User:Krator/VG tips
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of common problems and their solution(s). Consider the below not a policy, guideline, or anything, but just a way to make articles better in general.
- Lead section
WP:Lead section is probably one of the least read and least discussed guidelines around, and that's because it is good. Lead sections of typical articles have two paragraphs, one states general information about the subject (release date, developers.. thinks you also find in the infobox), and the second summarises the article. The second is often forgotten.
- Lists
As a rule of thumb, do not include any lists. Some lists certainly have their place, but often the "status quo" is a list (because they're much easier to write), and no prose version of the information has been written up yet. My tip therefore is to convert all lists to prose, and then see whether any of them need to be lists. Usually there's none.
- In-universe perspective
WP:Manual of Style (writing about fiction) contains some useful information, but I'll list some practical tips that usually work when dealing with an in-universe perspective.
- Use phrases like depicted as, in this video game, the character did, etc.
- Avoid names as much as possible. In fiction, just about everything has a name, but when only referred to once or twice in the plot summary, consider not using the names.
- Avoid times as much as possible. Especially years. If setting is in the real world, name the time period, but that's all.
- Use literary terms such as protagonist, antagonist, and the various plot devices (e.g. quibble (plot device)) often.
More to come.
