules:

* Upload only files you have rights to or that are clearly public domain/fair use.  
* Flags, coats of arms, and seals must be official or widely recognized variants.  
* Do not upload vandalized or defamatory images.  
* Ensure filenames are descriptive (e.g., “Flag_of_ExampleNation.png”).  


== 7. Article structure and standards ==
To keep MicroVault readable and consistent, articles should follow standard formatting:

* Open with a clear definition  
* Include an infobox when appropriate  
* Organize sections logically (History, Government, Geography, Recognition, Military, etc.)  
* Use categories  
* Link related articles  
* Avoid excessive formatting or nonstandard colors  

Stubs are allowed, but should be expanded when possible.


== 8. Notability ==
MicroVault documents '''real micronational activity''', not random personal ideas with no implementation.

Pages should meet at least one of these criteria:

* The micronation has an organized structure or leadership.  
* It has documented activity or history.  
* It is recognized by other micronations.  
* It has taken part in alliances, conflicts, elections, diplomacy, or events.  
* It is part of a notable micronational community.  
* It represents a meaningful project, organization, movement, or institution.

Pure joke nations, single-sentence nations with no activity, or unserious vandal pages may be deleted.


== 9. Deletions and page protections ==
Administrators may delete or protect pages if they contain:

* Vandalism  
* Defamation  
* Personal information  
* False claims presented as fact  
* Unsupported accusations  
* Spam  
* Repeated edit warring  
* Empty or unusable content  

All deletion decisions can be discussed on the talk page.


== 10. Administrator roles ==
MicroVault administrators (appointed by the MicroDev Institute) are responsible for:

* Enforcing policies  
* Handling disputes  
* Managing deletions and protections  
* Maintaining templates, modules, and categories  
* Ensuring technical stability  
* Preventing abuse or misinformation  

Administrators must act neutrally and transparently.


== 11. Contact and assistance ==
For help, questions, or policy clarification:

* Use the talk page: '''[[MicroVault_talk:Policies|Discuss MicroVault:Policies]]'''  
* Visit the community hub: '''[[MicroVault:Community portal|Visit the Community Portal]]'''  
* Contact the MicroDev Institute’s staff through their official Discord server  


== See also ==
* [[MicroVault:About]]
* [[MicroVault:Community portal]]
* [[MicroVault:Editing guidelines]]
* [[Help:Contents]]