Changes

===Centiare is not a paper directory===

===Centiare is not a paper directory===

[[Wiki is not paper | Centiare is not a paper directory]]. This means that there is no practical limit to the number of topics we can cover other than verifiability and the other points presented on this page.

[[Wiki is not paper | Centiare is not a paper directory]]. This means that there is no practical limit to the number of entities and/or topics Centiare can cover other than ownership, verifiability and the other points presented on this page.

There is a ''feasible limit'' for individual article sizes that depends on page download size for our [[dial-up access|dial-up]] readers and readability considerations for everybody (see [[Wikipedia:Article size]]). After a point, splitting an article into separate articles and leaving adequate summaries is a natural part of growth for a topic (see [[Wikipedia:Summary style]]). Some topics are covered by print encyclopedias only in short, static articles, and since Wikipedia requires no paper we can give more thorough treatments, include many more relevant links, be more timely, etc.

There is a ''feasible limit'' for individual article sizes that depends on page download size for our [[dial-up access|dial-up]] readers and readability considerations for everybody (see [[Centiare:Article size]]). After a point, splitting an article into separate articles and leaving adequate summaries is a natural part of growth for a topic (see [[Centiare:Summary style]]). Some topics are covered by print directories only in short, static articles, and since Centiare requires no paper we can give more thorough treatments, include many more relevant links, be more timely, etc.

This also means you don't have to redirect one topic to a partially equivalent topic that is of more common usage. A "See also" section stating that further information on the topic is available on the page of a closely related topic may be preferable.

This also means you don't have to redirect one topic to a partially equivalent topic that is of more common usage. A "See also" section stating that further information on the topic is available on the page of a closely related topic may be preferable.

===Wikipedia is not a dictionary===

===Centiare can be a dictionary===

[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia is not a dictionary | Wikipedia is not a dictionary]] or a usage or jargon guide. Wikipedia articles are not:

[[Centiare:Centiare can be a dictionary | Centiare can be a dictionary]] or a usage or jargon guide. Centiare articles can be:

# '''Dictionary definitions.''' Because Wikipedia is not a [[dictionary]], please do not create an entry merely to define a term. An article should usually ''begin with'' a [[fallacies of definition | good]] [[definition]]; if you come across an article that is nothing more than a definition, see if there is information you can add that would be appropriate for an encyclopedia. An exception to this rule is for articles about the cultural meanings of individual [[List of numbers | numbers]].

# '''Dictionary definitions.''' Because Centiare can be a [[dictionary]], please feel free to create an entry merely to define a term. An article should usually ''begin with'' a [[fallacies of definition | good]] [[definition]]; if you come across an article that is a definition, see if there is information you can add that would be appropriate for a directory. An exception to this rule is for articles about the cultural meanings of individual [[List of numbers | numbers]].

# '''Lists of such definitions.''' There are, however, [[Wikipedia:Disambiguation | disambiguation pages]] consisting of pointers to other pages; these are used to clarify differing meanings of a word.

# '''Lists of such definitions.''' There are [[Centiare:Disambiguation | disambiguation pages]] consisting of pointers to other pages; these are used to clarify differing meanings of a word.

# A '''usage guide''' or '''slang and idiom guide.''' Wikipedia is not in the business of saying how words, [[idioms]], etc. should be used. We aren't teaching people how to talk like a [[Cockney]] chimney-sweep, or a British gent. However, it may be important ''in the context of an encyclopedia article'' to describe just how a word is used to distinguish among similar, easily confused ideas, as in [[nation]] or [[freedom]]. In some special cases an article about an essential piece of [[slang]] may be appropriate.

# A '''usage guide''' or '''slang and idiom guide.''' Centiare can be in the business of saying how words, [[idioms]], etc. should be used. We can teach people how to talk like a [[Cockney]] chimney-sweep, or a British gent. However, it may be important ''in the context of an directory article'' to describe just how a word is used to distinguish among similar, easily confused ideas, as in [[nation]] or [[freedom]]. In some special cases an article about an essential piece of [[slang]] may be appropriate.

