Difference between revisions of "Project:Editing Guidelines"

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== Editing Guidelines ==
{{Help|Wiki=*}} {{TOCright}}


* Use the simplest, most obvious name possible when creating new pages. We can always create a disambiguation page later if we need to.
== Why should I contribute to the Wiki? ==
* Help prevent wiki sprawl...edit existing pages rather than creating new pages if at all possible
 
'''Just like Second Life itself, this wiki is powered by user generated content''', whether it's a brief tip you want to share or an extensive how-to guide on a given topic. Plus, it's convenient for your own reference. Many valuable contributions are exactly that: you solved a problem for yourself, which in turn benefits fellow Residents.
 
Not a techy geek? Don't worry, '''Residents from all walks of "Second Life"''' contribute here, and having diverse perspectives on a single help page can truly be more than the "sum of its parts". '''Need reassurance? See [[wiki myths busted]].'''
 
Just like you didn't go from being a baby to a grownup in a day, knowledge on this wiki evolves gradually. There's no rush. Enjoy checking back and becoming more comfortable over time, learning from others' contributions so you become more confident to make your own.
 
== How can I contribute? ==
 
'''Every Resident can create new pages and add to many existing pages.''' There's no obligation to, but Linden lab welcomes ''your'' awesome contributions! Before you edit, we recommend being familiar with browsing this wiki, so you understand [[Style_Guide|style]], structure, and content. While there are similarities to other wikis out there, certain specifics apply here.
 
'''2019:''' ''For some time who can create in and edit the wiki has been limited due to general abuse of the privileges. If you log into the wiki and see you do not have edit privileges, you'll need to request them via a support ticket. However, the likelihood of being granted privileges is slim. The better known you are in the development circles of SL, the more likely you will be granted privileges. You might build cred attending [https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Linden_Lab_Official:User_Groups user group meetings].''
 
=== Editing pages ===
 
Editing an existing page is super-easy. You may want to start by correcting a typo or other small change:
 
# Click '''Log in''' in the upper right.
# Enter your Second Life username and password.
# Click '''Log in'''.
# Go to the page you want to edit.
# Click the '''edit''' tab near the top.
# Make changes, then scroll to the bottom and click '''Show preview'''.
# If happy with your changes, scroll to the bottom and click '''Save page'''.
 
This video shows you how to do it in action:
 
: {{KBvideo|VJFGUv5KnG8|640|385|type=youtube}}
 
{{KBtip|If you'd like to see a help page edited/created but aren't confident enough to do it yourself and don't know a more experienced friend who could help, feel free to [http://bit.ly/contactsl ask Torley Linden].}}
 
=== Creating pages ===
 
To create a new page which can be edited by you and others, '''[[Quickie Wiki Intro|read the "Quickie Wiki Intro"]]'''.
 
When creating a new page:
 
* Help prevent wiki sprawl by editing existing pages rather than creating new pages when possible.
* Use the simplest, most obvious name. You can always create a redirect and/or disambiguation page later if needed.
* When a page is aimed at a specific audience, please include a brief introduction for people who aren't familiar  with the content, or link to further information.
 
=== [[#"User" namespace|What's a "User" page?]] ===
 
^ Click to learn more.
 
=== See also ===
 
* '''[[Style Guide]]''' - Essential reading if you're planning to edit the '''[[Extended Knowledge Base]]''', but highly recommended in general.
* ''[http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Contents MediaWiki's Help]''' - wiki.secondlife.com is powered by MediaWiki, and while we don't use ''all'' the stuff here, a great deal does apply. There are many techniques that have been ported over here.
 
== Content ==
 
We appreciate any info that benefits our Second Life community. This ''excludes'' blatant ads and spam. All content must be [[Maturity#General|suitable for general consumption]] ({{Mrg}} in terms of inworld ratings), and compliant with our [[LL:Second Life Community Standards|Community Standards]] as well as the [[LL:Second Life Terms of Service|Terms of Service]]. While the wiki is a different tool than the blogs and forums, [https://blogs.secondlife.com/community/features/blog/2009/02/25/second-life-discussion-guidelines their discussion guidelines] are also relevant here.
 
'''All content added to the Second Life Wiki ''must'' be compatible with our [[Project:Terms of Use|Terms of Use]] and [[Project:Contribution Agreement|Contribution Agreement]].'''
 
Besides that, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Be_bold '''be bold'''].
 
=== Point of View ===
 
Articles should generally be written in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-person_narrative#Third-person_view third person] unless there's an exceptional benefit, commonly the attribution and accountability that comes with sharing personal experiences. Always consider context: for example, a legal document from Linden Lab must be presented in much more formal language than a subjective guide to creating art.
 
