FalloutWiki:Format Policy

The Format Policy outlines the standards and style utilized in the Independent Fallout Wiki's articles.

Introduction
The purpose of the Independent Fallout Wiki is to provide encyclopedic content centered on the Fallout franchise. All information must be objective, only using content that can be checked and independently confirmed by other users. The wiki uses American English, excepting any in-game spelling.

General

 * Attention needed: Templates for page management are used to alert editors and readers that there are issues with an article so they can make informed decisions on the content, provide feedback, or take the appropriate action. A page management template is placed on articles that require review, are missing necessary content, and contain sensitive topics, based on upcoming material, among others.
 * Incomplete articles: It is acceptable to create an article if an editor does not have all the necessary information to complete it at that time. Gaps in the article should not be filled in with approximations or best guesses. It is better to have no information than to have inaccurate information as inaccuracies mislead readers. Utilize page management templates to communicate to others that an article requires additional content.
 * Redundancy: New information added to the wiki should not repeat or be redundant with other information already on the site. This means that the topic will have a single page or section of a page where the topic is discussed in full detail. Other pages, such as overview pages, that discuss that topic should not repeat the details, but should instead provide a brief description and provide a link to the page with the details.
 * Unconfirmed information: The content of this wiki consists of contributions spanning several years into the past. Policies and standards have changed, but not all content has been reviewed and updated to reflect new requirements. In the case that content is unreferenced, utilized the comment-out feature and add a  template to the top of the article to communicate the need for confirmation.
 * Burden of proof: The user who adds content to the wiki is the user who is responsible for simultaneously adding appropriate and verifiable sources. The burden of proof does not fall to the moderators, administrators, or fellow editors to search for sources that may or may not exist to support the claims of others. While editors are encouraged to assist in formatting and guiding others in navigating policies, the onus still rests on the individual who contributes the information.
 * Merging and splitting: Articles must have enough content to justify standing alone and if not, should be merged to associated pages. If an article is excessive in length, it should likewise be reviewed to determine if trimming or splitting would better serve the content. When merging several pages into one, utilize the Special:MergeHistory feature to combine all revisions on all pages to the target.
 * Renaming: When changing the name of a page, utilize the "Move" feature in the edit dropdown to ensure the page's history is maintained. All moves should include a redirect and links should be corrected using What Links Here.
 * Real World Information: Quotes from developers are placed under the "Behind the Scenes" subheader, directly following "Appearances," when applicable. Real world parallels without a developer source are added to the Community Project, and the RWOT/Nav template is added to "Behind the Scenes." In places where space is limited, the icon RWOT/Icon can be used.

Format

 * Article titles: All article titles should reflect names provided in game, including titles, ranks, or descriptors. For articles that necessitate distinguishing, use the game's name in parenthesis. Do not use update names unless the game name has already been utilized.
 * Displaytitle: Technical restrictions may prevent editors from naming pages identically to in-game. This may occur because the subject name does not begin with a capital letter, or includes a . These problem characters should be left out and the DISPLAYTITLE template used to correct its appearance.
 * Capitalization: All article titles and content throughout articles from the game should match the capitalization used in the game, even if that differs from standard capitalization.
 * Source texts: The content of source texts is taken verbatim from where it derives. Typographical or grammatical differences in the text should not be fixed. There are several cases where the names of game content contain such differences, such as "Taiwan Straight" or "Fort McHarry." The spelling of this content should never be changed, and the wiki should exactly match the spelling used in-game.
 * Linking: Cross links between wiki pages are important navigational tools. The front-facing link text should match where the link is directed. External links such as Wikipedia should not be used within gameplay articles outside of behind the scenes sections. Links should not be used in transcripts, such as notes, holotapes, publications, or dialogue. An article should not be overlinked, which means linking the same article more than once in the same section.
 * Piped link formats for simple plurals are unnecessary. For example, use   instead of.
 * Do not place the last letters of a plural outside of a link that already has alternate text. For example,  should be used instead of.
 * Disambiguation: These articles exist to clarify ambiguously or similarly named articles. The purpose is not to list every article title that includes a specific word. There should not be any links to disambiguation pages, and if they appear, should be corrected to a link to the correct article.
 * Infoboxes: Each page should have an infobox, specific to the article's content. They should be succinct and brief, omitting flags, repetitive icons, extensive lists, and paragraphs, with only the most pertinent information included. If a large quantity of information applies to a parameter, move it to the article and utilize . Estimation and unknown statements are not allowed. Please remove unused parameters, and do not add vague content in an attempt to fill them in.
 * Dates and years: Any dates, ages, or years added to the wiki either in references or in articles must be explicitly stated. Do not add content based on game year math (adding/subtracting the number of years mentioned from the game's chronological start date). If the reference states a character is 30 years old, the claim should state the character is 30 years old and should not use this to assume the year of birth. If a year is stated in a reference, the claim should likewise state the year. All claims and references must match exactly.
 * Quotes: Use straight quotation marks ' " instead of curly quotation marks. Use Quotation template for long quotes. For the quotes section of article, the list should not exceed five quotes.
 * Real world individuals: Do not share information about real world individuals that is not in the public domain, such as in a press release, credits, or official announcement, without the individual's expressed written permission.