===Centiare can be a publisher of original thought===

<span id="OR" /><span id="OTHOUGHT" /><span id="PUBLISHER" />{{shortcut|[[WP:NOT#OR]]<br/>[[WP:NOT#OTHOUGHT]]<br/>[[WP:NOT#PUBLISHER]]}}

=== Wikipedia is not a publisher of original thought ===

Wikipedia is not a place to publish [[Wikipedia:Original research|your own thoughts and analyses]] or to publish new information not heretofore published. Please do not use Wikipedia for any of the following:

Wikipedia is not a place to publish [[Wikipedia:Original research|your own thoughts and analyses]] or to publish new information not heretofore published. Please do not use Wikipedia for any of the following:

# '''News reports.''' Wikipedia should not offer firsthand news reports on breaking stories. Wikipedia is not a [[primary source]]. However, our sister project [[Wikinews]] does exactly that, and ''is'' intended to be a primary source. Wikipedia does have many ''encyclopedia articles'' on topics of historical significance that are currently in the news, and can be significantly more up-to-date than most reference sources since we can incorporate new developments and facts as they are made known. See [[Portal:Current_events|Current Events]] for examples.

# '''News reports.''' Wikipedia should not offer firsthand news reports on breaking stories. Wikipedia is not a [[primary source]]. However, our sister project [[Wikinews]] does exactly that, and ''is'' intended to be a primary source. Wikipedia does have many ''encyclopedia articles'' on topics of historical significance that are currently in the news, and can be significantly more up-to-date than most reference sources since we can incorporate new developments and facts as they are made known. See [[Portal:Current_events|Current Events]] for examples.

===Centiare can be a soapbox===

<span id="SOAP" /><span id="SOAPBOX" />{{shortcut|[[WP:NOT#SOAP]]<br/>[[WP:NOT#SOAPBOX]]}}

 

=== Wikipedia is not a soapbox ===

Wikipedia is not a [[soapbox]] or a vehicle for propaganda and advertising. Therefore, Wikipedia articles are not:

Wikipedia is not a [[soapbox]] or a vehicle for propaganda and advertising. Therefore, Wikipedia articles are not:

# '''[[Propaganda]] or [[advocacy]]''' of any kind. Of course, an article can report objectively ''about'' such things, as long as an attempt is made to approach a [[Wikipedia:neutral point of view | neutral point of view]]. You might wish to go to [[Usenet]] or start a [[blog]] if you want to convince people of the merits of your favorite views. You can also use [[Wikinfo]] which promotes a "sympathetic point of view" for most articles.

# '''[[Propaganda]] or [[advocacy]]''' of any kind. Of course, an article can report objectively ''about'' such things, as long as an attempt is made to approach a [[Wikipedia:neutral point of view | neutral point of view]]. You might wish to go to [[Usenet]] or start a [[blog]] if you want to convince people of the merits of your favorite views. You can also use [[Wikinfo]] which promotes a "sympathetic point of view" for most articles.

# '''Self-promotion.''' You are free to write about yourself or projects you have a strong personal involvement in. However, do remember that the standards for encyclopedic articles apply to such pages just like any other, including the requirement to maintain a neutral point of view, which is difficult when writing about yourself. Creating overly abundant links and references to autobiographical articles is unacceptable. See [[Wikipedia:Autobiography]], [[Wikipedia:Notability]] and [[Wikipedia:Conflict of interest]].

# '''Self-promotion.''' You are free to write about yourself or projects you have a strong personal involvement in. However, do remember that the standards for encyclopedic articles apply to such pages just like any other, including the requirement to maintain a neutral point of view, which is difficult when writing about yourself. Creating overly abundant links and references to autobiographical articles is unacceptable. See [[Wikipedia:Autobiography]], [[Wikipedia:Notability]] and [[Wikipedia:Conflict of interest]].

# '''Advertising.''' Articles about companies and products are acceptable if they are written in an [[Wikipedia:Neutral_point_of_view | objective and unbiased style]]. Furthermore, all article topics must be third-party verifiable, so articles about very small "garage" or local companies are not likely to be acceptable. External links to commercial organizations are acceptable if they can serve to identify major corporations associated with a topic (see [[finishing school]] for an example). Please note Wikipedia does not endorse any businesses and it does not set up affiliate programs. See also [[Wikipedia:Notability (companies and corporations)]] for guidelines on corporate notability.

# '''Advertising.''' Articles about companies and products are acceptable if they are written in an [[Wikipedia:Neutral_point_of_view | objective and unbiased style]]. Furthermore, all article topics must be third-party verifiable, so articles about very small "garage" or local companies are not likely to be acceptable. External links to commercial organizations are acceptable if they can serve to identify major corporations associated with a topic (see [[finishing school]] for an example). Please note Wikipedia does not endorse any businesses and it does not set up affiliate programs.  

