Editing Battlestar Wiki:Citation Jihad
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{{project|Citation Jihad|image=BSG WIKI Citation Jihad.png|shortcut=BW:CITE<br/>BW:CJ<br/>BW:Jihad}} | {{project|Citation Jihad|image=BSG WIKI Citation Jihad.png|shortcut=BW:CITE<br/>BW:CJ<br/>BW:Jihad}} | ||
[[Wikipedia:Jihad|Jihad]] is an arabic word meaning "to exert utmost effort, to strive, to struggle." Battlestar Wiki strives to be a comprehensive and accurate source of [[canon]]ical information for a fictional work. Because of the nature of a wiki where anyone may contribute as well as the subjective interpretations implicit in a work of fiction, it is vital that sources be cited and facts checked. This project page devotes itself in defining '''what is considered officially sourced or verifiable information''' regarding characters, events and situations in the ''Battlestar Galactica'' saga. | [[Wikipedia:Jihad|Jihad]] is an arabic word meaning "to exert utmost effort, to strive, to struggle." Battlestar Wiki strives to be a comprehensive and accurate source of [[canon]]ical information for a fictional work. Because of the nature of a wiki where anyone may contribute as well as the subjective interpretations implicit in a work of fiction, it is vital that sources be cited and facts checked. This project page devotes itself in defining '''what is considered officially sourced or verifiable information''' regarding characters, events and situations in the ''Battlestar Galactica'' saga. | ||
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#*Cast and crewmember websites | #*Cast and crewmember websites | ||
#*Cast and crew video Q & As from SF conventions and SciFi.com | #*Cast and crew video Q & As from SF conventions and SciFi.com | ||
#*''[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]'' ( | #*''[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]'' (Season 1 and 2) | ||
#The Sci Fi Channel and Sky One websites | #The Sci Fi Channel and Sky One websites | ||
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'''List of sites that are not good sources''' | '''List of sites that are not good sources''' | ||
*'''Battlestar Wiki itself'''. This is important. If you read information here that you have not verified yourself, do not trust it. | *'''Battlestar Wiki itself'''. This is important. If you read information here that you have not verified yourself, do not trust it. | ||
*'''[http://www.wikipedia.org Wikipedia].''' Where Wikipedia cites its own sources, it can be a useful guide. However, uncited assertions should not be trusted. Recently, other wikis have used Battlestar Wiki-derived information. | *'''[http://www.wikipedia.org Wikipedia].''' Where Wikipedia cites its own sources, it can be a useful guide. However, uncited assertions should not be trusted. Recently, other wikis have used Battlestar Wiki-derived information. | ||
*'''[http://www.imdb.com/ IMDB]'''. IMDB has not demonstrated a rigorous standard of fact-checking. | *'''[http://www.imdb.com/ IMDB]'''. IMDB has not demonstrated a rigorous standard of fact-checking. | ||
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Battlestar Wiki is an encyclopedia on works of fiction. As with all fiction, the characters, technology, events and other items in ''Battlestar Galactica'' are never fully explained or defined. Because of this, contributors are allowed to add material that helps in adding intriguing interpretation and explanation into an article's content, provided that the addition is based on logical or actual events, characters, and objects from official sources. We call this ''derived content''. There are two forms contributors can use as appropriate: '''plausible speculation''' and '''logical deduction'''. | Battlestar Wiki is an encyclopedia on works of fiction. As with all fiction, the characters, technology, events and other items in ''Battlestar Galactica'' are never fully explained or defined. Because of this, contributors are allowed to add material that helps in adding intriguing interpretation and explanation into an article's content, provided that the addition is based on logical or actual events, characters, and objects from official sources. We call this ''derived content''. There are two forms contributors can use as appropriate: '''plausible speculation''' and '''logical deduction'''. | ||
The ''plausible speculation'' method best works in filling the gaps of data on character motivation or plot direction based on the behaviors or motives expressed by any and all characters as appropriate. When done correctly, plausible speculations add "color" and insight to the article, as well as defining the article's content for readers who may not have realized a significance to the subject matter presented in the article. | The ''plausible speculation'' method best works in filling the gaps of data on character motivation or plot direction based on the behaviors or motives expressed by any and all characters as appropriate. When done correctly, plausible speculations add "color" and insight to the article, as well as defining the article's content for readers who may not have realized a significance to the subject matter presented in the article. | ||
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Plausible speculation occurs when official sources on the subject are sparse, but substantially important events and results occur in the official sources that logical possibilities can be generated. Plausible speculations are ''highly'' fluid and subject to extreme editing as new official information occurs. Again, '''plausible explanations lend themselves best to character behaviors and motivations.''' | Plausible speculation occurs when official sources on the subject are sparse, but substantially important events and results occur in the official sources that logical possibilities can be generated. Plausible speculations are ''highly'' fluid and subject to extreme editing as new official information occurs. Again, '''plausible explanations lend themselves best to character behaviors and motivations.''' | ||
