Changes

==What Centiare Is==

==What Centiare Is==

===Centiare can be a dictionary===

===Centiare can be a dictionary===

===Centiare can be a soapbox===

===Centiare can be a soapbox===

Centiare can be a [[soapbox]] or a vehicle for propaganda and advertising. Therefore, Centiare articles are not:

Centiare can be a [[soapbox]] or a vehicle for propaganda or advertising. Therefore, Centiare articles in Directory or User space might be:

# '''[[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 [[Centiare: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.  

# '''[[Propaganda]] or [[advocacy]]''' of various kinds. Centiare is just as valid a forum to convince people of the merits of your favorite views as [[Usenet]] or your own [[blog]].  

# '''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 [[Centiare:Autobiography]], [[Centiare:Notability]] and [[Centiare: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 neutral, sourced standards for Main space articles apply. If you're a notable person (e.g., an astronaut) that should belong in a Main space article about [[space exploration]], go ahead and add your contribution to the article, even if it references your own experiences.  However, if your commentary is not cited with credible, third-party sources, your contribution may not last long in Main space. Creating overly abundant links and references to autobiographical articles is not necessary -- just one good link substantiating your authority will suffice. Centiare doesn't really have a "conflict of interest" prohibition in Main space. You're just expected to be appropriately aware of it when you have one, and be kind enough to make it known.

# '''Advertising.''' Articles about companies and products are acceptable if they are written in an [[Centiare: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 Centiare does not endorse any businesses and it does not set up affiliate programs.

# '''Advertising.''' Articles about companies and products are encouraged, but only in Directory space.  Centiare even endorses articles about very small home-based or start-up companies. External links to other sites are acceptable, but be mindful that this pulls browsing traffic away from Centiare, which may not necessarily be to your benefit. Please note that Centiare will occasionally endorse or promote some businesses (e.g., two favored partners are [[Directory:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] and [[Directory:Lion Graphics|Lion Graphics]]). And Centiare reserves the right to set up affiliate programs.

===Centiare can be 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===

Centiare is neither a [[Mirror (computing)|mirror]] nor a [[repository]] of links, images, or media files. All content added to Centiare 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]]. Centiare articles are not:

Centiare can be a [[Mirror (computing)|mirror]] or a [[repository]] of links, images, or media files. However, be assured that any concerns about copyright violations of non-free or non-fair-use material will be redirected to the Centiare User who uploaded it.  Also, be aware that any content added to Centiare's Main space pages may get edited mercilessly by other users. By submitting any Main space content, you agree to release it for free use under the [[Centiare:Text_of_the_GNU_Free_Documentation_License|GNU Free Documentation License]]. Centiare articles can sometimes be:

# Mere '''collections of external links''' or '''Internet directories.''' There is nothing wrong with adding one or more useful content-relevant links to an article; however, excessive lists can dwarf articles and detract from the purpose of Centiare. On articles about topics with many fansites, including a link to one major fansite may be appropriate, marking the link as such. See [[Centiare:External links]] for some guidelines.

# '''Collections of external links''' or '''Internet directories.''' There is nothing wrong with adding useful content-relevant links to an article; however, excessive lists can dwarf articles and detract from the purpose of Centiare. There is Google or DMOZ for those just looking for relevant links. See [[Centiare:External links]] for some tips and guidelines.

# Mere '''collections of internal links,''' except for [[Centiare:disambiguation | disambiguation]] pages when an article title is ambiguous, and for [[Centiare:list | structured lists]] to assist with the organization of articles.

# '''Collections of internal links,''' especially for [[Centiare:disambiguation|disambiguation]] pages when an article title is ambiguous, and for [[Centiare:list|structured lists]] to assist with the organization of articles or category portals.

# Mere '''collections of [[public domain]] or other source material''' such as entire books or source code, original historical documents, letters, laws, proclamations, and other source material that are only useful when presented with their original, un-modified wording. Complete copies of primary sources may go into [[Centiare]], but not on Centiare. There's nothing wrong with using [[public domain resources]] such as [[1911 Encyclopædia Britannica]] to add content to an article. See also [[Centiare:Don't include copies of primary sources]].

# '''Collections of [[public domain]] or other source material''' such as entire books or source code, original historical documents, letters, laws, proclamations, and other source material that are useful when presented with their original, un-modified wording. Complete copies of primary sources may even be uploaded to Centiare Directory spaces, as long as there is no copyright being violated by the uploading user. There's nothing wrong with using [[public domain resources]] such as [[1911 Encyclopædia Britannica]] to add content to an article.

