Gaiapedia:Citing sources

From: The Gaiapedia, the community encyclopedia about Gaia Online

The current founder of the Gaiapedia feels that this Guide may not fit in with Gaiapedia's current policy's and directions. During the time that this page is being rebuilt some of it's rules may not actually apply to Gaiapedia, it is preferable to abide by the policy's, guidelines, and rules stated on other pages here on the Gaiapedia.

Gaiapedia should try to cite sources in a similar manner to Wikipedia standards. However, as leniency permits, we do allow a certain amount of original research but we do prefer some sort of citation from Gaia Online or other sources as needed.

1 Why sources should be cited
2 When to cite sources
3 External Links

[edit] Why sources should be cited

To ensure that the content of articles is credible and can be checked by any reader or editor.
To enhance the overall credibility and authoritative character of Gaiapedia.
To reduce the likelihood of editorial disputes, or to resolve any that arise.
To credit a source for providing useful information and to avoid claims of plagiarism.
To provide more information or further reading.

[edit] When to cite sources

Try to link to Gaia Online posts if possible. In the future, if posts begin increasingly archived, Gaiapedia may in turn, include an archive of "old posts" that may have been deleted due to rollbacks or age.

[edit] When you add content

If you add any information to an article, particularly if it's contentious or likely to be challenged, you should supply a source. If you don't know how to format the citation, others will fix it for you. Simply provide any information you can on the source.

In general, even if you are writing from memory, you should actively search for authoritative references to cite. If you are writing from your own knowledge, then you should know enough to identify good references that the reader can consult on the subject — you will not be around forever to answer questions. The main point is to help the reader and other editors.

The need for citations is especially important when writing about the opinions held on a particular issue. Avoid weasel words such as, "Some people say…" Instead, make your writing verifiable: find a specific person or group who holds that opinion, mention them by name, and give a citation to some place where they can be seen or heard expressing that opinion.

[edit] When you verify content

You can add sources even for material you didn't write if you use a source to verify that material. Adding citations to an article is an excellent way to contribute to Gaiapedia. Direct quotes, used as a method of easing factual verification, can be provided (in whatever format is agreed on by the main editors of the article) for any statement.

[edit] When there is a factual dispute

Disputed edits can be removed immediately, removed and placed on the talk page for discussion, or where the edit is harmless but you dispute it and feel a citation is appropriate, you can place {{citation needed}} after the relevant passage. This should be used sparingly; Gaiapedia has a lot of undercited articles, and inserting many instances of {{citation needed}} is unlikely to be beneficial. The template {{citecheck}} can be useful for flagging quotations taken out of context and other misuse of citations.

[edit] When there is no factual dispute

Think ahead: Try to imagine whether people might doubt what you wrote or need more information. Supporting what is written in Gaiapedia by referring to a clear and reliable source will add stability to your contribution.