Second Life has a unique [[culture]], so while we've been inspired by others' practices, this wiki's ultimate authority is Linden Lab, not rules made elsewhere. Specific moderation is done at the discretion of [[Project:About|these Lindens]]. Note that while [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Neutral_point_of_view Wikipedia's NPOV] can be a useful guideline, we don't strictly enforce it, and when it comes to comprehension, are more generous to include information, akin to [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HomePage TVTropes].
 
This wiki is for people helping build Second Life, ''not'' for complaints about Second Life or Linden Lab. Criticism which supports a feature requests or proposal is acceptable (e.g., "Here's problem X. Implementing Y will solve X."), but refrain from un-useful complaints. A page history's contains its complete list of contributions, so there's no need to sign articles — conversation should go in a page's accompanying Talk page (accessed by clicking the Discussion tab near the top of the screen).
 
=== "Edits by proxy" aren't allowed ===
 
Making edits on another Resident's behalf isn't allowed because it confuses accountability and is prone to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drama_triangle drama] which wastes everyone's time. Furthermore, your wiki editing privileges could be revoked. For example, Bob can't add a paragraph to an article and claim that Alice made him do that. This becomes especially troublesome if the edit is abusive. Rather, the correct path of action is for Alice to edit the page herself as best as she can, then Bob makes further edits. It only takes a few clicks for even a new Resident to begin editing the wiki [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJFGUv5KnG8 as shown in this video], and while you can certainly seek help, '''you are responsible for all wiki edits made under your Second Life account name'''.
 
This relates to [http://secondlife.com/corporate/tos.php#tos3 3.2 in the Second Life Terms of Service]:
 
: 3.2 You agree to use an Account Name in Second Life that is not misleading, offensive or infringing. You are responsible for activities related to your Account Name, and for keeping your password for this Account secure.
 
=== Localization ===
 
See [[Project:Languages]] for localization guidelines.
 
=== Removal of content ===
 
[[Resident|Residents]] can't permanently remove content from the wiki. Use redirects for merged or accidentally-created pages. Articles can be tagged with [[Template:Delete]] where redirects seem inappropriate (e.g., where the wiki is used in an abusive manner or where it violates copyright).
 
=== Linking of content ===
 
Please link pages to related resources to facilitate learning. Link the first appearance in text of a term in need of explanation (like [[avatar]], [[grid]], [[OGP]], etc.).
 
Categorize your pages where appropriate. [http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Special:AllPages?namespace=14 See the full list of available categories.]
 
It's also awesome to have a "See also" section at the end of an article linking to related articles that the reader may wish to learn from next. [[Marketplace/Sellers_guide#See_also|See an example.]]
 
If a single article feels "too long", dividing it into smaller, focused articles and linking them is often the more accessible way to go. Articles are expected to evolve fluidly, so there's so single rule here — use your best judgment and keep learning by doing.
 
== Namespaces ==
 
Geeky but good-to-know.
 
=== Main ===
 
The Main [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Namespaces namespace] is intended to hold most of the Second Life Wiki's content.
 
=== Linden Lab Official ===
 
The [http://wiki.secondlife.com/w/index.php?title=Special%3AAllPages&from=&to=&namespace=100 Linden Lab Official namespace] is for official Second Life policy information and other information from Linden Lab, such as official supported API documentation, safety and security guidelines, and information related to billing and payments.  Only Linden Lab employees may edit these articles, though the talk namespace is open for general editing.
 
There are also localized official namespaces:
* French - [http://wiki.secondlife.com/w/index.php?title=Special%3AAllPages&from=&to=&namespace=104 Article officiel de Linden Lab]
* Japanese - [http://wiki.secondlife.com/w/index.php?title=Special%3AAllPages&from=&to=&namespace=106 Linden Lab公認]
* Italian - [http://wiki.secondlife.com/w/index.php?title=Special%3AAllPages&from=&to=&namespace=108 Articolo ufficiale Linden Lab]
* Portuguese - [http://wiki.secondlife.com/w/index.php?title=Special%3AAllPages&from=&to=&namespace=110 Artigo oficial da Linden Lab]
* Spanish - [http://wiki.secondlife.com/w/index.php?title=Special%3AAllPages&from=&to=&namespace=112 Artículo oficial de Linden Lab]
* German - [http://wiki.secondlife.com/w/index.php?title=Special%3AAllPages&from=&to=&namespace=114 Linden Lab Offiziell]
 
=== Viewer Help ===
 
The [https://wiki.secondlife.com/w/index.php?title=Special%3AAllPages&from=&to=&namespace=102 Viewerhelp namespace] contains content provided via the Viewer 2 Online Help system. Only Linden Lab employees may edit these articles, though the talk namespace is open for general editing.
 
