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Creation and Upkeep of a Character Page (view source)

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{{Chars}}
{{Character Header}}
Using the wiki, you can create a very rich and detailed '''character page''' with information about your character, an archive of sims, and much more. The tutorial below will teach you more about this.
Using the wiki, you can create a very rich and detailed '''character page''' with information about your character, an archive of sims, and much more. The tutorial below will teach you more about this.


{{heading|Character Page vs. User Page|blue}}
{{heading|Character Page vs. User Page|#FBABAC}}
 
As you may already be aware, you automatically have a user page when you register on the wiki. If you look to the top of the page you're on right now, you'll see a small list of links, the leftmost link being your username. Now, we need to create a distinction between the "User" or "Writer" and the "Character". There's only one of you, the user, while you can have many characters. As such, it's not very efficient to use your user page as your character page, because you may have more than one character. And creating more than one username is also not very efficient.  
As you may already be aware, you automatically have a user page when you register on the wiki. If you look to the top of the page you're on right now, you'll see a small list of links, the leftmost link being your username. Now, we need to create a distinction between the "User" or "Writer" and the "Character". There's only one of you, the user, while you can have many characters. As such, it's not very efficient to use your user page as your character page, because you may have more than one character. And creating more than one username is also not very efficient.  


So, use your user page to give information about ''you, the writer,'' or at the very least, to create a LIST of characters you write for, and then link to them from there. But you will want to actually create a specific page for each character.
So, use your user page to give information about ''you, the writer,'' or at the very least, to create a LIST of characters you write for, and then link to them from there. But you will want to actually create a specific page for each character.


{{Heading|Creating the Character Page|blue}}
{{Heading|Creating your character page|#FBABAC}}
Before you can create a character page, it's helpful to understand how to create a page, and how to name it properly. Please read the content at both of the links below:  
Before you can create a character page, it's helpful to understand how to create a page, and how to name it properly. Please read the content at both of the links below:  


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* [[Naming pages properly]]
* [[Naming pages properly]]


{{Heading|Character pages|blue}}
{{Heading|Character page template and content|#FBABAC}}
Now that you have read about how to create and name pages correctly you can proceed with creating your own character page.
To get a jump-start on your page, let's use a template that will fill in a basic structure for your page and get you started. Follow these instructions:


Before you begin, keep in mind that you are free to add and edit as much as you wish. The following examples of character pages are just "starting points" to work from.  
* '''Step 1:''' On your character page, click the "Edit Source" tab at the top.
* '''Step 2:''' Paste the text below into the edit window and hit save:


Click on each of the links below to view our standard, template character pages. Read the instructions on the page for more information about how to choose the template you'd like to use. You can always add elements from other templates once you've started.
<pre>{{Subst:StarterBio}}</pre>


===[[Basic Character Pages]]===
Once the page saves, you'll see a page that '''[[Featured Bio Contest/Easy Starter Bio/Example|looks like this]]'''.  
This is a very basic starting character page with just a short description of your character. This is an excellent page to start with as it is simple to fill out and allows for simple alterations to fit your needs.


===[[Advanced Character Pages]]===
Now click the "Edit" tab at the top of the page again to dive in and start adding content. You'll see a lot of wiki code, but don't get too stressed out! Just remember this simple rule:
After you have played for a while you will probally want to add some more information to your character. This is a more advance character form that you could use. It can also be adapted to fit your characters requirements.


===[[Complex Character Pages]]===
===Make small changes, use preview, and save often===
The final example we have supplied is an extremely indepth approach to makeing a character page. This one will involve makeing addition pages that will be linked to your first page. This will allow for the addition of a great more detail and information as well as history and any other extra information or pictures that you might want to add.
While you're just getting started, use the preview feature a lot. So make a change, then scroll down and click the "Show preview" button. See what that change looks like. And if you want to keep that change, then make a descriptive edit in the "Summary:" box, and click "Save page". This will help you keep track of all the changes you're making to your page, and ensure that you don't get too deep into an edit before realizing you've accidentally done something wrong that you're not sure how to fix.  


