MYSTlore:Thoroughness
From MYSTlore
While MYSTlore strives to cover its scope in as much depth and breadth as possible, there are some limits that have to be imposed to keep the site within reason.
The examples given on this page serve as guidelines, not as hard rules. It is impossible to draw strict lines on these matters. As an editor, use your own good faith to decide.
This page in a nutshell: Moderation is key.
[edit] Fair use
Many articles will, to some extent, describe aspects from commercial products in the Myst franchise in much detail. This sometimes involves direct quoting, screenshots, and other such forms which can be regarded as taking advantage of "fair use". Fair use, however, is very vaguely defined; it is typically rather subjective whether something meets the boundaries of fair use or, instead, crosses those lines and infringes copyright.
- Do make screenshots of places you encounter in an age. Don't walk around an entire age making screenshots of every single node that you can see.
- Do quote passages from novels. Don't paste entire chapters.
[edit] Tangibility
An article should not reach such complexity that the casual reader considers it daunting. If it tries to answer too many questions at once, it is probably time for a split into multiple, separate articles, perhaps with a disambiguation page (such splits, especially when affecting the intense work other editors, should probably be suggested and discussed on the talk page, and never made out of a whim). If a section consists of many paragraphs, it probably needs reorganizing, or it might be too verbose.
A very useful technique is to start off with a brief summary, then go into further length and detail deeper down in the article. This gives viewers just enough information if they wanted a basic overview, yet maintains the ability to find out much more.
- Do try and gather as many factoids as possible. Don't just put one after another; some structure is essential. You can add un- or badly-structured text to the talk page if you're having a hard time improving it and/or are unsure whether it's a useful contribution to the current article.
- Do add something if you feel it's relevant. Don't try and make MYSTlore the end-all-be-all of Myst information websites — it can't, won't and shouldn't be.
[edit] Fan notability
Fan pages should only be created for those considered notable. Since the notability of a person within a fan community is hard to determine in a manner most can agree on, there are a few basic criteria, or "milestones", to help. If one or more of these are fulfilled, chances are the fan should have their own page; if none are, perhaps a fan would be unwarranted. Keep in mind that these are guidelines, not hard rules.
- The fan has created, runs or helps run a well-known website in the community.
- The fan has been part of the community for many (e.g, 3+) years.
- The fan has taken part in one or more gatherings, such as Mysterium or Mystralia.
- The fan has visited Cyan and/or is in contact with current and/or former Cyan employees.
The above should not be seen as an invitation to a popularity contest, nor should having a fan page be seen as a goal to achieve.
