To maintain a consistent and professional appearance across the Serial Killer Database (SKdb), all contributors should follow these formatting guidelines. Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure that articles are clear, easy to read, and uniform in style.
Article Structure[]
- See also: Help:Page Structure
- Lead Section: Begin each article with a concise lead section that summarizes the key points. The lead should provide a quick overview of the subject without going into excessive detail.
- Sections: Use section headings to organize content logically. Common sections for a serial killer profile might include "Early Life," "Crimes," "Investigation," "Trial and Conviction," and "Media Coverage."
- Use "==Section Title==" for main sections.
- Use "===Subsection Title===" for subsections.
- Ensure that each section flows logically from one to the next.
Headings and Subheadings[]
- Headings should be descriptive and succinct. Avoid overly long or vague headings.
- Capitalize only the first letter of the first word in a heading, except for proper nouns.
Text Formatting[]
- Bold and Italics: Use bold sparingly for emphasis. Italics should be used for titles of books, films, television shows, and other media, as well as for non-English words.
- Links: Internal links should be used to connect related articles within SKdb. Avoid excessive linking; only link the first occurrence of a term within a section.
- Lists: Use bullet points for simple lists and numbered lists when the order of items is important. Keep lists concise and relevant.
Citations and References[]
- Inline Citations: Use inline citations to back up factual statements. Place the reference tag immediately after the fact it supports.
- Reference List: At the end of each article, include a "References" section where all sources are listed in full.
- Reliable Sources: Only use reliable and verifiable sources. Sites like "We Got This Covered" are considered unreliable and should be avoided.
Images[]
- Profile Images: If available, use a mugshot or official photograph of the individual as the primary image. Ensure the image is clear, properly framed, and does not violate copyright.
- Image Placement: Place images in appropriate sections to complement the text. Avoid cluttering the page with too many images.
- Captions: All images should have descriptive captions that explain the relevance of the image to the text.
Tables and Infoboxes[]
- Infoboxes: Use the standard infobox template for serial killers, ensuring all fields are filled out correctly. The infobox should be placed at the top right of the article.
- Tables: When presenting data or comparisons, use tables to organize information clearly. Ensure tables are not overly complex and are easy to read.
Consistency and Style[]
- Spelling and Grammar: Use American English spelling and grammar throughout SKdb. Be consistent in the usage of terms and names.
- Tone: Articles should be written in a neutral, encyclopedic tone. Avoid sensationalism or bias.
- Punctuation: Use proper punctuation and follow standard rules for commas, periods, and other marks.
Maintenance and Updates[]
- Ongoing Updates: Articles should be updated regularly as new information becomes available. Ensure that updates follow the same formatting guidelines.
- Maintenance Templates: If an article does not meet formatting standards, use appropriate maintenance templates to flag issues for correction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid[]
- Avoid large blocks of text without headings or breaks.
- Do not overuse italics, bold, or CAPITAL LETTERS for emphasis.
- Avoid personal opinions or unverified statements.
By following these formatting guidelines, contributors can help maintain the quality and readability of the Serial Killer Database. If you are unsure about any formatting rule, consult the community on the article’s talk page or refer to this guide.