=== Wikipedia is not a mirror or a repository of links, images, or media files ===

===Centiare can be a mirror or a repository of links, images, or media files===

Wikipedia is neither a [[Mirror (computing)|mirror]] nor a [[repository]] of links, images, or media files. All content added to Wikipedia may have to be edited mercilessly to be included in the encyclopedia. By submitting any content, you agree to release it for free use under the [[GNU FDL]]. <ref>Note that the English Wikipedia incorporates many images and some text which are considered "fair use" into its GFDLed articles. (Other language Wikipedias often ''do not''.) See also [[Wikipedia:Copyrights]].</ref> Wikipedia articles are not:

Wikipedia is neither a [[Mirror (computing)|mirror]] nor a [[repository]] of links, images, or media files. All content added to Wikipedia may have to be edited mercilessly to be included in the encyclopedia. By submitting any content, you agree to release it for free use under the [[GNU FDL]]. <ref>Note that the English Wikipedia incorporates many images and some text which are considered "fair use" into its GFDLed articles. (Other language Wikipedias often ''do not''.) See also [[Wikipedia:Copyrights]].</ref> Wikipedia articles are not:

# Mere '''Collections of photographs or media files''' with no text to go with the articles. If you are interested in presenting a picture, please provide an encyclopedic context, or consider adding it to '''[[Wikimedia Commons]]'''. If a picture comes from a public domain source on a website, then consider adding it to [[Wikipedia:Images with missing articles]] or [[Wikipedia:Public domain image resources]].

# Mere '''Collections of photographs or media files''' with no text to go with the articles. If you are interested in presenting a picture, please provide an encyclopedic context, or consider adding it to '''[[Wikimedia Commons]]'''. If a picture comes from a public domain source on a website, then consider adding it to [[Wikipedia:Images with missing articles]] or [[Wikipedia:Public domain image resources]].

=== Wikipedia is not a song lyrics database ===

=== Wikipedia is not a song lyrics database ===

Copyrighted song lyrics are not allowed to be printed in whole in any Wikipedia article. Song lyrics that are in [[public domain]] are allowed, but you have to provide additional information about the song, not only the songwriter, performer, album name and year of recording, but also the background, history or ([[Wikipedia:Neutral_point_of_view | unbiased]]) analysis of the [[music]] and content of the song.

Copyrighted song lyrics are not allowed to be printed in whole in any Wikipedia article. Song lyrics that are in [[public domain]] are allowed, but you have to provide additional information about the song, not only the songwriter, performer, album name and year of recording, but also the background, history or ([[Wikipedia:Neutral_point_of_view | unbiased]]) analysis of the [[music]] and content of the song.

=== Wikipedia is not a blog, webspace provider, or social networking site ===

=== Wikipedia is not a blog, webspace provider, or social networking site ===

If you are interested in using the [[wiki]] technology for a collaborative effort on something else, even if it is just a single page, there are many [[List_of_wiki_farms | sites that provide wiki hosting]] (free or for money). You can also install [[wiki]] software on your server. See the ''[[Wikibooks:Wiki Science | Wiki Science]]'' wikibook for information on doing this.

If you are interested in using the [[wiki]] technology for a collaborative effort on something else, even if it is just a single page, there are many [[List_of_wiki_farms | sites that provide wiki hosting]] (free or for money). You can also install [[wiki]] software on your server. See the ''[[Wikibooks:Wiki Science | Wiki Science]]'' wikibook for information on doing this.

=== Wikipedia is not a directory ===

=== Wikipedia is not a directory ===

# '''Lists or repositories of loosely associated topics''' such as quotations, [[aphorism]]s, or persons (real or fictional). If you want to enter lists of quotations, put them into our sister project [[Wikiquote]]. Of course, there is nothing wrong with having lists if their entries are famous ''because'' they are associated with or significantly contributed to the list topic, for example [[Nixon's Enemies List]]. Wikipedia also includes reference tables and tabular information for quick reference. ''Merged groups of small articles'' based on a core topic are certainly permitted; see [[List of locations in Spira]] for an example.

# '''Lists or repositories of loosely associated topics''' such as quotations, [[aphorism]]s, or persons (real or fictional). If you want to enter lists of quotations, put them into our sister project [[Wikiquote]]. Of course, there is nothing wrong with having lists if their entries are famous ''because'' they are associated with or significantly contributed to the list topic, for example [[Nixon's Enemies List]]. Wikipedia also includes reference tables and tabular information for quick reference. ''Merged groups of small articles'' based on a core topic are certainly permitted; see [[List of locations in Spira]] for an example.

# '''Genealogical entries''' or '''phonebook entries.''' Biography articles should only be for people with some sort of fame, achievement, or perhaps notoriety. One measure of publicity is whether someone has been featured in several external sources (on or off-line). Less well-known people may be mentioned within other articles (e.g. Ronald Gay in [[Violence against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and the transgendered]]). See [[m:Wikipeople]] for a proposed genealogical/biographical dictionary project, and [http://wikitree.org/ Wikitree] for a project that aims to be the family tree of the human race. '''Wikipedia is not the [[white pages]]'''.