Style

 * Verb tense: Articles should be written in the present tense with the exception of content that happened in the past, where past tense is used. The third conditional tense should never be used (example, "Arroyo would eventually find success") and should use either past or present tense as appropriate (example: "Arroyo was successful") instead. Game articles that include upcoming content should be written in the present tense.
 * Point of view: Third person should be used in articles, and "you" should not be used, nor "I." The name of the player character can be used as an alternative, and in this case, "player character" is preferred, but "player" can also be used.
 * Bold: Bold should be used for article names in the lead line only. Any alternative names in the introductory sentence should also be bold. Do not use a semicolon to bold a whole line. Do not bold elsewhere for emphasis.

Objective writing

 * Write to inform, not influence: All editors of the Independent Fallout Wiki must critically analyze statements and sources and then convey content in a fair, proportionate way, free of editorial bias. The goal is to inform, not influence. All community members must set aside their own points of view and observe the following principles to achieve the level of neutrality and objectivity that is appropriate for an encyclopedia. Non-exhaustive examples are provided throughout this policy article.


 * Do not state opinions as facts: A wiki by nature may be perceived as an authoritative voice, and due to this, the responsibility of editors to present a concise and objective writing style is of paramount importance. Editors must write in an objective manner at all times.


 * Do not state facts as opinions: Any factual assertion supported by verified and appropriate sources should be directly stated. The content should not be worded in any way that makes it appear to be contested.


 * Omit flowery/embellished phrases: Also known as "peacock terms," this writing style lacks attribution and serves to promote or dismiss the subject matter, while neither imparting nor plainly summarizing verifiable information. Do not use cliches or idioms.


 * Do not utilize weasel words: Weasel words are words and phrases aimed at creating an impression that something specific and meaningful has been said, when in fact only a vague or ambiguous claim has been communicated. A common form of weasel wording is through vague attribution, where a statement is dressed with authority, yet has no substantial basis and are utilized to disguise a biased view. Phrases such as these present false validity and support for statements as well as deny the reader the opportunity to assess the source themselves.


 * Do not engage in editorializing: Use of adverbs such as notably and interestingly, and phrases such as it should be noted, to highlight something as particularly significant or certain without attributing that opinion is not allowed as it does not maintain an impartial tone. Words such as fundamentally, essentially, and basically can indicate particular interpretive viewpoints and should not be used. Do not use the word actually, was it implies something contrary to expectations or an assumption. Clearly, obviously, naturally, and of course presume too much about the reader's knowledge and perspective and often amount to verbiage. Editors should not take a view on whether an event was fortunate or not.


 * Expressions of doubt: This kind of persuasive writing is against site policy, as the Independent Fallout Wiki does not try to steer the reader to a particular interpretation or conclusion. Expressions of doubt produce implications that are not supported by the sources. When used to link two statements, words such as but, despite, however, and although imply a relationship where none exists, unduly calling the validity of the first statement into question while giving undue weight to the credibility of the second. Misused punctuation should not be used. Quotation marks, when not marking an actual quotation, may indicate that the writer is expressing doubt. The use of emphasis such as italics may turn an innocuous word into a loaded expression, and should not be used.


 * Use precise not relative time statements: Absolute specifications of time should be used, not relative constructions such as recently or currently which are ambiguous even at the time of writing. Expressions like historically and traditionally combine unspecified periods in the past. The expectation is for editors to use explicitly stated dates, directly supported by references.

Images

 * Images that require transparency can be uploaded as .webp or .png. All others should be uploaded as .jpg.
 * Images should not show player character or visible HUD.
 * Pictures of characters should be how a player can expect to see and experience those individuals in a vanilla environments. They must not be spawned in or manipulated in any way. Modded content is not allowed in mainspace articles.
 * Infobox images must center the content and use a 3:4 ratio.
 * Fan art or images that have been edited or altered are not allowed on mainspace articles.
 * Images must be labeled with the following standardized naming structure: [Name of game] [Content pictured] [Details]. Details can include numbers to signify a series, or a short additional descriptor. An example is [Fallout 3] [Jefferson Memorial] [Exterior], resulting in File:Fallout 3 Jefferson Memorial Exterior.jpg.
 * Do not add special characters to image names. Do not label in all caps or add extra spaces.
 * Users are permitted to upload images to use on their user pages. These images must be labeled [User name] [Details] and categorized under Category:User page images. All images must be appropriate for an all-ages audience, any uploads converse to this will result in deletion and/or moderative action.
 * Images that are not placed within 24 will be deleted. If a user disables their account, their user images will be deleted.
 * The File template is used to identify both attribution and to categorize. An example can be found below.