# 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. If a picture comes from a public domain source on a website, then consider adding it to [[Centiare:Images with missing articles]] or [[Centiare:Public domain image resources]].

# '''Collections of photographs or media files''', either with or without text to go with the content. One note, though: if Centiare's management determines that a user is compromising the storage capacity and/or bandwidth of the Centiare site with extensive file uploads and hits on said files, Centiare reserves the right to block that user for a period of time and to remove the burdensome material. (If you're using Centiare in the right spirit, there is little chance your material would be removed without some prior warning from a sysop, allowing you to take corrective actions.)

===Centiare can be a song lyrics database ===

===Centiare can be a song lyrics database ===

Copyrighted song lyrics are not allowed to be printed in whole in any Centiare 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 ([[Centiare: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 Centiare space, unless you are the lyricist who wrote (or owns the copyright to) the song. Song lyrics that are in the [[public domain]], or tiny portions of copyrighted lyrics are allowed, but you should provide additional information about the song -- not only the songwriter, performer(s), album name(s), and year(s) of recording, but also the background, history, or ([[Centiare:Neutral_point-of-view |unbiased]]) analysis of the [[music]] and content of the song.

 

 

# '''Personal web pages.''' [[Centiare:users | Users]] have their own [[Centiare:User page | user pages]], but they may be used only to present information relevant to working on the encyclopedia. If you are looking to make a personal webpage or [[blog]], please make use of one of the many free providers on the Internet. The focus of user pages ''should not'' be [[social networking]], but rather providing a foundation for effective [[collaboration]].

===Centiare can be a blog, webspace provider, or social networking site ===

# '''[[File storage]] areas.''' Please upload only files that are used (or will be used) in encyclopedia articles or project pages; anything else will be deleted.  

Centiare can be just like [[MySpace]]. You may host your own [[website]], [[blog]], or [[wiki]] within Centiare. Centiare Directory and User pages are, in most ways:

#'''Dating services.''' Centiare can be an appropriate place to advertise your desire for  relationships or sex. User pages which move beyond broad expressions of sexual preference are unacceptable. This is particularly true for sexual practices which are illegal or unpopular with the general public such as sex with animals or minors.

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.

# '''Personal web pages.''' [[Centiare:users|Users]] have their own [[Centiare:User page|user pages]], which may be used to present information relevant to working on the directory, or to promote one's self or business (although a business will probably be better served in Directory, not User, space). If you are looking to make a personal webpage or [[blog]]-like diary, please get started on your User page and [[Centiare:User subpages|subpages]]. The focus of User pages can quite effectively be [[social networking]], or for providing a foundation for friendly [[collaboration]] on Centiare.

# '''[[File storage]] areas.''' Please upload not only files that are used (or will be used) in Main space articles or project pages, but also files that you'd like to show off in your User or Directory space. Just be mindful that '''you''' are responsible for appropriate handling of copyrighted material, not Centiare.

#'''Dating services.''' Centiare can be an appropriate place to advertise your desire for  relationships or sex. Just be mindful that your activity in Centiare is traced back to a non-"throwaway" e-mail address.  Don't do anything that you'll regret later in this very public forum.  And, don't violate any United States laws, as Centiare will fully cooperate with rightful legal authorities investigating suspected illegal activity (such as sex with animals, exploitation of minors, etc.).  User pages which move beyond broad expressions of sexual preference are acceptable, but could be embarrassing to you later.  

If you are interested in using the [[wiki]] technology for a collaborative effort on some property or entity in Directory or User space, because this space is automatically "protected" for use only by the original author, you can either temporarily share your log-in information with the other trusted parties, or convey changes through the page's Discussion tab, or look into the many [[wiki farms]] that provide wiki hosting (free or otherwise).

# '''Lists or repositories of loosely associated topics''' such as quotations, [[aphorism]]s, or persons (real or fictional). 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]]. Centiare 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]]).

# '''Centiare can be 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. '''Centiare is not the [[yellow pages]]'''.

===Centiare can be an indiscriminate collection of information ===

===Centiare can be an indiscriminate collection of information ===

Centiare is not an indiscriminate collection of items of information. That something is 100% true does not mean it is suitable for inclusion in Centiare. While there is a continuing debate about the encyclopedic merits of several ''classes'' of entries, current consensus is that Centiare articles are not simply:

Centiare can probably be an indiscriminate collection of items of information, but its true power is unleashed when editors try their best to organize that information in useful ways. Current consensus is that Centiare articles, if you want them to be, may be simply:

# '''Lists of [[FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions]].''' Centiare articles should not list FAQs. Instead, format the information provided as neutral prose within the appropriate article(s).

