Creation and Upkeep of a Character Page: Difference between revisions

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While the [http://www.starbase118.net/lcars UPDS] is a great organizing tool four our group, it's difficult to really create an in depth look at your character using that area. 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.
{{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.


==Character Page vs. User Page==
{{heading|Character Page vs. User Page|#FBABAC}}
First things first. 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, at the left of which is a link to a page called "User:Username" (with your username in place, obviously). Just with the UPDS, 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, 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 your character page|#FBABAC}}
==Creating the Page==
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:  
There's are two good, important pages about creating, and naming pages:  


* [[Creating a new page]]
* [[Creating a new page]]
* [[Naming pages properly]]
* [[Naming pages properly]]


{{Heading|Character page template and content|#FBABAC}}
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:
* '''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:
<pre>{{Subst:StarterBio}}</pre>
Once the page saves, you'll see a page that '''[[Featured Bio Contest/Easy Starter Bio/Example|looks like this]]'''.
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:
===Make small changes, use preview, and save often===
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.
===Ask for help!===
Stuck? Not sure how to fix or change something? Lots of folks are standing by to help. Try these avenues:
# '''[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.
# '''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.
{{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.


==Templates==
Read the next section carefully to make sure you do not miss anything.
We have created a number of templates that you can use to start your user page with. Using these templates, you can quickly and easily have a "form" to work with.  


'''Keep in mind''': You are free to add and edit as much as you wish, once you have these templates on your page. These are just "starting points" to work from.
{{SubHeading|Duty Post/Occupation|#FBABAC}}
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: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Starfleet personnel]]</nowiki>'''
* If your character is a Civilian of some type, add: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Civilians]]</nowiki>'''


===Simple Template===
Next, what does your character do?:
This template is pretty bare-bones. It's similar to what's on the UPDS, and just gives you a basic character page to start with.
* They are an [[Engineering (Duty Post)|Engineering officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Engineers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Medical (Duty Post)|Nurse]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Nurses]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Medical (Duty Post)|Doctor or Medic]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Healers and doctors]]</nowiki>''' and '''<nowiki>[[Category:Medical Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Counselor (Duty Post)|Counselor]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Mental Health experts]]</nowiki>''' and '''<nowiki>[[Category:Counselors]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Security (Duty_Post)|Security officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Security Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Tactical (Duty Post)|Tactical officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Tactical Officers‎]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Helm/Com/Ops_(Duty_Post)|Helm Officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Helm Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Helm/Com/Ops_(Duty_Post)|Communications Officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Communications Officers‎]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Helm/Com/Ops_(Duty_Post)|Operations Officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Operations Officers‎]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Helm/Com/Ops_(Duty_Post)|HCO officer]]: '''<nowiki>[[Category:HCO Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a [[Science (Duty Post)|Science]] officer: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Scientists]]</nowiki>''' and '''<nowiki>[[Category:Science Offiers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a Starfleet Captain: '''<nowiki>[[Category: Commanding Officers]]</nowiki>'''
* They are a Diplomatic Officer, or Ambassador: '''<nowiki>[[Category: Diplomats]]</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>'''


* To see what this template includes, click the link: [[Template:Biosimple]]
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.
* To use this template, put the tag below into your character page and save the page. Then click the "edit" link to fill in the results.
** <nowiki>{{subst:Biosimple}}</nowiki>


===Advanced Template===
More occupations found in the [[:Category:Individuals by occupation|Individuals by occupation]] category.
This template gives you a fuller profile for your character.  


* To see what this template includes, click the link: [[Template:Bioadvanced]]
{{SubHeading|Species|#FBABAC}}
* To use this template, put the tag below into your character page and save the page. Then click the "edit" link to fill in the results.
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>'''.
** <nowiki>{{subts:Biocomplex}}</nowiki>


===Complex Template===
If your character is a hybrid of two species, add both species categories as well as '''<nowiki>[[Category:Hybrids]]</nowiki>'''.
This template is for those who practically live, eat, and sleep with their character in mind. It works well with the "[[#Advanced Categorization|advanced categorization]]" below.  