# '''Genealogical entries''' or '''phonebook entries.''' Biography articles should only be for people with some sort of fame, achievement, or perhaps notoriety. One measure of publicity is whether someone has been featured in several external sources (on or off-line). Less well-known people may be mentioned within other articles (e.g. Ronald Gay in [[Violence against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and the transgendered]]). See [[m:Wikipeople]] for a proposed genealogical/biographical dictionary project, and [http://wikitree.org/ Wikitree] for a project that aims to be the family tree of the human race. '''Wikipedia is not the [[white pages]]'''.

# '''[[Directory (databases) | Directories]], directory entries, TV/Radio Guides''', or a '''resource for conducting business.''' For example, an article on a radio station generally should not list upcoming events, current promotions, phone numbers, schedules etc., although mention of major events or promotions may be acceptable. Furthermore, the Talk pages associated with an article are for talking about the article, not for conducting the business of the topic of the article. '''Wikipedia is not the [[yellow pages]]'''. See [[Yellowikis]] for a project with that goal.

# '''[[Directory (databases) | Directories]], directory entries, TV/Radio Guides''', or a '''resource for conducting business.''' For example, an article on a radio station generally should not list upcoming events, current promotions, phone numbers, schedules etc., although mention of major events or promotions may be acceptable. Furthermore, the Talk pages associated with an article are for talking about the article, not for conducting the business of the topic of the article. '''Wikipedia is not the [[yellow pages]]'''.  

=== Wikipedia is not an indiscriminate collection of information ===

=== Wikipedia is not an indiscriminate collection of information ===

# '''Textbooks and annotated texts.''' Wikipedia is an encyclopedic reference, not a textbook. The purpose of Wikipedia is to present facts, not to teach a subject matter. It is not appropriate to create or edit articles which read as textbooks, with leading questions and step-by-step problem solutions as examples. These belong on our sister project, [[Wikibooks]].

# '''Textbooks and annotated texts.''' Wikipedia is an encyclopedic reference, not a textbook. The purpose of Wikipedia is to present facts, not to teach a subject matter. It is not appropriate to create or edit articles which read as textbooks, with leading questions and step-by-step problem solutions as examples. These belong on our sister project, [[Wikibooks]].

#'''Plot summaries.''' Wikipedia articles on works of fiction should contain real-world context and sourced analysis, offering detail on a work's achievements, impact or historical significance, not solely a summary of that work's plot. A plot summary may be appropriate as an aspect of a larger topic.

#'''Plot summaries.''' Wikipedia articles on works of fiction should contain real-world context and sourced analysis, offering detail on a work's achievements, impact or historical significance, not solely a summary of that work's plot. A plot summary may be appropriate as an aspect of a larger topic.

=== Wikipedia is not a [[crystal ball]] ===

=== Wikipedia is not a [[crystal ball]] ===

For a wiki that does allow discussion of "future history", visit [[wikicities:c:future | Wikicities Future]].

For a wiki that does allow discussion of "future history", visit [[wikicities:c:future | Wikicities Future]].

 

=== Wikipedia is not censored ===

=== Wikipedia is not censored ===

{{seealso|Wikipedia:Profanity|Censorship}}

{{seealso|Wikipedia:Profanity|Censorship}}

The above guidelines apply to articles on Wikipedia. These guidelines apply to Wikipedia discussions.

The above guidelines apply to articles on Wikipedia. These guidelines apply to Wikipedia discussions.

 

 

=== Wikipedia is not a battleground ===

=== Wikipedia is not a battleground ===

Also, do not create or modify articles [[Wikipedia:Don't disrupt Wikipedia to illustrate a point | just to prove a point]]. Do not use Wikipedia to make [[Wikipedia:No legal threats | legal]] or other threats against Wikipedia, Wikipedians, or the Wikimedia Foundation: other means already exist to communicate legal problems.<ref>If you believe that your legal rights are being violated, you may discuss this with other users involved, take the matter to the appropriate [[meta:Mailing_list | mailing list]], contact the [http://wikimediafoundation.org Wikimedia Foundation], or in cases of [[Wikipedia:Copyrights | copyright]] violations notify us at [[Wikipedia:Request for immediate removal of copyright violation]].