# '''Lists of [[FAQ|Frequently Asked Questions]].''' Centiare articles can list FAQs. Simply format the information provided as either neutral or advocate prose within the appropriate article(s).

# '''Travel guides.''' An article on [[Paris]] should mention landmarks such as the [[Eiffel Tower]] and the [[Louvre]], but not the telephone number or street address of your favorite hotel or the price of a ''café au lait'' on the [[Champs-Élysées]].  

# '''Travel guides.''' A Directory article on [[Directory:Paris, France|Paris, France]] would almost certainly mention landmarks such as the [[Directory:Eiffel Tower|Eiffel Tower]] and the [[Directory:Louvre|Louvre]], but it can even mention the telephone number or street address of your favorite hotel, or the price of a [[café au lait]] on the [[Champs-Élysées]], or link to your [[travel agency]].  Just be aware, if and when the city government of Paris contacts Centiare and asks for transfer of "ownership" of the [[Directory:Paris, France|Paris, France]] Directory space, Centiare's management will quickly turn it over, regardless of how much time and effort you put into that space.

# '''Memorials.''' Centiare is not the place to honor departed friends and relatives. Subjects of encyclopedia articles must be [[Centiare:Notability (people)|notable]] besides being fondly remembered.

# '''Memorials.''' Centiare can be a place to honor departed friends and relatives. Subjects of articles in the Main space must be [[Centiare:Notability|notable]] and not have an active estate, otherwise they belong in Directory space to be fondly remembered.

# '''Instruction manuals.''' While Centiare has descriptions of people, places, and things, Centiare articles should not include instructions or advice ([[Centiare:Legal disclaimer|legal]], [[Centiare:Medical disclaimer|medical]], or otherwise), suggestions, or contain "how-to"s. This includes tutorials, walk-throughs, instruction manuals, video game guides, and recipes. Note that this does not apply to the Centiare: namespace, where "how-to"s relevant to editing Centiare itself are appropriate, such as [[Centiare:How to draw a diagram with Dia]].  

# '''Instruction manuals.''' While Centiare has descriptions of people, places, and things, Centiare articles can also include instructions, advice, or "how-to" details that do not infringe on Centiare's [[Centiare:Legal disclaimer|legal disclaimer]] or [[Centiare:Medical disclaimer|medical disclaimer]]. This might include tutorials, walk-throughs, instruction manuals, video game guides, and recipes. Note that the "Centiare:" and/or "Help:" name space is also where "how-to"s relevant to editing Centiare itself are appropriate.  

# '''Internet guides.''' Centiare articles should not exist '''only''' to describe the nature, appearance or services a website offers, but should describe the site in an ''encyclopedic manner'', offering detail on a website's achievements, impact or historical significance, which 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 [[current events]] for examples.

# '''Internet guides.''' Some Centiare articles will exist seemingly '''only''' to describe the nature, appearance, or services a website offers; detail on a website's achievements, impact, or historical significance; all of which can be significantly more up-to-date than most reference sources since we can incorporate new developments and facts as they are made known.

# '''Textbooks and annotated texts.''' Centiare is an encyclopedic reference, not a textbook. The purpose of Centiare 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.  

# '''Textbooks and annotated texts.''' While Centiare is primarily a directory reference, a scholar may wish to use it to present an academic textbook or referenced text or [[white paper]]. The purpose of Centiare can be not only the presentation of facts, but also to teach a subject matter. It is entirely appropriate for a teacher to create or edit articles with his or her students in mind, which would read as a textbook, with leading questions and step-by-step problem solutions as examples.  If it's in the professor's User space, it's owned by him or her, and nobody else can alter it.  If it's in the article Main space, however, it will be subject to Centiare community editing, especially if it's a popular general topic like [[human sexuality]] or a topic within [[military history]].

#'''Plot summaries.''' Centiare 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.''' To be a better directory, Centiare 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. But, even just a plot summary may be sufficient.

