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''Latest Update: April 25, 2022''
+
''Latest Update: May 17, 2022''
 
==What is a Manual of Style?==
 
==What is a Manual of Style?==
−
A manual of style, sometimes called a style guide, is a reference work that sets standards for document writing, formatting, and design. A manual of style can be designed for various tasks, such as business communication or blog writing. The manual typically does not focus on what is grammatically "correct" or "incorrect" in an absolute sense. Rather, it provides guidance in instances for which multiple possibilities exist.
+
A manual of style, sometimes called a style guide, is a reference work that sets standards for document writing, formatting, and design. A manual of style can be designed for anything, from business communication to blog writing. The manual typically does not focus on what is grammatically "correct" or "incorrect" in an absolute sense. Rather, it provides guidance for best practice and consistency.
 
   
 
   
−
Currently, this manual of style applies only to TarValon.Net's Library and the articles contained within it. Other TarValon.Net documents might not necessarily follow this manual.
+
Currently, this manual of style applies only to TarValon.Net's Library and the articles contained within it. Other TarValon.Net materials may follow a different guide.
  
 
===Why does the TarValon.Net Library Need a Manual of Style?===
 
===Why does the TarValon.Net Library Need a Manual of Style?===
−
Although every contributor to our Library has their own writing style and preferences, a high degree of variation among articles could make the Library's materials less consistent and might even introduce issues with accuracy and readability. A manual of style would help to ensure consistency and accuracy across all of the Library's articles by setting standards for matters such as punctuation, capitalization, citation, language, and typography.
+
Although every contributor to our Library has their own writing style and preferences, a high degree of variation can make the Library's materials less cohesive and consistent, and will often introduce issues with accuracy and readability. A manual of style helps ensure all of the Library's articles meet a uniform standard in punctuation, capitalization, citation, language, and typography.
 
   
 
   
−
Over time, Library contributors have established some unspoken or unwritten rules, but having an official document will help future writers and editors compose, format, and edit articles more consistently.  
+
Over time, Library contributors have established some unspoken or unwritten rules for Library materials, but having an official document ensures future writers and editors compose, format, and edit articles as consistently as possible.  
  
 
===Who Should Use the Manual of Style?===
 
===Who Should Use the Manual of Style?===
−
We understand that many writers and editors may require some time to read this guide in its entirety and apply its guidelines consistently. However, writers and editors should make their best efforts to do so. The style guide will serve you as a point of reference and a resource. In addition, it can help to settle disputes between editors, and it might answer new editors' questions.
+
We understand that for many Library contributors, a significant amount of time may be required to read and apply the guidelines in this manual. However, we request all writers and editors make their best effort to do so. The style guide is here as a point of reference and key resource, and it can be an invaluable tool in settling disputes between editors, or answering questions that may arise.
−
 
 
−
===Do I Need to Follow This to Submit Articles to the Library?===
 
−
Please do your best to apply our style guide to any submissions to the Library. We understand that learning to apply a style guide can be an involved process, but using this guide is an important part of ensuring the consistency and clarity of the Library's materials. A Library editor will review your submission and suggest useful changes, including those that ensure the article complies with the style guide.
 
  
 +
===Do I Need to Follow the Manual to Submit Articles to the Library?===
 +
Please do your best to apply this guide to any submissions to the Library. We understand that learning to use a style guide can be an involved process, but it is crucial to ensuring the consistency and clarity of the Library's materials. A Library editor will review your submission(s) and suggest useful changes, particularly those necessary to ensure compliance with the style guide.
 +
<br>
 +
{|class ="wikitable " border="1" style="background-color: #FAFAFA; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; border-collapse: collapse; float: right;
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|-
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!Width=100%|[[:Category:TarValon.Net Library Manual of Style|Manual of Style Pages]]
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|-
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|style="padding: 10px 5px;"|[[Manual of Style/Abbreviations]]
 +
|-
 +
|style="padding: 10px 5px;"|[[Manual of Style/Article Layout]]
 +
|-
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|style="padding: 10px 5px;"|[[Manual of Style/Citations]]
 +
|-
 +
|style="padding: 10px 5px;"|[[Manual of Style/Wheel of Time Words and Phrases]]
 +
|-
 +
|style="padding: 10px 5px;"|[[Manual of Style/US English vs British English]]
 +
|}
 +
<br>
 
