User:Tesh Vohore/categorization

This is my attempt to create, or more appropriately, expand on the little excerpt written in the Manual of Style. I feel this will help explain better what is meant by categorizing a page, which means more than just articles. It includes pictures, forums, and other forms of pages. This is an attempt to create a more professional atmosphere here at Custom Bionicle, which will attract more users. It is also an easy way to organize the Wiki, to make it easier to find articles. This is not only for new users who are searching, but for current users to store their work in one location. Please read through the policy and give me things to expand on, things you disagree with, and when we’ve come to a consensus, this may be instated as a policy for every person to abide by, and Admins to enforce. --  Iruuvi, Guardian of Truth  12:56, 17 October 2008 (UTC)

The Policy
Since categorizing is a bigger picture than just a quick excerpt on the Manual of Style, this is to expand a little on what it means to categorize. As the Custom Bionicles:Manual of Style states, it is now mandatory that every article be categorized. This is done to help navigation and organization. This Wiki has great potential but must be taken seriously. A sloppy set up will not attract users. Categorizing is one way of creating a professional atmosphere for the custom creations of Bionicle.

Every page must be categorized with at least one category. This excludes User-related pages (User pages, .talk pages, sub pages, etc.) and article talk pages. It is recommended that users add a category during the initial write-up of the article so they do not have to add one later. Failure to comply with the Manual of Style may result in the article being deleted after two warnings are given to the user. If the user continues to refuse to comply following those two warnings and the article deletion, they are liable for a ban to be determined by the Administration.

Adding Categories
To add a category to a page, simply type. Users may and are even encouraged to create categories to coincide with their articles. They are also allowed to use categories that are already created, as long as it does not interfere with others articles. In order to use personal categories already created, the user must get the written permission from the creator of the category.

Categories that are not excepted are,  , and red-link categories. In order for a page to be categorized, at least one category pertaining to the information within the article must be added. More categories are permitted, including Articles by , which users are encouraged to create they just cannot be the only category on the page. As a general rule of thumb, it is best for organization to list the categories in alphabetical order; however, this is not required. A list of available categories can be found here.

People
When categorizing people, you can categorize them by their species, faction, location, etc. An example could be Takua. He could be categorized as a Av-Matoran, Ta-Matoran, and Toa, as well as others. Common categories for people are:


 * Category:Brotherhood of Makuta
 * Category:Dark Hunters
 * Category:Matoran
 * Category:Toa

Places
When categorizing places it is best to include the name of the location as a category. They can also be categorized by the type of place, geographical features, and geographical orientation. An example could be Mata Nui. It could be categorized as an Islands, Tropical Islands, Locations of Toa Mata. Common categories for places are:


 * Category:Islands
 * Category:Locations
 * Category:Northeastern Islands
 * Category:Places

User-created categories
User-created categories consist of any category created by a user of Custom Bionicle. They may vary from Category:Articles by Tesh Vohore to custom categories, such as Category: Role-Playing Games. When creating a category, it is highly recommended that the user immediately fill the category with information. It is not required that there be anything in the category, just simply an explanation for what the category is. Remember, pages with red-link categories do not count as being categorized. By having an article within the category does not automatically create the category, either. The user must manually create the information to explain the purpose of the category.