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Writing and Formatting Standards

Homeworld Lore Writing & Formatting Guide

 

1. Title Guidelines

  • Avoid Redundant Titles: Don’t repeat the title within the document if it’s already in the page name.
  • Chapters: If using multiple pages for chapters, avoid including "Chapter NN" in the text if it’s 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:
    plaintext
    Origin: Homeworld 1 game manual Author: Relic Entertainment Date: 1999 Published by: User123 on HomeworldLore.net, October 2024
  • 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.