=== "Project" namespace ===
 
The "Project" namespace is reserved for meta-information about the wiki itself, such as these editing guidelines, rather than about Second Life.
 
=== "Help" namespace ===
 
The "Help:" namespace is reserved for wiki-related help articles, like editing manuals. SL-related help should be added to the Main namespace.
 
=== "User" namespace ===
 
Every wiki contributor has their own, personal namespace.
 
Once you login, you can also view and edit your User: page by clicking your name towards the top right (to the left of the "my talk") link. For example, [[User:Torley_Linden]] and [[User:Zai Lynch]].
 
Think of it as an extended profile compared to the one inworld. What can you do with it? Just about anything you wish, from expressing who you are to others, to tracking links to wiki pages you regularly edit for your own reference. Customizing your User: page is totally optional, but as you grow on the wiki, helps others understand who you are.
 
Obviously, the [[#Point of View|Point of View guideline]] doesn't need to be followed here.
 
Any content abiding by the wiki guidelines can be included in the "User" namespace as a subpage. For example, [[User:Torley Linden/Contact]].
 
=== "Talk" namespace ===
 
See [[Project:Talk Page Guidelines]] for more info.
 
== Templates ==
 
* Use inclusion templates to ensure consistent navigation.
* See [[Help:Editors Toolbox]] for a list of useful templates for editors.
* See [http://wiki.secondlife.com/w/index.php?title=Special%3AAllPages&from=&namespace=10 the list of all available templates].
 
== See also ==
 
* '''[[Project:Terms of Use]]'''
* '''[[Project:Contribution Agreement]]'''
* '''[[Template:Ediquette]]''' - Editing etiquette
* '''[[Project:Talk Page Guidelines]]'''
* '''[[Project:Languages]]''' - Guidelines on localizing wiki pages
* '''[[:Category:Help/Wiki]]''' - All wiki-related articles
* '''[[Wiki myths busted]]''' - Fear is the mind-killer!

Revision as of 16:33, 14 July 2019

Why should I contribute to the Wiki?

Just like Second Life itself, this wiki is powered by user generated content, whether it's a brief tip you want to share or an extensive how-to guide on a given topic. Plus, it's convenient for your own reference. Many valuable contributions are exactly that: you solved a problem for yourself, which in turn benefits fellow Residents.

Not a techy geek? Don't worry, Residents from all walks of "Second Life" contribute here, and having diverse perspectives on a single help page can truly be more than the "sum of its parts". Need reassurance? See wiki myths busted.

Just like you didn't go from being a baby to a grownup in a day, knowledge on this wiki evolves gradually. There's no rush. Enjoy checking back and becoming more comfortable over time, learning from others' contributions so you become more confident to make your own.

How can I contribute?

Every Resident can create new pages and add to many existing pages. There's no obligation to, but Linden lab welcomes your awesome contributions! Before you edit, we recommend being familiar with browsing this wiki, so you understand style, structure, and content. While there are similarities to other wikis out there, certain specifics apply here.

2019: For some time who can create in and edit the wiki has been limited due to general abuse of the privileges. If you log into the wiki and see you do not have edit privileges, you'll need to request them via a support ticket. However, the likelihood of being granted privileges is slim. The better known you are in the development circles of SL, the more likely you will be granted privileges. You might build cred attending user group meetings.

Editing pages

Editing an existing page is super-easy. You may want to start by correcting a typo or other small change:

  1. Click Log in in the upper right.
  2. Enter your Second Life username and password.
  3. Click Log in.
  4. Go to the page you want to edit.
  5. Click the edit tab near the top.
  6. Make changes, then scroll to the bottom and click Show preview.
  7. If happy with your changes, scroll to the bottom and click Save page.

This video shows you how to do it in action:

<videoflash type="youtube">VJFGUv5KnG8|640|385</videoflash>
KBtip2.png Tip: If you'd like to see a help page edited/created but aren't confident enough to do it yourself and don't know a more experienced friend who could help, feel free to ask Torley Linden.

Creating pages

To create a new page which can be edited by you and others, read the "Quickie Wiki Intro".

When creating a new page:

  • Help prevent wiki sprawl by editing existing pages rather than creating new pages when possible.
  • Use the simplest, most obvious name. You can always create a redirect and/or disambiguation page later if needed.
  • When a page is aimed at a specific audience, please include a brief introduction for people who aren't familiar with the content, or link to further information.

What's a "User" page?

^ Click to learn more.

See also

  • Style Guide - Essential reading if you're planning to edit the Extended Knowledge Base, but highly recommended in general.
  • MediaWiki's Help' - wiki.secondlife.com is powered by MediaWiki, and while we don't use all the stuff here, a great deal does apply. There are many techniques that have been ported over here.