{{Box|BACKGROUND=#F5FAFF|BORDER=#CEDFF2|
===Ask for help!===
===NEW! Easy Starter Bio===
Stuck? Not sure how to fix or change something? Lots of folks are standing by to help. Try these avenues:
The Featured Bio Contest Team has created an [[Featured Bio Contest/Easy Starter Bio|'''Easy Starter Bio Template''']] to help those who wish to create a bio that meets the judging criteria of the contest. You can fully customize the colors of the headers and the names of the various sections to suit your needs. If you have any questions, just contact a member of the [[Featured Bio Contest Team Members|Featured Bio Contest Team]].''}}


{{Heading|Adding Categories|blue}}
# '''[http://www.starbase118.net/chat/ Pop into the chat room]:''' Head to Discord and create a new thread in the #wiki-web-questions forum. Make sure to explain the problem in as much detail as possible, and provide a link to your page if you have one.  
Once you have selected the type of character page you will use you will need to add the following information to the bottom of the page. Read the next section carefully to make sure you do not miss anything.
# '''Ask your crewmates for help:''' You can always email your ship's OOC email list and ask for help. Every crew has at least one, and sometimes many more wiki-savvy members who are happy to assist.


All pages on the wiki should be [[118Wiki:Using Categories|categorized]]. The category tag(s) should be the last text on the page, one to a line.  
{{Heading|Adding Categories|#FBABAC}}
'''All pages on the wiki should be [[118Wiki:Using Categories|categorized]].''' So once you've created your character page, you need to add some category tags.  


The first category tag you should add is as follows: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Characters]]</nowiki>'''
Read the next section carefully to make sure you do not miss anything.


===Occupation===
{{SubHeading|Duty Post/Occupation|#FBABAC}}
After that you will need to identify if your character is a member of StarFleet or a Civilian:
Identify your character a member of StarFleet or a Civilian. The starter template will add the Starfleet personnel category by default, but you can remove it and switch out for the Civilians category (below) if necessary.
   
   
* If your character is a StarFleet officer, add: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Starfleet personnel]]</nowiki>'''
* If your character is a StarFleet officer: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Starfleet personnel]]</nowiki>'''
* If your character is a Civilian of some type, add: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Civilians]]</nowiki>'''
* If your character is a Civilian of some type, add: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Civilians]]</nowiki>'''


Next, what does your character do?:  
Next, what does your character do?:  
* S/he is an [[Engineering (Duty Post)|Engineering officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Engineers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are an [[Engineering (Duty Post)|Engineering officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Engineers]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a [[Medical (Duty Post)|Doctor, Nurse, or Medic]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Healers and doctors]]</nowiki>''' and '''<nowiki>[[Category:Medical Officers]]</nowiki>''''
* They are a [[Medical (Duty Post)|Nurse]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Nurses]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a [[Counselor (Duty Post)|Counselor]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Mental Health experts]]</nowiki>''' and '''<nowiki>[[Category:Counselors]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Medical (Duty Post)|Doctor or Medic]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Healers and doctors]]</nowiki>''' and '''<nowiki>[[Category:Medical Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a [[Security (Duty_Post)|Security officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Security Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Counselor (Duty Post)|Counselor]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Mental Health experts]]</nowiki>''' and '''<nowiki>[[Category:Counselors]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a [[Tactical (Duty Post)|Tactical officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Tactical Officers‎]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Security (Duty_Post)|Security officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Security Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a [[Helm/Com/Ops_(Duty_Post)|Helm, Com, or Ops officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:HCO Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Tactical (Duty Post)|Tactical officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Tactical Officers‎]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a [[Science (Duty Post)|Science]] officer: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Scientists]]</nowiki>''' and
* They are a [[Helm/Com/Ops_(Duty_Post)|Helm Officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Helm Officers]]</nowiki>'''
'''<nowiki>[[Category:Science Offiers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Helm/Com/Ops_(Duty_Post)|Communications Officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Communications Officers‎]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a Starfleet Captain: '''<nowiki>[[Category: Commanding Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Helm/Com/Ops_(Duty_Post)|Operations Officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Operations Officers‎]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a [[StarFleet_Marine_Corps|Marine]] of some type: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Starfleet Marines]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Helm/Com/Ops_(Duty_Post)|HCO officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:HCO Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is an [[Intelligence_(Duty_Post)|Intelligence officer]] of some type: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Intelligence Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Science (Duty Post)|Science]] officer: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Scientists]]</nowiki>''' and '''<nowiki>[[Category:Science Offiers]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a First Officer: '''<nowiki>[[Category:First Officers‎]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a Starfleet Captain: '''<nowiki>[[Category: Commanding Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a Chief Medical Officer: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Chief Medical Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a Diplomatic Officer, or Ambassador: '''<nowiki>[[Category: Diplomats]]</nowiki>'''
* S/he is a Chief Engineer: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Chief Engineers‎]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[StarFleet_Marine_Corps|Marine]] of some type: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Marines]]</nowiki>'''
* They are an [[Intelligence_(Duty_Post)|Intelligence officer]] of some type: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Intelligence Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a First Officer: '''<nowiki>[[Category:First Officers‎]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a Chief Medical Officer: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Chief Medical Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a Chief Engineer: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Chief Engineers‎]]</nowiki>'''
 
