Parodies Policy

A common issue at Scratchpad occurs when various users claim **ownership** over articles, or parts of articles. This occurs most often with parodies, spoofs, cast lists, etc. This is inconsistent with the standards and norms of the wikiverse.

***The following is official policy at Scratchpad.***

## Ownership of parody cast lists

Generally, there is no ownership of the pages on a wiki. At the very heart of the wiki ethos is the concept that *anyone* can edit almost any page on a wiki.

At Scratchpad, we make an **exception to the ownership rule** when it comes to cast lists, parodies, etc. Therefore, at Scratchpad

* Editors may **add** their own version of a parody cast list to an existing page
	+ Editors must create these as **new sections** to the existing pages
* Editors can only **edit** their own versions of parody cast lists
	+ Editors cannot **edit** anyone else’s parody cast list
* Editors can only **remove** their own versions of parody cast lists
	+ Editors cannot **remove** anyone else’s parody cast list
* Editors cannot edit other people’s parody cast lists unless the creator of that list has clearly indicated that it is okay to do so.

**Attention IP-only editors:**  Because IP-only editors (i.e., so-called “anons”) have no name attached to their edits and parody cast lists, and because their IP addresses change regularly, IP-only editors are **not** permitted to create *Do not edit* notices on parody cast list pages. Therefore, IP-only editors are only allowed to edit “unclaimed” parody cast lists (i.e., those not “owned” by anyone). However, IP-only editors are invited and encouraged to **sign in** and edit under a username of their own creation. **N.B.** *Any edits made by an IP-only editor to an “owned” parody cast list ought to be reverted by the very next editor to come across such edits, whether signed-in or not.*

## Warnings

If an editor does not want his version of a parody cast list edited by anyone else, then he **must** indicate this by placing the **cast list warning template** on the line immediately below that version’s heading.

Example

```
**=== Version 14 (by [[User:Example User|Example User]]) ===**
**{{cast warning}}**

```

which produces …
### Version 14 (by Example User)

**WARNING: Do NOT edit or otherwise alter: Edit YOUR cast list ONLY. (See SP:CAST)**

**Important:** Warnings are not allowed at the top of the page. *Anyone* can add their own version of the parody cast list to the page.

## YouTube cast lists

YouTube cast lists can only be added by Scratchpad members. Additionally, the name of the YouTuber **must** also be indicated, as follows:

## Template for shared cast list pages

As a reminder to people that this policy applies, insert the **Cast lists template** at the very top of such pages, as well as atop that article’s talkpage.

When placed at the top of a page with multiple parody cast lists, `{{Cast lists}}` produces the following:

**Note:**

*This template will categorize into Category:Cast lists, monitored.*
## Bold, revert, discuss cycle

Where all editors are free to edit, the ***bold, revert, discuss cycle*** applies. That is, be **bold** in your edits. If another editor does not like the bold editor’s edit, he **reverts** it. At that point, everything moves to the article’s **talk page** where we **discuss** the direction of the article, arrived at by **consensus**.

## The three-revert rule

Where all editors are free to edit, the **three-revert rule** (**3RR**) will be vigorously enforced here at Scratchpad.

*Any editor reverting any other editor in a given article three times in a 24-hour period will be automatically **blocked**, upon the filing of a report at the **Noticeboard**.*
The first block will be for three days. Blocks will escalate as and when necessary.

Where an editor has added a parody cast list, and indicated that he does *not* want others to edit it, others must respect that. The creator of that parody cast list may revert without 3RR applying. He should, if it persists, report the offending editor at the **Noticeboard**.

## Enquiries

If you have any questions about this policy, or its application here at Scratchpad, please ask at **User help**.

## References

1. ↑ Usually, the only exception to the general rule are pages in a user’s own userspace. See the policy at **Wikipedia:Ownership of content**
2. ↑ In this policy, *editors* means logged-in users. IP-only editors (i.e., “anons”) may not edit parody cast list pages to which this policy applies.
3. ↑ Further note to IP-only editors: While such editors are often referred to as “anons”, they are, in fact, less anonymous than editors who create an account and edit while **logged in**. IP-only editors have their IP and location revealed with every edit, which unscrupulous hackers can trace right to their front doors. Please see **“Why create an account?”**.
4. ↑ See **Scratchpad:BOLD, revert, discuss cycle** (shortcut → **SP:CYCLE**) for a better understanding of the *bold, revert, discuss cycle*.
5. ↑ A *block* is a removal of a person’s editing privileges on the wiki, either temporarily or permanently.
6. ↑ For more information on the three-revert rule, please see **Scratchpad:Three-revert rule** (shortcut → **SP:3RR**).