One significant example of an article that uses a great deal of plausible speculation is the article | One significant example of an article that uses a great deal of plausible speculation is the article on [[Humanoid Cylon speculation]] and [[Case Orange]]. For contributors of [[Original Series]] content, plausible speculation is all that can be drawn upon on since the Original Series and its [[Galactica 1980|spinoff]] have long ceased production, and there are very few official resources available to consult or research. | ||
The second method is ''logical deduction''. The logical deduction approach differs from plausible speculation in that much more information is available from official content and sources to derive strongly supported article content, despite the fact that the subject matter ''per se'' may not be discussed in any one source, but over a series of sources. '''Logical deductions usually lend themselves best to explanations of technology, terminology or procedure, with technology that has been illustrated, although not fully explained.''' | The second method is ''logical deduction''. The logical deduction approach differs from plausible speculation in that much more information is available from official content and sources to derive strongly supported article content, despite the fact that the subject matter ''per se'' may not be discussed in any one source, but over a series of sources. '''Logical deductions usually lend themselves best to explanations of technology, terminology or procedure, with technology that has been illustrated, although not fully explained.''' | ||
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The subarticles in the [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]] parent article are good examples where logical deduction from sources gives greater insight and detail on a topic from the analysis of screenshots of displays, dialogue, scientific principles, and the like. | The subarticles in the [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]] parent article are good examples where logical deduction from sources gives greater insight and detail on a topic from the analysis of screenshots of displays, dialogue, scientific principles, and the like. | ||
'''Remember:''' Using either plausible speculation or logical deduction methods require all contributors to cite credible official sources that support their speculation or deduction. Be sure to use footnote templates or the Sources namespace (see later sections) to add in the references that support your hypotheses. | |||
Using either plausible speculation or logical deduction methods require all contributors to cite | |||
It is also very important to note the subtle differences between logical or plausible interpretation of observed concepts and events of the show, and '''generating''' ideas of what you or other fans of the show ''believe'' has happened. Don't attempt to explain away a plot hole or mistake in the show with your own created idea that hasn't an official source. This mistake is known as [[Wikipedia:Fanwanking|fanwanking]]. As a wiki that encyclopedically chronicles a work of fiction, Battlestar Wiki policy on derived content treads all too closely to the problems created in using [[Wikipedia:No_original_research|original research]], which is why official sources are critical for any derived content. | |||
===Footnote Templates=== | ===Footnote Templates=== | ||
Battlestar Wiki supports the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Cite/Cite.php Cite.php] script for the purpose of making footnotes where in-text citations become too cumbersome. This is the preferred way of citing sources. If you use this method, please make sure the < | Battlestar Wiki supports the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Cite/Cite.php Cite.php] script for the purpose of making footnotes where in-text citations become too cumbersome. This is the preferred way of citing sources. If you use this method, please make sure the <nowiki><references/></nowiki> tag is flanked like so: <nowiki><div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div></nowiki>. In addistion to using the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Cite/Cite.php Cite.php] script, all citations are to be in proper format. [[:Category:Citation templates|Citation templates]] have been imported from ''Wikipedia'' to help. Please review the template pages to understand how they are used. These templates should be placed within the <nowiki><ref></nowiki> tags. | ||
In the past, we have used <nowiki>{{ref}} and {{note}}</nowiki> (imported from Wikipedia) for this purpose. They have been removed from the system. Please see [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Cite/Cite.php Cite.php] script for examples on how to use the new tags. | In the past, we have used <nowiki>{{ref}} and {{note}}</nowiki> (imported from Wikipedia) for this purpose. They have not been removed from the system. Please see [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Cite/Cite.php Cite.php] script for examples on how to use the new tags. | ||
We also have taken the liberty of adding {{tl|citation needed}}, a template which does double duty by adding articles needing citations to the [[:Category:Articles requiring citations|Articles requiring citations]] category as well as indicating which paragraph or sentence requires the citation. | We also have taken the liberty of adding {{tl|citation needed}}, a template which does double duty by adding articles needing citations to the [[:Category:Articles requiring citations|Articles requiring citations]] category as well as indicating which paragraph or sentence requires the citation. | ||
