Wiki canonicity query

[Carlobrand]

While looking up some information in the Wiki on some of the subsectors in Deneb sector, I encountered quite a bit of information that seems to be noncanon - very good information, but noncanon and not clearly identified as such.

What is the status regarding noncanon contributions to the Wiki? Is there a vetting process, or are there particular contributors who by reason of consistent quality or past experience are permitted to make additions? Can the Wiki entries be considered canon or semi-canon by virtue of their submission and acceptance by the community, or is the mixing of canon and noncanon information in this manner going to be problematic? Or is this one of those "open source" things where the community as a whole develops something that is then generally endorsed and accepted by that same community?

I haven't dealt much in matters Wiki in the past, so apologies in advance if these questions sound stupid.

 

[SpaceBadger]

While looking up some information in the Wiki on some of the subsectors in Deneb sector, I encountered quite a bit of information that seems to be noncanon - very good information, but noncanon and not clearly identified as such.

What is the status regarding noncanon contributions to the Wiki? Is there a vetting process, or are there particular contributors who by reason of consistent quality or past experience are permitted to make additions? Can the Wiki entries be considered canon or semi-canon by virtue of their submission and acceptance by the community, or is the mixing of canon and noncanon information in this manner going to be problematic? Or is this one of those "open source" things where the community as a whole develops something that is then generally endorsed and accepted by that same community?

I haven't dealt much in matters Wiki in the past, so apologies in advance if these questions sound stupid.

Are there source notes at the bottom of the page?

I've been making up lots of stuff for my SBRD campaign to fill gaps in canon, but so far it is all in my own little SBRD section of the Wiki, and I have notes at the bottom of each page to reflect that.

Where there is little to no coverage of something in canon (such as details of Daibei Sector) I would like to copy some of my SBRD stuff over into the main Wiki for use by others, but have not yet worked out w tjoneslo how I should indicate where my additions are non-canon, unless by footnotes.

For example, it seems obvious that Reavers' Deep sector must have had some other name before it became known as a haven for pirates and space vikings. Based on its location to rimward of the Thumb, I decided that it had borne the same name as one of its subsectors: Riftrim Deep. This is not contradicted anywhere in canon, so others might as well have it to use as well, but I assume I would need to mark it somehow as non-canon.

 

[tjoneslo]

While looking up some information in the Wiki on some of the subsectors in Deneb sector, I encountered quite a bit of information that seems to be noncanon - very good information, but noncanon and not clearly identified as such.

What is the status regarding noncanon contributions to the Wiki? Is there a vetting process, or are there particular contributors who by reason of consistent quality or past experience are permitted to make additions? Can the Wiki entries be considered canon or semi-canon by virtue of their submission and acceptance by the community, or is the mixing of canon and noncanon information in this manner going to be problematic? Or is this one of those "open source" things where the community as a whole develops something that is then generally endorsed and accepted by that same community?

The wiki is accepting of all contributions. Because we wanted to make the wiki look as much like Wikipedia, we opted to be subtle about distinguishing between Canon and non-canon material. There are two ways we make this explicit. The first is the categories at the bottom of the page (Category: Canon vs. Category: Non-canon). The other is the Sources box (the large blueish box at the bottom of the article).

The primary reason for the wiki is to provide background for everyone who plays Traveller using the Third Imperium. The distinction between canon and non-canon is primarily for the people who write new material. For them, like the real Wikipedia, we recommend consulting the source material rather than just the wiki.

If you wish to create your own articles, or add to an existing one, I would encourage you to do so.

 

[Carlobrand]

...If you wish to create your own articles, or add to an existing one, I would encourage you to do so.

I've actually considered it, but I'm wary of stepping on toes. Does one just add something, or is there a submission process?

 

[tjoneslo]

I've actually considered it, but I'm wary of stepping on toes. Does one just add something, or is there a submission process?

Feel free to add or update as you see fit. If you have questions about a specific page or change, please put them on the talk page, that way everyone who want to understand why or how things were changes can follow along later. The same may happen if someone else has questions or concerns about your changes.

 

[SpaceBadger]

Feel free to add or update as you see fit. If you have questions about a specific page or change, please put them on the talk page, that way everyone who want to understand why or how things were changes can follow along later. The same may happen if someone else has questions or concerns about your changes.

So if I add something into the Wiki that I have made up for SBRD, that is non-canon but not in contradiction of canon, I should put a footnote in Sources at the bottom of the page, and then also a comment on the Talk page for that item?

 

[rancke]

I've actually considered it, but I'm wary of stepping on toes. Does one just add something, or is there a submission process?

You just add something and if someone objects a process of accomodation ensues. If the controversy deadlocks, third parties step in. Thomas is the final arbiter.



Hans

 

[tjoneslo]

So if I add something into the Wiki that I have made up for SBRD, that is non-canon but not in contradiction of canon, I should put a footnote in Sources at the bottom of the page, and then also a comment on the Talk page for that item?

The only two requirements for articles of your material is they should be in the Non-Canon category. Either by including [[Category: Non-Canon]] or using Template: LEN at the end of the article. Second they should include the Template: Sources, so any one wanting to confirm, correct, or update the article can find the author(s).

 

[Timerover51]

The only two requirements for articles of your material is they should be in the Non-Canon category. Either by including [[Category: Non-Canon]] or using Template: LEN at the end of the article. Second they should include the Template: Sources, so any one wanting to confirm, correct, or update the article can find the author(s).

You are in charge of the Wiki then, or one of those in charge?

I assume that articles by Marc in the JTAS are viewed as canon?

 

[aramis]

You are in charge of the Wiki then, or one of those in charge?

I assume that articles by Marc in the JTAS are viewed as canon?

Thomas is the Admin of the Wiki. I need to add him to the "authorities" list.

 

[tjoneslo]

You are in charge of the Wiki then, or one of those in charge?

I assume that articles by Marc in the JTAS are viewed as canon?

Yes, I am the administrator of the wiki, though I prefer the title of Lead Editor.

Generally we view all the articles in JTAS, by whomever, as not canon. The Canon definition used in the wiki is a little looser than some, but since we never claim to be the definitive authority on canon vs. non-canon, it works for us.