==Spelling and Grammar==
 
==Spelling and Grammar==
−
Most articles in the Library are written in English, so the majority of the manual's guidance for grammar, mechanics, spelling, and other issues will be focused on the English language.
+
Most articles in the Library are written in English, so the majority of this manual's guidance for grammar, mechanics, spelling, and terminology will be based on English conventions from the United States. TarValon.Net is incorporated in the U.S.A., with U.S. standard English required for all legal documentation, so likewise U.S. spelling and punctuation will be used by default in the Library.
−
 
 
−
Articles written in other languages will be edited according to the prevailing rules for those languages. In addition, volunteers might be needed to edit such articles.
 
−
 
 
−
TarValon.Net's Library articles should be written using U.S. English conventions. TarValon.Net is incorporated in the United States of America, and this is where the Bylaws are registered, so the U.S. English spelling and punctuation are considered the default.  
 
  
−
<!-- A basic list with the U.S. English conventions can be found at the following page. [a link to the US vs British English page] -->
+
Articles written in other languages will be edited according to the prevailing rules for those languages. Whenever possible, native and/or fluent speakers of each language will be asked to edit such articles.
  
−
Article text submitted in British English or other non-U.S. Englishes will be edited to conform to U.S. conventions, but please make your best effort to use U.S. conventions in your submissions.
+
A basic list with the U.S. English conventions can be found at the following page: [[Manual of Style/US English vs British English]]. Articles submitted in British English or other non-U.S. English dialects will be edited to conform to U.S. conventions, but please make your best effort to use U.S. conventions in your submissions.
  
−
To avoid any confusion or spelling and word definition disputes, the Library's preferred dictionary is the [https://www.merriam-webster.com/ Merriam-Webster dictionary].   
+
To avoid any confusion over spelling and word definitions, the Library's preferred dictionary is the [https://www.merriam-webster.com/ Merriam-Webster dictionary].   
  
 
===Avoid Using Slang===
 
===Avoid Using Slang===
−
In general, avoid using slang terms and other informal expressions in articles you submit to TarValon.Net's Library. Such terms often have highly specialized or highly localized meanings and could therefore be difficult for readers from diverse backgrounds and locations to understand.
+
In general, avoid using slang terms and other informal expressions in articles you submit to TarValon.Net's Library. Such terms often vary in meaning depending on location, and could therefore be difficult for readers from diverse backgrounds and locations to understand.
  
−
When editing or submitting articles, slang words might be allowed in the following cases:
+
When editing or submitting articles, slang words may be allowed in the following cases:
−
*Articles, written by members of TarValon.Net that are made with fun or comedic purpose, or Tower- or WoT-related articles, such as the following:
+
*Articles, written by members of TarValon.Net that are made with fun or comedic purpose, or site or WoT-related articles, such as the following:
 
**[[:Category:Community Articles]]
 
**[[:Category:Community Articles]]
 
**[[:Category:Music, Poetry and Stories by the Fans]]
 
**[[:Category:Music, Poetry and Stories by the Fans]]
 
**[[:Category:Raising Essays]]
 
**[[:Category:Raising Essays]]
−
*On a person's [[Who's Who]] page, if they have decided to use it there.
+
*On personal [[Who's Who]] pages, if they have decided to use it there.
  
−
However, in such cases, slang terms should not be offensive in nature and will be edited if found to be so.
+
However, in such cases slang terms should not be offensive in nature and will be edited if determined to be so.
  
