MicroVault:Editing guidelines

MicroVault Editing Guidelines

These guidelines explain how to write, structure, and maintain high-quality articles on MicroVault.

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 Community Portal.

Internal linking

Use internal links to connect related pages:

The nation maintains diplomatic ties with [[Exampleland]] and [[New Rivara]].

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 Community Portal
Use the talk page of the article
Contact MicroDev Institute staff through their official Discord server