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Here, the out-of-universe comments (shown in bold, above) on the real-world scenery take away the article's attempt to describe Ragnar Anchorage as if it were a real place. By moving these comments to a footnote, the "flavor" of the article and its subject matter is retained. | Here, the out-of-universe comments (shown in bold, above) on the real-world scenery take away the article's attempt to describe Ragnar Anchorage as if it were a real place. By moving these comments to a footnote, the "flavor" of the article and its subject matter is retained. | ||
===Sources namespace=== | ===Sources namespace=== | ||
The Sources: namespace exists to host primary source content. See [[Sources:Correspondence with Jose Perez]] for an example | :''Main article: [[:Category:Sources]].'' | ||
The Sources: namespace exists to host primary source content. See [[Sources:Correspondence with Jose Perez]] for an example. | |||
===How to cite print sources=== | ===How to cite print sources=== | ||
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===Articles needing sources=== | ===Articles needing sources=== | ||
[[:Category:Articles requiring citations]] provides a list of articles already tagged with {{tl|citation needed}}. | [[:Category:Articles requiring citations]] provides a list of articles already tagged with {{tl|citation needed}}. | ||
*[[Original Battlestar (RDM)]] - Many technical items found here without sources. | |||
*[[Viper (TOS)]] - Unsourced dimensions of the vehicles. | |||
*Any of the alleged [[Zoic]] battlestars not authenticated in episodes or elsewhere: Prometheus; [[Pacifica]]; [[Rycon]] (of which a battlestar ''does'' exist in TOS); Poseidon; Argo; [[Acropolis]]. | *Any of the alleged [[Zoic]] battlestars not authenticated in episodes or elsewhere: Prometheus; [[Pacifica]]; [[Rycon]] (of which a battlestar ''does'' exist in TOS); Poseidon; Argo; [[Acropolis]]. | ||
*Need source on director Ahmer Lateaf from TOS episode "[[Greetings | *Need source on director Ahmer Lateaf from TOS episode "[[Greetings from Earth]]"; does not appear in IMDB. | ||
===Widespread misconceptions (aka "[[Wikipedia:Fanon (fiction)|Fanon]]")=== | ===Widespread misconceptions (aka "[[Wikipedia:Fanon (fiction)|Fanon]]")=== | ||
*The RDM ''Galactica'' is not equipped with [[railgun]]s (see the article, [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series]], for more information). | *The RDM ''Galactica'' is not equipped with [[railgun]]s (see the article, [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series]], for more information). | ||
*No official sources back up the assertion | *No official sources back up the assertion of the Original Series battlestar ''[[Columbia (TOS)|Columbia]]'' as the namesake for the battlestar class of the [[Colonial Fleet (TOS)|old Colonial Fleet]]. | ||
*No official source implies that there are specifically twelve [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies#Belief|Lords of Kobol]]. | *No official source implies that there are specifically twelve [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies#Belief|Lords of Kobol]]. | ||
*The Re-imagined Series of ''Battlestar Galactica'' does not necessarily take place in the "future" relative to our present on Earth. Executive producer [[Ron Moore]], as well as many of the cast and crew, consistently point out that the timeframe of the series is deliberately ambiguous, and could be set in the past, present, or future relative to Earth today. | *The Re-imagined Series of ''Battlestar Galactica'' does not necessarily take place in the "future" relative to our present on Earth. Executive producer [[Ron Moore]], as well as many of the cast and crew, consistently point out that the timeframe of the series is deliberately ambiguous, and could be set in the past, present, or future relative to Earth today. | ||
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==Members== | ==Members== | ||
Show your commitment to accuracy. Join up! | Show your commitment to accuracy. Join up! | ||
*[[User: | *[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 01:19, 29 September 2005 (EDT) | ||
*[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:20, 29 September 2005 (EDT) (self-dubbed Lord of "It's ''Galactica'' not '''the''' ''Galactica''" Corrections) | *[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:20, 29 September 2005 (EDT) (self-dubbed Lord of "It's ''Galactica'' not '''the''' ''Galactica''" Corrections) | ||
*[[User:Day|Day]] 21:49, 30 September 2005 (EDT) | *[[User:Day|Day]] 21:49, 30 September 2005 (EDT) | ||
*::"Your episode citations go ''inside'' the period." | *::"Your episode citations go ''inside'' the period." | ||
*[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 13 October, 2005 (EDT) - I tape and watch the reruns like a hawk; should get all of the names from the credits this time around. | |||
*[[User:BMS|BMS]] 17:45, 30 January 2006 (EST) I need to start citing my contribs, and I'll get right on that from here on | *[[User:BMS|BMS]] 17:45, 30 January 2006 (EST) I need to start citing my contribs, and I'll get right on that from here on | ||
*[[User:Fearpi|Fearpi]] 15:50, 11 February 2006 (EST) | *[[User:Fearpi|Fearpi]] 15:50, 11 February 2006 (EST) | ||
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*[[User:Madbrood|Madbrood]] 14:28, 29 November 2006 (CST) | *[[User:Madbrood|Madbrood]] 14:28, 29 November 2006 (CST) | ||
*[[User:Catrope|Catrope]] 11:47, 8 February 2007 (CST) I hardly ever write anything that ''needs'' citing, but this is a good project. | *[[User:Catrope|Catrope]] 11:47, 8 February 2007 (CST) I hardly ever write anything that ''needs'' citing, but this is a good project. | ||