===Centiare can be a [[crystal ball]] ===

===Centiare can be a [[crystal ball]] ===

Centiare is not a collection of unverifiable speculation. All articles about anticipated events must be verifiable, and the subject matter must be of sufficiently wide interest that it would merit an article if the event had already occurred. It ''is'' appropriate to report discussion and arguments about the prospects for success of future proposals and projects or whether some development will occur, provided that discussion is properly referenced. It is ''not'' appropriate for an editor to insert their own opinions or analysis. Forward-looking articles about unreleased products (e.g. movies, games, etc.) require special care to make sure that they are not advertising. In particular:

Centiare might even be used like the [http://www.longbets.org Long Bets Foundation], to be a collection of unverifiable speculation. You might see (or even author) articles about anticipated events that can't yet be verified, such as [[asteroid collisions with Earth]].  We recommmend that the subject matter be of sufficiently wide interest that it would merit an article if the event had already occurred. For example, let's not create an article about "what Mike will have for dinner next Thursday". Forward-looking articles about unreleased products (e.g., movies, games, etc.) require special care to make sure that they end up in Directory spaces.  

# Individual '''scheduled or expected future events''' should only be included if the event is notable and almost certain to take place. If preparation for the event isn't already in progress, speculation about it must be well documented. Examples of appropriate topics include [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 U.S. presidential election]], and [[2012 Summer Olympics]]. By comparison, the 2028 U.S. presidential election and 2036 Summer Olympics are not considered appropriate article topics because nothing can be said about them that is verifiable and not original research. A schedule of future events may also be appropriate.

# Similarly, individual items from a '''predetermined list or a systematic pattern of names,''' preassigned to future events or discoveries, are not suitable article topics, if only generic information is known about the item. [[Lists of tropical cyclone names]] is encyclopedic; "Tropical Storm Alex (2010)" is not, even though it is virtually certain that a storm of that name will occur in the North Atlantic and will turn counterclockwise. Similarly, articles about '''words formed on a predictable numeric system''' (such as "septenquinquagintillion") are not encyclopedic unless they are defined on good authority, or genuinely in use. Certain scientific extrapolations, such as chemical elements documented by [[IUPAC]], prior to isolation in the laboratory, are usually considered encyclopedic.

 

# Articles that present '''extrapolation, speculation, and "future history"''' are original research and therefore inappropriate. Of course, we do and should have articles ''about'' notable ''artistic works, essays, or credible research'' that embody predictions. An article on ''[[Star Trek]]'' is appropriate; an article on "Weapons to be used in World War III" is not.

# Individual '''scheduled or expected future events''' should only be included in Main space if the event is notable and almost certain to take place. If preparation for the event isn't already in progress, speculation about it should be well documented. Examples of appropriate topics include upcoming United States presidential elections, future scheduled Olympic Games, stock options expirations, etc. By comparison, the 2032 U.S. presidential election and 2044 Summer Olympics are not considered appropriate article topics because nothing can really be said about them that is verifiable and not just random conjecture.

# Articles that present '''extrapolation, speculation, and "future history"''' are original research and probably appropriate for User or Directory spaces or sub-pages. Of course, Centiare should have articles ''about'' notable ''artistic works, essays, or credible research'' that embody predictions. A Directory space on [[Directory:Star Trek/Transportation technologies|Star Trek/Transportation technologies]] or "[[Directory:General Dynamics/Weapons to be used in World War III|General Dynamics/Weapons to be used in World War III]]" is appropriate, because Star Trek and General Dynamics are entities that have standing in a courtroom, even if the articles regard "future history".  An article about the predictions of ''[[Nostradamus]]'', however, can go in Main space, since Nostradamus has no active estate earning royalties on his writings.

===Centiare is not censored ===

===Centiare is not censored ===

[[Centiare:Content disclaimer|Centiare may contain content that some readers consider objectionable or offensive]]. Anyone reading Centiare can edit an article and the changes are displayed instantaneously without any checking to ensure appropriateness, so Centiare cannot guarantee that articles or images are tasteful to all users or adhere to specific [[social norms|social]] or [[religion|religious]] norms or requirements. While obviously inappropriate content (such as an irrelevant link to a [[shock site]]) is usually removed immediately, some articles may include objectionable text, images, or links if they are relevant to the content (such as the article about [[pornography]]) and provided they do not violate any of our existing [[Centiare:policies and guidelines|policies]] (especially [[Centiare:Neutral point of view|Neutral point of view]]), nor the law of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Directory:California]], where Centiare's servers are hosted.

[[Centiare:Content disclaimer|Centiare may contain content that some readers consider objectionable or offensive]]. Anyone registered user of Centiare can edit a Main space article, or create and edit his/her own Directory or User space, and the changes are displayed instantaneously without any checking to ensure appropriateness, so Centiare cannot guarantee that articles or images are tasteful to all users or adhere to specific [[social norms|social]] or [[religion|religious]] norms or requirements. While obviously inappropriate content (such as an irrelevant link to a [[hate site]]) is usually removed very quickly, some articles may include objectionable text, images, or links if they are relevant to the content (such as a Main space article about [[pornography]]), do not violate any of Centiare's management policies, do not break any U.S. Federal law or law of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Directory:California]], where Centiare's servers are hosted.