Content

We appreciate any info that benefits our Second Life community. This excludes blatant ads and spam. All content must be suitable for general consumption (Parcel lght G.png General in terms of inworld ratings), and compliant with our Community Standards as well as the Terms of Service. While the wiki is a different tool than the blogs and forums, their discussion guidelines are also relevant here.

All content added to the Second Life Wiki must be compatible with our Terms of Use and Contribution Agreement.

Besides that, be bold.

Point of View

Articles should generally be written in the third person unless there's an exceptional benefit, commonly the attribution and accountability that comes with sharing personal experiences. Always consider context: for example, a legal document from Linden Lab must be presented in much more formal language than a subjective guide to creating art.

Second Life has a unique culture, so while we've been inspired by others' practices, this wiki's ultimate authority is Linden Lab, not rules made elsewhere. Specific moderation is done at the discretion of these Lindens. Note that while Wikipedia's NPOV can be a useful guideline, we don't strictly enforce it, and when it comes to comprehension, are more generous to include information, akin to TVTropes.

This wiki is for people helping build Second Life, not for complaints about Second Life or Linden Lab. Criticism which supports a feature requests or proposal is acceptable (e.g., "Here's problem X. Implementing Y will solve X."), but refrain from un-useful complaints. A page history's contains its complete list of contributions, so there's no need to sign articles — conversation should go in a page's accompanying Talk page (accessed by clicking the Discussion tab near the top of the screen).

"Edits by proxy" aren't allowed

Making edits on another Resident's behalf isn't allowed because it confuses accountability and is prone to drama which wastes everyone's time. Furthermore, your wiki editing privileges could be revoked. For example, Bob can't add a paragraph to an article and claim that Alice made him do that. This becomes especially troublesome if the edit is abusive. Rather, the correct path of action is for Alice to edit the page herself as best as she can, then Bob makes further edits. It only takes a few clicks for even a new Resident to begin editing the wiki as shown in this video, and while you can certainly seek help, you are responsible for all wiki edits made under your Second Life account name.

This relates to 3.2 in the Second Life Terms of Service:

3.2 You agree to use an Account Name in Second Life that is not misleading, offensive or infringing. You are responsible for activities related to your Account Name, and for keeping your password for this Account secure.

Localization

See Project:Languages for localization guidelines.

Removal of content

Residents can't permanently remove content from the wiki. Use redirects for merged or accidentally-created pages. Articles can be tagged with Template:Delete where redirects seem inappropriate (e.g., where the wiki is used in an abusive manner or where it violates copyright).

Linking of content

Please link pages to related resources to facilitate learning. Link the first appearance in text of a term in need of explanation (like avatar, grid, OGP, etc.).

Categorize your pages where appropriate. See the full list of available categories.

It's also awesome to have a "See also" section at the end of an article linking to related articles that the reader may wish to learn from next. See an example.

If a single article feels "too long", dividing it into smaller, focused articles and linking them is often the more accessible way to go. Articles are expected to evolve fluidly, so there's so single rule here — use your best judgment and keep learning by doing.

Namespaces

Geeky but good-to-know.

Main

The Main namespace is intended to hold most of the Second Life Wiki's content.

Linden Lab Official

The Linden Lab Official namespace is for official Second Life policy information and other information from Linden Lab, such as official supported API documentation, safety and security guidelines, and information related to billing and payments. Only Linden Lab employees may edit these articles, though the talk namespace is open for general editing.

There are also localized official namespaces:

Viewer Help

The Viewerhelp namespace contains content provided via the Viewer 2 Online Help system. Only Linden Lab employees may edit these articles, though the talk namespace is open for general editing.

"Project" namespace

The "Project" namespace is reserved for meta-information about the wiki itself, such as these editing guidelines, rather than about Second Life.

"Help" namespace

The "Help:" namespace is reserved for wiki-related help articles, like editing manuals. SL-related help should be added to the Main namespace.

"User" namespace

Every wiki contributor has their own, personal namespace.

Once you login, you can also view and edit your User: page by clicking your name towards the top right (to the left of the "my talk") link. For example, User:Torley_Linden and User:Zai Lynch.

Think of it as an extended profile compared to the one inworld. What can you do with it? Just about anything you wish, from expressing who you are to others, to tracking links to wiki pages you regularly edit for your own reference. Customizing your User: page is totally optional, but as you grow on the wiki, helps others understand who you are.

Obviously, the Point of View guideline doesn't need to be followed here.

Any content abiding by the wiki guidelines can be included in the "User" namespace as a subpage. For example, User:Torley Linden/Contact.

"Talk" namespace

See Project:Talk Page Guidelines for more info.

Templates

See also