Equestripedia:Manual of style: Difference between revisions
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For consistency sake, American English is preferred, but a preference is not enforced. ''My Little Pony'' as a franchise is very strange in that it's an American property that was huge in Britain and now largely developed in Canada, so we don't really care which dialect you use. Unlike most wikis, we're okay with less-formal English and allow for jokey or sarcastic writing as long as it:
* Doesn't obscure the facts
*
This policy is a bit relaxed on articles for real people since the real-world isn't as G-rated as the show, for better or worse. Some people are far more known for their work on very ''adult'' works, such as [[Jose Gonzalez]] or [[Carla Speed McNeil]], and some people have done horrible things that greatly affected their careers like [[Chris Savino]], which is information worth noting though not covering extensively.
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* A 'Waitstaff" category is '''right'''
The exception to this rule is the categories for "actors", as the term "actor" has mostly been used as gender neutral in recent years. ''Some'' performers do
When creating a brand-new category, it should generally be as broad as possible without losing focus of the scope. For example, [[:Category:Caretakers]] was created to cover babysitters, pet caretakers, daycare workers, orphanage etc. These are three occupations with similar work, but are individually not quite big enough to warrant their own categories. Subcategories can be made when at least three subjects fit that category over the original,
===Specific naming===
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* '''Places''' should have location categories. For example, [[Golden Oak Library]] has a category denoting its in Ponyville and [[Ponyville]] has a category denoting its in [[Equestria]]
==Real life subjects==
===Staff===
Staff pages are primarily written to be about their involvement and 'relationship' with the ''[[My Little Pony]]'' franchise and to a lesser extent, fanbase. They are not intended to be comprehensive biographies of their entire life and times. A brief write-up on their early lives, career, education and influences can and should of course be given but it should be that, brief. See [[Kelly Sheridan]] or [[Heather Breckel]] for examples of staff pages written to these policies.
: Exceptions can be made for people who are particularly important to the ''My Little Pony'' franchise or for people who little information has been compiled. If no one else is going to attempt to write a biography for [[Charles Muenchinger]], why not us?
Staff are generally credited under the names that are listed as in the media they are credited under, however, there are of course exceptions to that rule. Namely, some staff no longer identify with the names they were credited under, such as transgender or non-binary staff, such as [[Lex Heule]], who was credited under their deadname. Other staff, such as [[Toni Kuusisto]] have had their name misspelled, always use proper spelling if possible, though leave a note about the typo.
As such, obviously, staff should always be listed under the pronouns they currently identify with. As said before, even if a person works on a ''My Little Pony'' prior to their transition, their article should be updated if '''public information''' comes out. As a sign of respect, photographs or illustrations of staff members should not be used if they predate their transition. If you do not know how to properly write for non-standard pronouns, please ask [[User:Amelia]] or look up guides on them online. While ignorance to staff transitions are completely understandable, a '''willing lack of compliance''' with this rule will result in a ban.
For mysterious staff members with little-to-no documentation online, such as [[Dr.Z]], use neutral they/them pronouns. Try not to assume pronouns based off names, as sometimes men will use feminine names and vice versa.
Pages for creative staff should generally have a 'selected filmography/discography/bibliography/gameography' section which goes over some of their more noteworthy roles or works, especially if that work has other ''My Little Pony'' creators attached to it.
===Real-life country pages===
We allow for pages regarding real-life countries if ''My Little Pony'' has been released there or if that country was referenced in the franchises media. For the former, write the article going over naming changes, media changes, toy releases and dubbing (and other useful and educational info you can find) '''not''' as an actual historic overview of the nation. Seriously, we had someone add the entire history of the Soviet Union to our page for [[Russia]] before. Historic events are not particularly relevant for pages unless that historic event somehow ties into ''My Little Pony'', such as how the death of {{W|Bhumibol Adulyadej}} derailed the run of ''[[My Little Pony Musical: Rainbow Rocks]]''.
==Images==
{{Main|Equestripedia:Image policy}}
* We try to use images from ''My Little Pony'' works if possible. That is to say, for in-universe subjects, ''NO fanart''. Artwork produced by staff members but never officially used can also be used, but only under specific circumstances. Fan made vectors ''can'' be used for 'Physical appearance' sections ''if'' they allow for it.
* Preferred main images include:
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** '''For films/TV series/video games, etc:''' Usually for these, film posters, DVD/game covers or other official art is preferred.
** '''Comics:''' For issues, the main cover ("Cover A"). For stories, usually the title card or a big moment.
* Please do not upload '''personal photographs''' (usually of staff or merchandise) unless you took it, have permission to post it, or if the file is under a free license or an equivalency. Please note if you upload a photo you took, the rights will be defaulted to CC-BY-SA 4.0 unless you add the proper tagging to the file. This means anyone can use your file with no restrictions aside from crediting you as the author. Please be wary of this.
* '''ALWAYS REMEMBER TO LIST PROPER COPYRIGHT INFO IN YOUR UPLOADS'''. (Note: Copyright templates are work in progress - should be done by the end of October, 2022)▼
** Note that photographs of 3D artwork, I.E. toys, games, most merchandise products, are still copyrighted by Hasbro and thus still technically have to be uploaded with the Fair Use templates. This creates a gray area as some toy photos are uploaded under CC-BY-SA licenses but are also copyright by another entity but...eh.
▲* '''ALWAYS REMEMBER TO LIST PROPER COPYRIGHT INFO IN YOUR UPLOADS'''. (Note: Copyright templates are work in progress
==Coverage==
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* '''Magazines:''' All magazines that have covered ''My Little Pony'' at least once beyond a passing mention or a stock advertisement may get an article, but only an article for that magazine as a whole. Not individual issues, volumes, collections, etc. All relevant info will be presented on a single page. Official ''My Little Pony'' magazines can be covered in their entirety.