Don't see the one you need? A complete list of duty post categories can be found in the [[:Category:Individuals by duty post|Individuals by duty post]] category.


More occupations found in the [[:Category:Individuals by occupation|Individuals by occupation]] category.
More occupations found in the [[:Category:Individuals by occupation|Individuals by occupation]] category.


===Species===
{{SubHeading|Species|#FBABAC}}
Many races already have categories available. Simply head to the [[:Category:Individuals by species|Individuals by species]] category and find yours. Add that category, like so: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Vulcans]]</nowiki>'''.  
Now we need to affiliate your character page with the species of your character. Many races already have categories available – simply head to the [[:Category:Individuals by species|Individuals by species]] category and find yours. Add that category, like so: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Vulcans]]</nowiki>'''.
 
If your character is a hybrid of two species, add both species categories as well as '''<nowiki>[[Category:Hybrids]]</nowiki>'''.


If yours is not represented, seek assistance from an [[118Wiki:Administrators|Admin]].
If you can't find your species category, post a new thread in the [http://forums.starbase118.net/index.php/forum/539-wiki-helpdesk/ wiki helpdesk forum] asking about your chosen species.  


===Traits===
{{SubHeading|Traits|#FBABAC}}
Does your character fit one of the following traits?:  
Does your character fit one of the following traits?:  
* if she/he has any ESP like abilities then they would be a [[Readers Guild|Reader]]. For more information about this or to make sure your character qualifies as a reader follow the link, [[Readers Guild|Reader]]. Once you are sure your character qualifies as a reader then add the following category: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Reader Characters]]</nowiki>'''
* If they have any ESP like abilities then they would be a [[Readers Guild|Reader]]. For more information about this or to make sure your character qualifies as a reader follow the link, [[Readers Guild|Reader]]. Once you are sure your character qualifies as a reader then add the following category: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Reader Characters]]</nowiki>'''
* is she/he is a [[Lambda Alliance|Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgendered]] character then add the following category: '''<nowiki>[[Category:GLBT Characters]]</nowiki>'''
* If they are a [[Lambda Alliance|Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender]] character then add the following category: '''<nowiki>[[Category:GLBT Characters]]</nowiki>'''
* if she/he holds a noble title then add this category: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Nobility]]</nowiki>'''
* If they hold a noble title then add this category: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Nobility]]</nowiki>'''
* if she/he is a Secondary Character for you then add this category: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Secondary Characters]]</nowiki>'''
* If they are a Secondary Character for you then add this category: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Secondary Characters]]</nowiki>'''
** '''Keep in Mind''' that only officers who are above the rank of Lt. may request a secondary character. See [[Characters FAQ]] for more info on how to request a secondary character.
** '''Keep in Mind''' that only officers who are above the rank of Lieutenant may request a secondary character. See [[Characters FAQ]] for more info on how to request a secondary character.
 
