Difference between revisions of "Powerbase:How to Start a Page"

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This is a help article on how to '''start a new page''' in SpinProfiles. It covers both the technical procedure and guidelines for dealing with new articles. You might also want to learn about:
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This is a help article on how to '''start a new page''' in Powerbase. It covers both the technical procedure and guidelines for dealing with new articles.  
* The Wiki Markup: [[How Does One Edit a Page]]
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* Editing tasks in general at the [[Editing FAQ]]
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==Before you create a new page==
 +
 
 +
===Familiarise yourself with these Powerbase policies and guidelines===
 +
 
 +
* [[Powerbase:How To Edit A Page|How to edit a page]]
 +
* Tips on [[Powerbase:Contributing|contributing to Powerbase]]
 +
* Layout conventions at the [[Powerbase:Manual of Style|Manual of Style]]
 +
* [[Powerbase:Naming Conventions|Naming Conventions]] for articles
 +
* [[Powerbase:A Guide to Referencing|A Guide to Referencing]]
 +
* [[Powerbase:A Guide to Sourcing|A Guide to Sourcing]]
 +
* [[Powerbase:A Guide to the use of Tone|A Guide to the use of Tone]]
 +
* [[Powerbase:Copyrights|Copyrights]]
 +
* Some important things to consider in relation to [[Powerbase:Libel|Libel]]
 +
* Some pointers on [[Powerbase:Etiquette|Etiquette]]
 +
 +
<center>'''Everyone who edits a Powerbase page is required to read and understand [[Powerbase:Libel|Powerbase Libel policy]]'''</center>
 +
<center>'''If you have not already done so. <i>PLEASE READ THIS NOW!</i>'''</center>
 +
 
 +
===Check to see if a similar page already exists===
 +
If you want to create a new page on a topic, the first thing to do is to use the "search" form (on the left hand side of the window or at [[Special:Search|this link]]) and plug in the tentative title of your new page to see whether someone has already created a page on that topic or something very similar.
 +
 
 +
A similar page may show up under "'''Article title matches'''" or "'''Page text matches'''" on the search results screen. It's obviously better that we combine pages (and efforts) on very similar or identical topics. For example, you may be trying to create a page on 'Thomas Dine,' but a search for 'Thomas Dine' shows that there is already an page on '[[Thomas A. Dine]]', the same guy (BUT just because someone has a similar name, don't automatically assume they're the same. Sometimes investigation is needed). Similarly, you may want to create a page on "Doctors Influenced by Pharmaceutical Reps," which would be about how Pharma reps market a company's drugs and influence decisions made by doctors through working to make sure it is their drugs that are prescribed. However, typing the key words 'Pharmaceuticals Doctors' into the search box brings up an article [[How the Pharmaceutical Industry Influences Doctors]], an article that already contains information on the subject. To keep Powerbase tidy and make things easier to locate, if appropriate add the information you have found into this page. If you feel that the page would have been easier to find if it was under a different title, then create a new page with that title as a [[Powerbase:How to Redirect a Page|redirect]] so that anyone else searching in that way will be easily rerouted to the already existing page. When searching for an article such as the Pharma example just given, it may not always be the case that the key words we choose relate to the title of a similar article on your topic. If this seems the case it's a good idea to have a look under the [[Special:Categories|Category]] for your subject to see if there is anything there (this may also be easier than trawling through lots of search results).
 +
 
 +
See the help page "[[Powerbase:How to Redirect a Page|how to redirect a page]]" for instructions on how to create a redirect.
 +
 
 +
===Naming conventions for page titles===
 +
Make sure to abide by Powerbase [[Powerbase:Naming Conventions|naming conventions]] when titling your new article. This helps keep the encyclopedia tidy and makes adding links to articles easier.
  
 
==Procedure: How to create a new page==
 
==Procedure: How to create a new page==
'''Before you create a page:''' Make sure to read the instructions below on "check to see if a similar page already exists" and "naming conventions for titling pages."
 
  
 
There are three ways to create a new page:
 
There are three ways to create a new page:
# Using an internal link to a non-existent page; and
 
# Directly in the address bar of your browser.
 
# From the search results page.
 
  
'''Tip:''' Internal links in SpinProfiles ''generally'' point to an article of the same name. For example, this link - [[Transnational power networks]] - points to an article named "Transnational power networks". You can create a link anywhere on the wiki by simply putting two brackets around a word or phrase <nowiki>[[like this]]</nowiki>. If the link has the same name as an existing article it will show up in blue (with [[Transnational power networks]], for example), where links that do not correspond to an existing article show up in red [[like this]].
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1. Using an internal link on a page/article to a non-existent page (using the <font color="#cc2200">Red</font> links).
  