* To see what this template includes, click the link: [[Template:Biocomplex]]
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.  
* To use this template, put the tag below into your character page and save the page. Then click the "edit" link to fill in the results.
** <nowiki>{{subts:Biocomplex}}</nowiki>


{{SubHeading|Traits|#FBABAC}}
Does your character fit one of the following traits?:
* 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>'''
* If they are a [[Lambda Alliance|Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender]] character then add the following category: '''<nowiki>[[Category:GLBT Characters]]</nowiki>'''
* If they hold a noble title then add this category: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Nobility]]</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 Lieutenant may request a secondary character. See [[Characters FAQ]] for more info on how to request a secondary character.


==Sub-pages==
{{SubHeading|Current Starship or Base|#FBABAC}}
If you have a good deal of information for your character, and plan to put more than just your character's basic information on their page, then you can create a number of sub-pages to make the "main" page a little more lean and easier to read. The "complex" template above utilizes some of these methods.
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.


===In-depth Personal and/or Professional Histories===
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]]
===SIM Archives===
===Family Pages===


{{SubHeading|Character Status|#FBABAC}}
Characters die, or retire, as things change. We have categories for that, as well.


==Adding Categories==
*They are deceased: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Deceased characters‏‎]]</nowiki>'''
All pages on the wiki should be categorized. Please use the guidelines below in determining how your character page should be categorized.
*They are retired: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Retired Characters]]</nowiki>'''


===Simple Categorization===
{{Heading|Character Portrait|#FBABAC}}
If you only have, say, one page for a specific character, and maybe one sub-page, then you should just use: <nowiki>[[Category:Characters]]</nowiki> at the very, very bottom of your page to categorize. If your ship also has a category specifically for '''active crew''', you can add that category as well. (''Do not put your character into your vessel's NPC listing category.'')
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.  


'''Please note''': Do ''not'' add a category to a sub-page if you only have one. If you have more than one sub-page, you may want to consider using the "Advanced Categorization" below.  
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>


===Advanced Categorization===
Then click Upload File. You should find yourself on a page titled something like <code>File:portrait-TristanWolf.png</code>.  
If you have "filled out" your character page, and are including a SIM archive, in depth personal and professional histories all on their own pages, etc., then you will need a more complex category set-up to make it easier to navigate. Please do ''not'' use this method if you only have your one character page and less than two sub-pages.


As mentioned, it is best to do this only if you have a number of pages. Your first task is to create a sub-category for your character. To do this, you would put the following category tag at the bottom of your main page: <nowiki>[[Category:Wolf, Tristan|*]]</nowiki> -- using your own character's name, of course. This creates a seperate category for your character. The "|*" within the tag is used to put this actual in the * section of the category, which is always displayed first. So the first article the user sees upon entering your category is the main character page.
Copy the title and head back to your character page, then click Edit. Look for following code near the top of the page:


Now, once the page is saved, click on the category link, which should be red. This will take you to a page where you can edit the introductory text for the category. Add something like this:
<code>|IMAGE = </code>


: "For information pertaining to <nowiki>[[Wolf, Tristan|Tristan Wolf]]</nowiki>."
After the equal sign, paste your file name. Remove the <code>File:</code> prefix. Save the page and your character portrait should appear!


Then, put this tag at the bottom of the page: <nowiki>[[Category:Characters]]</nowiki> and save the page. This category now becomes a sub-category of the main character category.  
{{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]].  


Now it's time to categorize each of your sub-pages. This is similar to categorizing your main page, but you need to change the section each page is organized in. With the main page, we added "|*" to the end of the category page so that it would be organized into the * section of the category. With category pages, they're going to be named something like this: "Wolf, Tristan/Personal History". So, we'll want to make sure that each page is organized into a section according to what the page's name is. For the example above, we'd use the following category tag: <nowiki>[[Category:Wolf, Tristan|Personal]]</nowiki>. Now it'll be categorized in the "P" section of the category, and will be properly alphabetized if there are other pages in that section.
{{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]].'''


Finally, if your vessel has a category for '''active characters''' (''do not put your character into your vessel's NPC listing category''), you can include your character's sub-category into your vessel's active characters category. To do so, go to your character's sub-category. Click no the "edit" link, and include the category tag for your vessel's active characters category there. This creates a new sub-category in your vessel's active characters category with your character sub-category in it. Confusing, huh?


