Forum:CT Archive/Citation for Real World FAs (New proposal)

Ok, based on feedback received with the last CT, I have created a revised proposal.

(If you didn't follow the last one, are too lazy to look at it, or something else, the idea in a nutshell is: this is a proposal to fix FA Rule 11 and Sourcing, which as currently worded seem to imply that everything in every article, whether it is IU or OOU, needs to have a reference tag. The following would establish a more reasonable policy for sourcing OOU information.)

So, the revised proposal is as follows:

This is the current Rule 11:

"…be completely referenced for all available material and sources. See Sourcing for more information."

We would change it to this:

"…be referenced for all available material and sources where required by policy. See Sourcing for more information."

Then, we add this section to Sourcing:

All in-universe content from more than one source (aside from introductions) must be completely cited with inline references.

Out-of-universe content must be verifiable by external sources. Information should be sourced with inline citations (with introductions and infoboxes exempt, provided the facts are sourced in the body of the article). However, citations are not necessary in some instances:
 * For media, if the source itself is the topic of the article (e.g., no need to cite Dark Apprentice when the article is Dark Apprentice).
 * If the source of the information is already mentioned in the text, or is "self-sourcing." Examples:
 * Irvin Kershner directed The Empire Strikes Back, which was released in 1980.
 * Mara Jade first appeared in Timothy Zahn's novel Heir to the Empire.
 * '''Obi-Wan Kenobi was portrayed by Alec Guinness in the original trilogy and by Ewan McGregor in the prequel trilogy.

Even in similar situations, inline cites may also be needed, particularly for statements that are challenged or likely to be challenged or include contentious material about living persons. Also, references may be needed if information is exclusive to a particular edition or version of the source (e.g. a trade paperback, a 3rd edition, etc.)

Better? -- Ozzel 07:14, 10 December 2007 (UTC)

Support

 * 1) Ozzel 07:14, 10 December 2007 (UTC)