See also:
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2. From the [[Powerbase:Searching|search]] results page.
* [[Help:Quick guide to editing]]
 
  
===Creating a new page using an internal link to a non-existent page===
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3. Using the standard layout from the [[Article Submission]] page.  
If you're creating a new page because you saw one of those [[red links]] somewhere, just click on the red link. You'll usually get a page that says:
 
:"You've followed a link to a page that doesn't exist yet. To create the page, start typing in the box below"
 
  
It really is that simple! Simply type some text into the box and click "save." (Remember to jot a note in the smaller "Summary" box below the big box - this helps other editors keep track of what's happening on the wiki. In this case something like "starting a new page" will suffice.)
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'''Tip:''' Internal links in Powerbase ''generally'' point to an article of the same name. For example, this link - [[Transnational power networks|Transnational power networks]] - points to an article named "Transnational power networks". You can create a link anywhere on Powerbase by simply putting two brackets around a word or phrase <nowiki>[[like this]]</nowiki>. If the link has the same name as an existing article it will show up in blue (with [[Transnational power networks|Transnational power networks]], for example), where links that do not correspond to an existing article show up in red [[like this]].
  
If, however, you want to create a new page but haven't seen a [[red link]], you simply need to create one. If you know of a related article, go there and create the link (see the tip above) so readers can find the new article. If it's a completely new topic (which isn't likely), create the link somewhere it won't mess up an otherwise tidy page, like on your user page. To get to your userpage, scroll to the very top of any SpinProfiles page and look for your username next to an icon of a little person in the upper right corner. It will appear there any time you're logged-in. Like any other SpinProfiles link, red means you haven't put anything there yet and blue means there's stuff there. Just click the link to your userpage and add the link <nowiki>[[like this]]</nowiki> to create the link to the new page.
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===1. Creating a new page using an internal link to a non-existent page===
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If you're creating a new page because you saw one of those [[red links]] somewhere, just click on the red link. If you've [[Powerbase:Register|registered]] with Powerbase (which is required in order to edit) and are logged-in, you'll usually get a page that says:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"You've followed a link to a page that doesn't exist yet. To create the page, start typing in the box below"
 +
</blockquote>
 +
It really is that simple! Simply type some text into the box and click "save." (Remember to jot a note in the smaller "Summary" box below the big box - this helps other editors keep track of what's happening on Powerbase. In this case something like "starting a new page" will suffice.)
  
===Creating a new page directly in the address bar of your browser===
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If you want to create a new page but haven't seen a [[red link]], you simply need to create one. Following Powerbase [[Powerbase:Naming Conventions|naming conventions]], the simplest way is to type the title you wish to use into the [[Powerbase:Searching|search box]] as described in the 'Creating a new page from the search results page' section below. 
  
Another option is to simply type the name of the article you want to create into the address bar of your browser. To do this, go to any SpinProfiles page and delete everything in the address bar after <nowiki>http://www.SpinProfiles.org/index.php?title= </nowiki>. Then type the title of your new page after the "=" and hit return. You should then see a page that says:
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Before you save your new page, remember that all new pages/articles on Powerbase should be given a [[Powerbase:How To Edit A Page#Editing a page - Getting started|category]]. See "Give the new page a category", below.
  
:"You've followed a link to a page that doesn't exist yet. To create the page, start typing in the box below"
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===2. Creating a new page from the search results page===
  
Then just type your text in and click "save." That's it.
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A simple way to create a new page is to simply input the name of the page you want to create into the [[Powerbase:Searching|search box]] (following Powerbase [[Powerbase:Naming Conventions|naming conventions]]). If no such article exists, you'll get a page saying:
  
===Creating a new page from the search results page===
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<blockquote>
 +
There is no page titled "[the name of your page]". You can <font color="#cc2200">create this page</font>.
 +
</blockquote>
  
Another way to create a new page is to simply input the name of the page you want to create (with all the proper capitalization - see the [[SpinProfiles:Naming Conventions|naming conventions]]). If no such article exists, you'll get a page saying:
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When you get there, click that red <font color="#cc2200">create this page</font> link and it will open an editing window on the new blank page. Simply type in your text, click save and you're done.
:There is no page titled "[the name of your page]". You can <font color="#cc2200">create this page</font>.
 
  
When you get there, click that red link and it will open an editing window on the new blank page. Simply type in your text, click save and you're done.
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===3. Using Article Submission standard layout===
----
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The page relating to [[Article Submission]] enables you to quickly and easily start a new page. This is the preferred method for starting a new page on people or organizations, as it contains a standard layout which keeps Powerbase articles tidy, as well as aiding decisions on what the content of the page should be.  
  