* '''Referenced media:''' We have several articles for media that has been referenced by ''My Little Pony'' as a way to compile every reference onto a single page to better organize them. We don't cover anything else from the media ''unless'' there is an official crossover, and sadly, the long awaited ''My Little Pony x [[Fringe]]'' crossover doesn't seem to be happening.
We also cover related ''[[My Little Pony]]'' franchises such as ''[[MoonDreamers]]'', ''[[The GloFriends]]'', ''[[Potato Head Kids]]'', ''[[Li'l Litter]]'' and ''[[My Pretty Mermaid]]''.
==Notability policy==
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===Fiction===
* Rule of thumb: Everything with a name gets at least a link-to (I.E. <code><nowiki>[[Twilight Sparkle]]</nowiki></code>). This ''usually'' means they get their own page, but not always, sometimes they just get redirected to a larger article. Essentially, if something '''actually appears''' in one form or another, they may get a page. If all that exists is a name, it will likely exist as a redirect to a larger article, as any information regarding it beyond that is far too speculative.
* '''Characters:''' For a character to get a page, they must pass at least one of the following:
** '''Has an official or prominent fan name:''' Fan names are usually considered prominent if ListOfPonies or Derpibooru has an accepted name.
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** '''Be recurring:''' Three story rule still applies.
** '''Note:''' Generic objects such as [[basketball]]s and [[glasses]] may only get articles if they are relevant to the franchise in a more meaningful way then just appearing a lot or if their are numerous unique versions of that object.
* '''Species:''' Every identified species can get a page, including common ones such as [[rabbit]]s and [[shark]]s.
===Real world===
* All '''credited''' staff members and companies can get pages! This includes creators of foreign media and dubs. '''Uncredited''' creators may also get pages if:
** '''Their involvement is verifiable within reason:''' For example, [[Ruth Bush]] was never credited for her work, but her involvement has been verified.
** '''They don't want to be secret:'''
* Companies have similar requirements. Any company that has official involvement in ''My Little Pony'' may get a page. This typically includes releasing merch to publishing media to being dubbing/translation studios and the like.
* Fans can get articles if they've done something unique that has gotten much recognition by official creators or has greatly helped out the ''My Little Pony'' fandom, such as translators of foreign media and such. This is of course vague because it's rather hard to gauge what counts and doesn't count and so, fans should be treated on a case-by-case basis.
==Character ages==
Since characters virtually never had canon ages given, we don't list in numerical values, instead we use the following age-ranges.
* Infant - Roughly 0-3 years old.
* Child - Roughly 4-12 years old
* Teen - Roughly 13-19 years old
* Adult - Roughly 19-??? years old
* Immortal - Immortals.
This is not a perfect system, but ages of the characters can get very convoluted. This approach of course does lend itself to speculation, however should be more manageable. Speculation using in-universe sources such as statements and dates can be listed elsewhere in the article, usually in <code>Behind the scenes</code> sections.
Ages are documented as their final '''on-screen''' appearance, unless that appearance is a '''non-canon''' dream or fantasy sequence. This means the [[Cutie Mark Crusaders]] are listed as Adults, despite the vast majority of their appearances as children.
==Speculation policy==
Unlike most other fan wikis, we do allow for what we refer to as "'''healthy speculation'''". Which is, speculation '''within reason'''. Essentially what this means is that unconfirmed but hinted at information can be posited in articles '''as long as you write that it's just speculative and provide sources'''. This ''usually'' just manifests as inferred plot points that are purposefully left ambiguous (most infamously being the sexualities and relationships of {{FIM|Applejack}}, {{FIM|Rainbow Dash}} and {{EQG|Rarity}}) or in familial relationships for minor characters. Below are examples of good and bad speculation:
* '''Good:''' [[Lily Pad]] is likely related to [[Victoria]] and [[Water Lily]], likely as the daughter and sister respectively. This is likely the case due to their similar appearances and because Victoria is often seen in public with either Lily Pad or Water Lily. She may also be friends with [[Mint Chip]] and [[Technicolor Waves]] as they've been seen playing together.
* '''Bad:''' {{FIM|Twilight Sparkle}} may be bisexual due to her relationship with [[Sunset Shimmer]], who was confirmed to be bisexual as well.
'''Good''' speculation is using context clues to discern what the authors '''may have''' intended without claiming it as the canonical storyline. '''Bad''' speculation is using '''head canon''' based on loose events.
==Notes policy==
'Notes' sections at the end of articles serves as a collection of all-purpose information that doesn't really fit anywhere else. They contain both notes of in-universe and out of universe context, as such, they should include unique and verifiable information.
Interest is a subjective term, and so we have no no hard rules on what's considered 'interesting', however, they should not be mundane either. Below is a few examples of stuff to avoid with writing notes:
* '''Do not''' write how a character is similar to another fictional character. Fictional characters are archetypical, similarities can be found just about anywhere if you look hard enough.
** '''Exception:''' If there's something tangible that links these characters. Such as sharing an actor or creator, or being based off/adapted from another. Similarities within the franchise can also be written about as long as the similarities are notable beyond basic traits or arcs.
* '''Do not''' write about a specific pop culture reference a character said or did, that should go on the article for the piece of media that happened in.
** '''Exception:''' If the reference is of particular note, such as referencing a previous work by the actor, writer or director, or if the character references that specific thing numerous times.
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