== What Centiare is not ==

== What Centiare is NOT ==

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

The above guidelines apply to what users can generally do with Centiare. These guidelines apply to things users shouldn't think about or do with Centiare.

===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 entities and/or topics Centiare can cover other than ownership, verifiability and the other points presented on this page.

Centiare is not a paper directory that has to be printed out for every user. It's just digital bits on a web server hard drive. This means that there is no practical limit to the number of entities and/or topics Centiare can cover other than the few limitations expressed above.

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.

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.

=== Centiare can be a battleground ===

=== Centiare is not a battleground ===

 

 

Every user is expected to interact with others [[Centiare:Civility | civilly]], calmly, and in a spirit of cooperation. Do not [[Centiare:No personal attacks | insult]], harass, or intimidate those with whom you have a disagreement. Rather, approach the matter intelligently and engage in polite discussion. If a user acts uncivilly, uncalmly, uncooperatively, insultingly, harassingly, or intimidatingly toward you, this does not give you an excuse to do the same in retaliation. Either respond solely to the factual points brought forward and ignore its objectionable flavoring, or ignore the relevant message entirely.

 

 

 

 

 

=== Centiare is not a democracy ===

Centiare 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 [[Centiare:Consensus | consensus]] is [[Centiare:Discuss, don't vote|discussion]], not voting. Although editors occasionally use [[Centiare: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 [[Centiare:Consensus can change|not be treated as binding]].  

Centiare is a marketplace of goods, services, and ideas. As such, it's going to get awfully competitive in here. But Centiare should not become a personal battleground. Don't let it become like those other wiki domains that have members holding grudges, importing personal conflicts, or nurturing hatred or fear of reprisal.  Making personal battles out of Centiare discussions goes directly against our policies and goals.

===Centiare can be a bureaucracy===

Be civil, calm, and cooperative.  If your competitor resides on Centiare, try not to bash him.  Instead shoot for personal "one-upmanship" by more effectively and stylishly exploiting all that Centiare has to offer.  Remember, you're not anonymous at Centiare.  We can look up your e-mail address.  If you consistently can't "play nice", we'll block your account. 

Centiare can be a [[moot court]], and although rules can make things easier, they are not the purpose of the community and

Also, do not create or modify articles just to prove a spiteful point. Do not use Centiare to make legal or other threats against Centiare, its registered users, or Karl Nagel & Co., LLC.  Other means already exist to communicate legal problems. If you believe that your legal rights or copyrights are being violated, you may discuss this with [http://www.karlnagel.com Karl Nagel & Co., LLC].

instruction creep should generally be avoided. A perceived procedural error made in posting anything, such as an idea or nomination, is not grounds for invalidating that post. Follow the spirit, [[Centiare:Wikilawyering|not the letter]], of any rules, policies and guidelines. Disagreements should be resolved through [[Centiare:Consensus | consensual]] discussion, rather than through tightly sticking to rules and procedures.

== When you wonder what to do ==

=== Centiare is not a rigid heirarchy ===

When you wonder what should or should not be in an article, ask yourself what a reader would expect to find under the same heading '''''in an encyclopedia'''''. [[Centiare:Articles for deletion/Precedents]] is not official policy, but can be referred to as a record of what has and hasn't been considered encyclopedic in the past.

Centiare is free and open, and management will restrict freedom and openness only when they interfere with the safe and legal operation of Centiare. Accordingly, Centiare is not a forum where [[free speech]] will be typically censored.  Management may make some mistakes, or proceed in a way that doesn't sit well with you.  We promise to listen to the concerns of the registered user community -- and sometimes the community will triumph, and sometimes management will elect to take a course unpopular with the community.

===Centiare is not Wikipedia ===

* Nominating the page for [[Centiare:Articles for deletion | deletion]] if it meets grounds for such action under the [[Centiare: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.

Many of the policies listed here may apply to your User page. Your user page can be a personal homepage, or it can be an always-growing [[blog]]. More importantly, your user page is '''yours'''. While it is a part of Centiare, and it exists to make collaboration among other users easier, you can use it for self-promotion. For more tips and details, see [[Help:User page|User page help]].

If you haven't picked up on this by now, Wikipedia is all about neutral citation of sources to compile the world's largest encyclopedia. Centiare is partially that, but also about biased promotion of self and services to compile the world's largest directory of commerce and ideas.