==Before you create a new page==
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You do not have to use all the headers provided – you can substitute your own if you prefer. Also, don't feel that you have to cover all the topics in the headers provided. Just put in the information that you have in an appropriate section, and leave the other headers in place to help other authors add material.
 +
 
 +
'''However, some headers are necessary for the page structure to work and to create a useful information resource. These should be left untouched. In particular, please leave the following headers in place:'''
 +
 
 +
<nowiki>==People==</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
<nowiki>==Funding==</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
<nowiki>==Clients==</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
<nowiki>==Publications, Contact, Resources and Notes==</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
<nowiki>===Publications===</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
<nowiki>===Contact===</nowiki>
 +
 +
<nowiki>:Address:</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
<nowiki>:Phone:</nowiki>
  
===Check to see if a similar page already exists===
+
<nowiki>:Email:</nowiki>
If you want to create a new page on a topic, probably the first thing to do is to use the "search" form (on the left hand side of the window or at [[Special:Search|this link]]) and plug in the tentative title of your new page to see whether someone has already created a page on that topic or something very similar.
 
  
A similar page may show up under "'''Article title matches'''" or "'''Page text matches'''" on the search results screen. It's obviously better that we combine pages (and efforts) on very similar or identical topics. For example, you may be trying to create a page on "Jonathan Baron," but a search for "Jonathan Baron" shows that there is already an page on "Jonathan M. Baron," the same guy. Similarly, you may want to create a page on "Dispelling the silicosis scandal," which would be about the PR efforts to dispel public scandal surrounding the deaths of thousands of workers from silicosis in the 1930s. However, a search for "silicosis" shows that there is already an article on the [[Air Hygiene Foundation]], a front group set up by the employers of the dead workers,  which covers basically the same topic. In both cases, rather create a new page, you should put a [[How to use redirect pages|redirect]] in on the uncreated page that will reroute readers to the already existing page. This will also take any red links to that similar page (in this case, "Dispelling the silicosis scandal") and turn them purplish, letting readers know that a page already exists on that topic, which is nice.
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<nowiki>:Website:</nowiki>
  
See the help page "[[How to use redirect pages|How to use redirect pages]]" for instructions on how to create a redirect.
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<nowiki>===Resources===</nowiki>
  
===Naming conventions for titling pages===
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<nowiki>===Notes===</nowiki>
Make sure to abide by SpinProfiles's [[Naming Conventions|naming conventions]] when titling your new article. This helps keep the encyclopedia tidy and makes adding links to articles easier.
 
----
 
  
==Tips and guidelines for creating good new articles==
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<nowiki><references/></nowiki>
===Guidelines for new articles===
 
When starting a new article, remember to establish context at the start of a new page. Each article should begin with a brief (one- or two-sentence) general description of the individual, organization or topic.
 
  
More guidance:
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<nowiki>[[Category:?]]</nowiki>
* [[Article Guidelines|General article guidelines for SpinProfiles]]
 
  
===Stub Pages===
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It is fine to write about "people", "funding" and "clients" in your narrative as needed but the best place for for long and comprehensive lists is near the bottom of the page in their own section. The question to ask here is: "Am I breaking up the narrative by listing too many people or organizations at this point?" If the answer is "Yes", then put them in their own section near the article's end and use the narrative only for those people and organizations that are vital to the story you're telling.
Stub pages are articles with little content, but that through the ongoing work of their creator and the collaboration process grow over time into longer articles. Stub pages are noticed and picked up by search engines, and thus attract new readers and thus new contributors. Please show tolerance for stub page creation; rather than deleting information for its minimalist content, edit and enrich the stub page.  Today's stub page acorn is tomorrow's big oak, or next month or next year's big oak.
 
  
To classify a stub page as such, simply insert a this: <nowiki>{{stub}}</nowiki> into the body of the article. The wiki will automatically put a stub tag in the page.
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==How to structure an article==
----
 
  
==Remember that all content added to SpinProfiles may be used by others==
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Now please go to [[Powerbase:How to Structure an Article]] for a few simple guidelines.
Bear in mind that SpinProfiles is an [[Open Content|open content]] encyclopedia. You are contributing to a free, publicly-usable database of information. You automatically license everything you contribute under the [[GNU Free Documentation License]]; you can only do that if you own the copyright to the material (which you do if you created it), or if the material is in the public domain.  See [[SpinProfiles:Copyrights]] for details. '''Never submit copyrighted material without permission from the copyright owner.'''
 
  
''Acknowledgment: the content of many of the help pages in SpinProfiles have been adapted from Wikipedia. See [[SpinProfiles:Help:Starting a New Page|Help:Starting a new page]]''
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[[Category:Powerbase Help]]

Latest revision as of 19:11, 6 July 2010

This is a help article on how to start a new page in Powerbase. It covers both the technical procedure and guidelines for dealing with new articles.

Before you create a new page

Familiarise yourself with these Powerbase policies and guidelines

Everyone who edits a Powerbase page is required to read and understand Powerbase Libel policy
If you have not already done so. PLEASE READ THIS NOW!

