Writing and Formatting Standards
Homeworld Lore Writing & Formatting Guide
1. Title Guidelines
- Avoid Redundant Titles: Donβt repeat the title within the document if itβs already in the page name.
- Chapters: If using multiple pages for chapters, avoid including "Chapter NN" in the text if itβs part of the page title.
2. Source Attribution
- Mandatory Source Info: Add a brief source section below the title with:
- Origin: Original source (e.g., "Homeworld 1 game manual")
- Author: Original author(s), if known
- Date: Publication date of original work. if known
- Publisher: Name of the person who published it on HomeworldLore.net and the date
- Example:
- Format: Separate with an HR line after this section.
3. Content Structure
- Subheadings: Use H2 and H3 tags for clear structure. Keep them short and descriptive.
- Voice and Tone:
- Original Writing: Use a formal, third-person tone.
- Copied Content: Retain the original tone of the source material.
- Paragraph Spacing: Use single line breaks between paragraphs.
4. Key Formatting Elements
- Quotes/Dialogue: Use blockquote formatting. Italicize dialogue or in-game text if appropriate.
- Terminology: Keep terms consistent (e.g., "Hiigaran Empire"). Consider a glossary if needed.
- Acronyms: Spell out terms the first time with the acronym in parentheses, e.g., "Point Defense Systems (PDS)."
- Dates and Units: Use "October 2024" for dates, and standard units like "km" or "m/s" if applicable.
5. Visual Breaks
- HR Lines: Use horizontal rules (HR) to separate major sections.
- Images: Use relevant images thoughtfully. Add captions if needed.
- Lists and Tables: Use lists for readability, and tables for structured data.
6. Citations and References
- Citing Sources: For any copied or adapted content, add a brief citation in the Source Attribution or at the end.
- Link to Original Content: If available online, provide a link (subject to copyright).
- Footnotes: Use sparingly and place at the document's end.
7. Canon vs. Fanon Content
- Label Non-Canonical Content: Clearly mark speculative or fan-created lore to distinguish it from official content.
- Canon Indicators: Label content as "Canon" or "Fanon" where applicable.
Consistency and Quality Control
- Review for Consistency: Ensure each document adheres to the guidelines.
- Proofread: Check for spelling, grammar, and formatting issues.
- Feedback: Ask other contributors for input if unsure about formatting or content.