interwiki, renameuser, Administrators
13,552
edits
Changes
→My Rules of Thumb: rearrangement, expansion
#'''Some subjects are always notable''': [[bishop]]s, [[synod|councils]], [[heresy|heresies]], [[saint]]s. Your local parish priest or parish church most likely does not qualify for inclusion in an encyclopedia, no matter how important they are to you personally.
#'''It is better to delete an article than to wait for it to improve.''' Experience has taught me that it is extremely rare that what is essentially a [[Help:Stub|stub]] will ever expand beyond that status, once a few days have passed from its first appearance. Don't believe me? Check out [[:Category:Stubs]].
#'''It is better not to start an article at all''' than to contribute a massive number of low-content or no-content articles hoping that you or someone else will eventually fill them out. Don't believe me? Check out [[:Category:Stubs]].
#'''Presentation matters''' from the moment you first click '''"Save page"'''. There's a reason that '''''Your changes will be visible immediately''''' is printed right below the editing box. If you want a scratch pad, use the [[OrthodoxWiki:Sandbox|Sandbox]] or your personal userspace.
#'''Keep it concise and straightforward.''' Flowery and effusive language can be great when writing poetry, hagiography, purple prose, advertisements, etc., but it is the bane of an encyclopedia.
#'''People with an agenda usually ruin the wiki''' or at least attempt to do so. A few actually become normal, useful editors who contribute good articles. Most either end up storming off in a huff or getting banned for refusing to play nice.
#'''People who don't want anyone altering their contributions usually ruin the wiki''' or at least attempt to do so. A few actually become normal, useful editors who contribute good articles. Most either end up storming off in a huff or getting banned for refusing to play nice.
#'''Most people think what they're used to is "normal" and "standard."''' This typically results in parochialisms getting writ large into articles. This can be cured with a little research and may even result in personal growth in humility!
#'''Oldbies usually know more than newbies''', at least regarding how best to contribute to OrthodoxWiki. This rule is really true in almost anything in life, but it's been [[w:Eternal September|enshrined on the Internet for years]].
#'''Respecting the [[OrthodoxWiki:Administrators|administration]] is always a fine idea''' and helps keep the [[OrthodoxWiki:Disciplinary policy|disciplinary policy]] a dusty little page that no one ever looks at.
#'''No one is out to get you''', nor are they out to censor "the truth," however you might define that. We're just trying to write an encyclopedia. If you're out to Expose the Truth and Show Everyone, you may wish to consider trying something besides encyclopedia writing.
#A corollary to the above rule is that '''it's always good to take wiki-breaks''', especially when you feel like someone is out to get you. It's also entirely possible that your work really does need a lot of work. Consider the possibility that you may not be perfect.
#Another corollary is that '''Keep no matter what you say or do, someone will take it concise and straightforwardthe wrong way'''. You're always someone's bad guy, especially if you remotely look like you' Flowery and effusive language can be great re in charge (even if you're not). Remember that even when writing poetrythe Perfect Man still walked the Earth, hagiographyhe was treated this way. We who are decidedly less than perfect should expect the same.#'''If you think any of the above applies to you, purple prose, advertisements, etcit probably does.''' Remember that it's not official, but so take it is the bane like you would a sermon—it's only helpful in self-application, and no one will force any of an encyclopediait upon you. Wiki-"force" only comes into play in [[OrthodoxWiki:Disciplinary policy|certain situations]].