{{SubHeading|Current Starship or Base|#FBABAC}}
You'll need to add yourself as a member of the current crew you are on. We maintain a list of current ship categories at [[:Category: Characters by ship]]. Find the one that matches your ship, and add it to your profile.


===Current Starship or Base===
If you have changed ship, your old ship should have a category for former PCs (e.g. [[:Category:Independence-A Alumni]]). If so, add this to the bottom of your characters page at the same time as adding it to the PC's category for your new ship. For the alumni categories, please check [[:Category:Alumni Categories]]
You'll need to add yourself as a member of the current crew you are on. Head to the [[Ship Histories]] page and find your current ship. Now scroll down to the bottom of your ship's page and click on your ship's category name. This should bring you to a list of sub-categories, and pages in your ship's category. Usually there is a category like "Enterprise PCs" or "Enterprise Crew" or "Enterprise Characters." Add that category to your character page.


If you have changed ship, your old ship might have a category for former PCs (e.g. [[:Category:Independence-A Alumni]]). If so, add this to the bottom of your characters page at the same time as adding it to the PC's category for your new ship.
{{SubHeading|Character Status|#FBABAC}}
Characters die, or retire, as things change. We have categories for that, as well.


{{Heading|Other Tutorials|Blue}}
*They are deceased: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Deceased characters‏‎]]</nowiki>'''
* [http://forums.starbase118.net/index.php?/topic/6793-displaying-your-ribbons-and-awards/ Displaying Your Ribbons and Awards]
*They are retired: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Retired Characters]]</nowiki>'''
* [http://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php?title=Template:Kalinav Example nav/sidebar box]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Collapsing Using collapsible tables]


{{Heading|Help|Blue}}
{{Heading|Character Portrait|#FBABAC}}
In most cases if after reading this you still require assistance you can usually ask either your Captain or 1st Officer. They should be able to either help you out or direct you to someone who can assist you.
You'll also want to add a picture of your character to your profile! Our fantastic Image Collective team can help with this. After you've completed training, [https://forums.starbase118.net/topic/13265-read-this-before-requesting-a-graphic/ read this forum thread] and then start a new thread with your request. In a few days you will have a character portrait you can upload to the wiki.  


{{Heading|Examples|Blue}}
When you're ready, head to the [[Special:Upload|wiki's upload page]] and carefully follow the directions on that page. Do not skip steps! Use these settings:
* '''Destination filename:''' Edit the file name so that it says your character's name after <code>portrait-</code>, like so: "portrait-TristanWolf.png" Make sure you don't accidentally remove the file extension (.png, .jpg, etc.)
* '''Summary:''' <nowiki>[[Category:Character Images]]</nowiki>
 
Then click Upload File. You should find yourself on a page titled something like <code>File:portrait-TristanWolf.png</code>.
 
Copy the title and head back to your character page, then click Edit. Look for following code near the top of the page:
 
<code>|IMAGE = </code>
 
After the equal sign, paste your file name. Remove the <code>File:</code> prefix. Save the page and your character portrait should appear!
 
{{Heading|Great examples|#FBABAC}}
Our '''Featured Bio Team''' reviews the best bios on the wiki and curates a list of the top examples. You can find lots of inspiration for your own bio by checking out their [[Featured Bio Contest#List of Featured Articles|List of Featured Bios]].  
Our '''Featured Bio Team''' reviews the best bios on the wiki and curates a list of the top examples. You can find lots of inspiration for your own bio by checking out their [[Featured Bio Contest#List of Featured Articles|List of Featured Bios]].  


{{Heading|Advanced character pages|#FBABAC}}
Want to add more to your page, like detailed character information, a sim archive, and other subpages? '''Find advanced templates and learn more about all these topics on the [[Advanced character page tutorial]].'''
{{Character Footer}}
[[Category:Characters|*]]
[[Category:Characters|*]]
[[Category:Help]]
[[Category:Help]]
[[Category:Characters Guild]]
[[Category:Characters Guild]]
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