Check to see if a similar page already exists

If you want to create a new page on a topic, the first thing to do is to use the "search" form (on the left hand side of the window or at this link) and plug in the tentative title of your new page to see whether someone has already created a page on that topic or something very similar.

A similar page may show up under "Article title matches" or "Page text matches" on the search results screen. It's obviously better that we combine pages (and efforts) on very similar or identical topics. For example, you may be trying to create a page on 'Thomas Dine,' but a search for 'Thomas Dine' shows that there is already an page on 'Thomas A. Dine', the same guy (BUT just because someone has a similar name, don't automatically assume they're the same. Sometimes investigation is needed). Similarly, you may want to create a page on "Doctors Influenced by Pharmaceutical Reps," which would be about how Pharma reps market a company's drugs and influence decisions made by doctors through working to make sure it is their drugs that are prescribed. However, typing the key words 'Pharmaceuticals Doctors' into the search box brings up an article How the Pharmaceutical Industry Influences Doctors, an article that already contains information on the subject. To keep Powerbase tidy and make things easier to locate, if appropriate add the information you have found into this page. If you feel that the page would have been easier to find if it was under a different title, then create a new page with that title as a redirect so that anyone else searching in that way will be easily rerouted to the already existing page. When searching for an article such as the Pharma example just given, it may not always be the case that the key words we choose relate to the title of a similar article on your topic. If this seems the case it's a good idea to have a look under the Category for your subject to see if there is anything there (this may also be easier than trawling through lots of search results).

See the help page "how to redirect a page" for instructions on how to create a redirect.

Naming conventions for page titles

Make sure to abide by Powerbase naming conventions when titling your new article. This helps keep the encyclopedia tidy and makes adding links to articles easier.

Procedure: How to create a new page

There are three ways to create a new page:

1. Using an internal link on a page/article to a non-existent page (using the Red links).

2. From the search results page.

3. Using the standard layout from the Article Submission page.

Tip: Internal links in Powerbase generally point to an article of the same name. For example, this link - Transnational power networks - points to an article named "Transnational power networks". You can create a link anywhere on Powerbase by simply putting two brackets around a word or phrase [[like this]]. If the link has the same name as an existing article it will show up in blue (with Transnational power networks, for example), where links that do not correspond to an existing article show up in red like this.

1. Creating a new page using an internal link to a non-existent page

If you're creating a new page because you saw one of those red links somewhere, just click on the red link. If you've registered with Powerbase (which is required in order to edit) and are logged-in, you'll usually get a page that says:

"You've followed a link to a page that doesn't exist yet. To create the page, start typing in the box below"

It really is that simple! Simply type some text into the box and click "save." (Remember to jot a note in the smaller "Summary" box below the big box - this helps other editors keep track of what's happening on Powerbase. In this case something like "starting a new page" will suffice.)

If you want to create a new page but haven't seen a red link, you simply need to create one. Following Powerbase naming conventions, the simplest way is to type the title you wish to use into the search box as described in the 'Creating a new page from the search results page' section below.

Before you save your new page, remember that all new pages/articles on Powerbase should be given a category. See "Give the new page a category", below.

2. Creating a new page from the search results page

A simple way to create a new page is to simply input the name of the page you want to create into the search box (following Powerbase naming conventions). If no such article exists, you'll get a page saying:

There is no page titled "[the name of your page]". You can create this page.

When you get there, click that red create this page link and it will open an editing window on the new blank page. Simply type in your text, click save and you're done.

3. Using Article Submission standard layout

The page relating to Article Submission enables you to quickly and easily start a new page. This is the preferred method for starting a new page on people or organizations, as it contains a standard layout which keeps Powerbase articles tidy, as well as aiding decisions on what the content of the page should be.

You do not have to use all the headers provided – you can substitute your own if you prefer. Also, don't feel that you have to cover all the topics in the headers provided. Just put in the information that you have in an appropriate section, and leave the other headers in place to help other authors add material.

However, some headers are necessary for the page structure to work and to create a useful information resource. These should be left untouched. In particular, please leave the following headers in place:

==People==

==Funding==

==Clients==

==Publications, Contact, Resources and Notes==

===Publications===

===Contact===

:Address:

:Phone:

:Email:

:Website:

===Resources===

===Notes===

<references/>

[[Category:?]]

It is fine to write about "people", "funding" and "clients" in your narrative as needed but the best place for for long and comprehensive lists is near the bottom of the page in their own section. The question to ask here is: "Am I breaking up the narrative by listing too many people or organizations at this point?" If the answer is "Yes", then put them in their own section near the article's end and use the narrative only for those people and organizations that are vital to the story you're telling.

How to structure an article

Now please go to Powerbase:How to Structure an Article for a few simple guidelines.