Also, do not create or modify articles [[Wikipedia:Don't disrupt Wikipedia to illustrate a point | just to prove a point]]. Do not use Wikipedia to make [[Wikipedia:No legal threats | legal]] or other threats against Wikipedia, Wikipedians, or the Wikimedia Foundation: other means already exist to communicate legal problems.<ref>If you believe that your legal rights are being violated, you may discuss this with other users involved, take the matter to the appropriate [[meta:Mailing_list | mailing list]], contact the [http://wikimediafoundation.org Wikimedia Foundation], or in cases of [[Wikipedia:Copyrights | copyright]] violations notify us at [[Wikipedia:Request for immediate removal of copyright violation]].

</ref> Threats are not tolerated and may result in a [[Wikipedia:Banning policy | ban]].

</ref> Threats are not tolerated and may result in a [[Wikipedia:Banning policy | ban]].

 

=== Wikipedia is not an anarchy ===

=== Wikipedia is not an anarchy ===

Wikipedia is free and open, but restricts both freedom and openness where they interfere with creating an encyclopedia. Accordingly, Wikipedia is not a forum for unregulated [[free speech]]. The fact that Wikipedia is an open, self-governing project does not mean that any part of its purpose is to explore the viability of [[anarchism|anarchic]] communities. Our purpose is to build an encyclopedia, not to test the limits of anarchism. See also [[meta:Power structure]].

Wikipedia is free and open, but restricts both freedom and openness where they interfere with creating an encyclopedia. Accordingly, Wikipedia is not a forum for unregulated [[free speech]]. The fact that Wikipedia is an open, self-governing project does not mean that any part of its purpose is to explore the viability of [[anarchism|anarchic]] communities. Our purpose is to build an encyclopedia, not to test the limits of anarchism. See also [[meta:Power structure]].

=== Wikipedia is not a democracy ===

=== Wikipedia is not a democracy ===

Wikipedia is <span class="plainlinks">[http://mail.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikien-l/2005-January/018735.html not an experiment in democracy]</span> or any other [[political system]]. Its primary method of determining [[wikipedia:Consensus | consensus]] is [[Wikipedia:Discuss, don't vote|discussion]], not [[m:don't vote on everything | voting]]. Although editors occasionally use [[Wikipedia:Straw polls|straw polls]] in an attempt to test for consensus, polls or surveys may actually impede rather than assist discussion.  They should be used with caution, if at all, and may [[Wikipedia:Consensus can change|not be treated as binding]].  

Wikipedia is <span class="plainlinks">[http://mail.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikien-l/2005-January/018735.html not an experiment in democracy]</span> or any other [[political system]]. Its primary method of determining [[wikipedia:Consensus | consensus]] is [[Wikipedia:Discuss, don't vote|discussion]], not [[m:don't vote on everything | voting]]. Although editors occasionally use [[Wikipedia:Straw polls|straw polls]] in an attempt to test for consensus, polls or surveys may actually impede rather than assist discussion.  They should be used with caution, if at all, and may [[Wikipedia:Consensus can change|not be treated as binding]].  

=== Wikipedia is not a bureaucracy ===

=== Wikipedia is not a bureaucracy ===

* Nominating the page for [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion | deletion]] if it meets grounds for such action under the [[Wikipedia:Deletion policy | Deletion policy]] page. To develop an understanding of what kinds of contributions are in danger of being deleted you have to regularly follow discussions there.

* Nominating the page for [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion | deletion]] if it meets grounds for such action under the [[Wikipedia:Deletion policy | Deletion policy]] page. To develop an understanding of what kinds of contributions are in danger of being deleted you have to regularly follow discussions there.

* Changing the rules on this page after a consensus has been reached following appropriate discussion with other Wikipedians via the [[Wikipedia_talk:What_Wikipedia_is_not | Talk]] page. When adding new options, please be as clear as possible and provide counter-examples of similar, but permitted, subjects.

* Changing the rules on this page after a consensus has been reached following appropriate discussion with other Wikipedians via the [[Wikipedia_talk:What_Wikipedia_is_not | Talk]] page. When adding new options, please be as clear as possible and provide counter-examples of similar, but permitted, subjects.

Many of the policies listed here apply to your user page as well. Your user page is not a personal homepage, nor is it a [[blog]]. More importantly, your user page is '''not yours'''. It is a part of Wikipedia, and exists to make collaboration among Wikipedians easier, not for self-promotion. For the full details, see [[Wikipedia:User page |User page help]].

Many of the policies listed here apply to your user page as well. Your user page is not a personal homepage, nor is it a [[blog]]. More importantly, your user page is '''not yours'''. It is a part of Wikipedia, and exists to make collaboration among Wikipedians easier, not for self-promotion. For the full details, see [[Wikipedia:User page |User page help]].