{{Character Footer}}
[[Category:Characters|*]]
[[Category:Characters|*]]
[[Category:Help]]
[[Category:Help]]
[[Category:Characters Guild]]

Latest revision as of 16:06, 22 April 2023

Characters Guild


Characters Guild
CharacterGuildLogo.png
Edit this nav

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.

Character Page vs. User Page

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.

Creating your character page

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:

Character page template and content

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:

  • 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:
{{Subst:StarterBio}}

Once the page saves, you'll see a page that looks like this.

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:

Make small changes, use preview, and save often

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.

Ask for help!

Stuck? Not sure how to fix or change something? Lots of folks are standing by to help. Try these avenues:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Adding Categories

All pages on the wiki should be categorized. So once you've created your character page, you need to add some category tags.

Read the next section carefully to make sure you do not miss anything.

Duty Post/Occupation

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: [[Category:Starfleet personnel]]
  • If your character is a Civilian of some type, add: [[Category:Civilians]]

Next, what does your character do?:

  • They are an Engineering officer: [[Category:Engineers]]
  • They are a Nurse: [[Category:Nurses]]
  • They are a Doctor or Medic: [[Category:Healers and doctors]] and [[Category:Medical Officers]]
  • They are a Counselor: [[Category:Mental Health experts]] and [[Category:Counselors]]
  • They are a Security officer: [[Category:Security Officers]]
  • They are a Tactical officer: [[Category:Tactical Officers‎]]
  • They are a Helm Officer: [[Category:Helm Officers]]
  • They are a Communications Officer: [[Category:Communications Officers‎]]
  • They are a Operations Officer: [[Category:Operations Officers‎]]
  • They are a HCO officer: [[Category:HCO Officers]]
  • They are a Science officer: [[Category:Scientists]] and [[Category:Science Offiers]]
  • They are a Starfleet Captain: [[Category: Commanding Officers]]
  • They are a Diplomatic Officer, or Ambassador: [[Category: Diplomats]]
  • They are a Marine of some type: [[Category:Marines]]
  • They are an Intelligence officer of some type: [[Category:Intelligence Officers]]
  • They are a First Officer: [[Category:First Officers‎]]
  • They are a Chief Medical Officer: [[Category:Chief Medical Officers]]
  • They are a Chief Engineer: [[Category:Chief Engineers‎]]

Don't see the one you need? A complete list of duty post categories can be found in the Individuals by duty post category.

More occupations found in the Individuals by occupation category.

Species

Now we need to affiliate your character page with the species of your character. Many races already have categories available – simply head to the Individuals by species category and find yours. Add that category, like so: [[Category:Vulcans]].

If your character is a hybrid of two species, add both species categories as well as [[Category:Hybrids]].

If you can't find your species category, post a new thread in the wiki helpdesk forum asking about your chosen species.

Traits

Does your character fit one of the following traits?:

  • If they have any ESP like abilities then they would be a Reader. For more information about this or to make sure your character qualifies as a reader follow the link, Reader. Once you are sure your character qualifies as a reader then add the following category: [[Category:Reader Characters]]
  • If they are a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender character then add the following category: [[Category:GLBT Characters]]
  • If they hold a noble title then add this category: [[Category:Nobility]]
  • If they are a Secondary Character for you then add this category: [[Category:Secondary Characters]]
    • 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.

Current Starship or Base

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.

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

Character Status

Characters die, or retire, as things change. We have categories for that, as well.

  • They are deceased: [[Category:Deceased characters‏‎]]
  • They are retired: [[Category:Retired Characters]]

Character Portrait

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, 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.

When you're ready, head to the 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 portrait-, like so: "portrait-TristanWolf.png" Make sure you don't accidentally remove the file extension (.png, .jpg, etc.)
  • Summary: [[Category:Character Images]]

Then click Upload File. You should find yourself on a page titled something like File:portrait-TristanWolf.png.

Copy the title and head back to your character page, then click Edit. Look for following code near the top of the page:

|IMAGE =

After the equal sign, paste your file name. Remove the File: prefix. Save the page and your character portrait should appear!

Great examples

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 List of Featured Bios.

Advanced character pages

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.



Characters Guild
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