Terapedia:Editing guidelines

**This page is a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a quality article on Terapedia, especially for new editors!**

The use of the visual editor is not prohibited, but the source editor is strongly preferred over the default visual editor, so if you are not using it, we recommend you switch it before editing or creating a page.

## Creating a page

Click on the Add new page button in the header shortcuts at the top right of the page. For more information, visit Help:New\_page or create a new page here:

Before creating a new page, check if the channel you're creating one for has one yet or if it has an undistinctive channel name (like TV3). It is also highly suggested that you create the page in your sandbox beforehand.

## Article structure

### Standard structure

An article on Terapedia should follow a structure like this:

1. Infobox - A template that summarizes the channel/broadcaster/series basic information. An article can have infobox or not, but generally an infobox is recommended. So far, only TV channel and Radio channel are available.
2. First paragraph: Summarize the subject in short.
3. (Channel) description: Description of the channel or subject by the broadcaster or the company (must be cited). Can be omitted if no information found.
4. History/Background: A detailed description on the channel’s/company history.
5. Services: The services the subject offer (availability, timeshift channel, teletext, accessibility,...)
6. Programming: The programs the channel offers (Former, Current, News, Sport, etc.)
7. Gallery: Where images and videos of the logo, identities and programming of a channel are displayed, this is optional and in development.
8. External Links and References - Supplementary websites about the subject.
9. Categories - Where articles with a common topic or countries are placed for sorting.

### Headlines and main sections

Split the article into sections by typing `==Section heading==`. This type of heading is used for the main parts, such as History and Programming.
Add subsections by adding an extra = on each side. This type of subsection heading is used for the smaller parts, such as eras in the history part.
If you are using the visual editor, be sure to check the source for any gaps between the = and the heading text; if there are any, close those gaps.

## Elements of an article

### Infobox

TV channel and Radio channel are available. In visual editor, you can find the Infobox at Insert > Infobox. In source editor, simply summon the infobox by typing {{Infobox\_TV\_channel|parameters=...}} and add in your data afterward.

This is an example of the source version of an infobox about La Une.

```
{{Infobox_TV_channel

```

Here are some tips for editing your infoboxes:

* Please keep the order of the parameters the same.
* Try to keep it spread out like above.
* If you do not know some of the information in the infobox, leave the parameter blank; do not remove it.
* Always use official websites.
* You cannot use the infoboxes outside of their intended purpose.

Here are the parameters and how to use them.

### First paragraph

The first paragraph in your article should summarize the subject.
Example: VTM (abbreviation for Vlaamse Televisie Maatschappij, "Flemish Television Company" in Dutch), is a private commercial generalist television channel of the Flemish Community of Belgium. VTM belongs to DPG Media. The slogan of VTM is "VTM kleurt je dag".

### Rest of the article

The remainder of the article is entirely up to you! Maintain the article's interest, accuracy, and relevance for the readers. If you're stuck for ideas, try taking inspiration from the larger sites like La Une and NRK1.

### Pictures

You can add pictures along the way to make the page to support your information. To add images you can use the source editor, like `[[File:Example.svg|right|200px]]`. Make sure the image is of high quality.

### External links and references

Add citations by tying `<ref> url </ref>` right next to the cited information. Then at the end, place external links and add {{reflist}}

## Disclaimer template

This template makes a notice that the article or section that they're reading have problems. Place this template by typing in `{{Disclaimer|The title of disclaimer|The main content of the article}}` at the top of the article in these situations:

* Stub (Very short article): `{{Disclaimer|This article is incomplete|More information is needed, [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|action=edit}} help us by filling in the missing information!]}}`
* Reformat (Article that needs updating): `{{Disclaimer|This article needs a reformat in order to meet Terapedia’s standard format. |More information is needed, [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|action=edit}} help us by improving the language and format of this article!]}}`

### Categories

Categories are a way to group similar pages together. Categories are usually placed in 2 ways:

* The default "add category" button added by Fandom at the bottom of every page
* Type `[[Category:Category]]` name, every category added should be separated by a new line.

*To see all the categories on this wiki: Special:Categories*

### Links

Try not add the whole url to link to another page on this wiki, simply add a link to it by putting the article name inside `[[]]`. To link an external site, use `[link of the site(space)word or information that got linked]`

## Tips on editing

### Factuality, clarity and neutrality

One of the editing tips on our wiki is Factuality, clarity and neutrality.

* **Factuality**: If the wiki is to stay trustworthy and of high quality, accurate and correctly cited material is essential, thus, attempt to offer sources for your statements as often as possible. Make sure the information you post is appropriate, and double-check it before posting. False/ambiguous/fabricated information will not be accepted.
* **Clarity**: Grammar and spelling are also vital for keeping this wiki intelligible. Use proper spelling, grammar, and English. You may use either the British or American varieties of English.
* **Neutrality**: Neutrality implies that information should be conveyed in an unbiased, even-handed, and impartial manner. According to this theory, editors should just deliver the pertinent facts and information, without adding any notes or comments.

### What you should do

* Use all of the information above to create a great article!
* Provide sources for facts.
* Listen to other editors and users.

## What you shouldn't do

* Vandalize or spam.
* Edit warring with other editors.
* Edit farm.

**Have any questions? Ask it at our forum or check source editor.**