 
===Avoid Using Contractions===
 
===Avoid Using Contractions===
−
Formal and scholarly writing typically avoids the use of contractions to ensure greater clarity. Except in cases such as direct quotations of another's words, or the above mentioned Who's Who personal pages, please generally avoid the use of contractions in submissions to the Library. For instance, please use "I am not" or "I should not" instead of "I’m not" or "I shouldn’t."
+
Formal and scholarly writing typically avoids the use of contractions to ensure greater clarity. The exceptions are direct quotations and the above mentioned [[Who's Who]] personal pages. In general, please avoid the use of contractions in submissions to the Library (use "I am not" instead of "I’m not," or "we are" instead of "we're").
 
   
 
   
 
===Abbreviations===
 
===Abbreviations===
−
Avoid abbreviations when they might confuse the reader, interrupt the flow, or appear informal. Generally, avoid devising new abbreviations, especially acronyms.
+
Avoid abbreviations when they may be unclear, interrupt the flow, or appear informal. Also avoid devising new abbreviations, especially acronyms.  
−
 
 
−
*There is an allowed shortening of "Chapter" to "Ch." when used to reference a chapter from a book.
 
−
*The Wheel of Time book titles are usually used as acronyms in TarValon.Net's Library whenever they are referenced inline.
 
−
*Some positions at TarValon.Net community can also sometimes be referenced by using their acronym.  
 
  
−
Please consult with the following list when in need to use abbreviations - [[Manual of Style/Abbreviations]].
+
Exceptions:
 +
*"Chapter" may be shortened to "Ch." in the referencing from a book.
 +
*''The Wheel of Time'' book titles may be replaced with acronyms when referenced inline.
 +
*Staff and administrative positions at TarValon.Net may be referred to by their commonly used acronyms.  
  
−
===Serial Comma (Oxford Comma) Use===
+
Please consult the following list when needing to use abbreviations - [[Manual of Style/Abbreviations]].
−
TarValon.Net's Library recommends using the serial comma, also called the Oxford comma, except when doing so would make the meaning of a sentence unclear.  
 
  
 
===Lists===
 
===Lists===
 
Lists are commonly used to organize information of a similar kind.  
 
Lists are commonly used to organize information of a similar kind.  
  
−
TarValon.Net's Library uses unordered or bulleted lists by default with each list item being a complete sentence. Use sentence case by default for list items.  
+
TarValon.Net's Library uses unordered or bulleted lists by default, with each list item being a complete sentence. Use sentence case by default for list items.  
  
−
Sometimes a list may be a part of the sentence, in which case when such a list contains as one of its elements a secondary list, a semicolon is used to divide the elements of the outer/main list. Read more examples about this rule at [https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/a-guide-to-using-semicolons Merriam-Webster.com A Guide to Using Semicolons] in the section Semicolons Separate Phrases or Items in a List or Series.
+
Sometimes multiple lists are part of the same sentence.  In this situation, use a semicolon to divide the elements of the outer/main list, with commas dividing secondary lists:
 +
 
 +
<blockquote>"Aes Sedai have many skills like diplomacy; research; mediating with royalty, nobles, and angry innkeepers; fighting Trollocs, Myrddraal, and other Shadowspawn; and always staying calm when all the tea is gone."</blockquote>
 +
 
 +
Read more examples about this rule at [https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/a-guide-to-using-semicolons Merriam-Webster.com A Guide to Using Semicolons] in the section Semicolons Separate Phrases or Items in a List or Series.
  
 
==General Formatting Rules==
 
==General Formatting Rules==
Line 70: Line 83:
 
The title of a page or category in the Library should be written in title case.
 
The title of a page or category in the Library should be written in title case.
  
−
Avoid using A, An or The as the first word in an article title ("Keeper of the Chronicles" instead of "The Keeper of the Chronicles" or "A Keeper of the Chronicles").
+
Avoid using "A," "An," or "The" as the first word in an article title. For example, use "Keeper of the Chronicles" instead of "The Keeper of the Chronicles" or "A Keeper of the Chronicles."  
  
 
===Headings===
 
===Headings===
−
All headings in TarValon.Net Library articles should be written in title case.
+
All article headings in the Library should be written in title case.
  
−
There are four levels of headings in the Library articles.
+
There are four tiers of headings in the Library:
 
*A Level 1 heading is the title of the page itself.
 
*A Level 1 heading is the title of the page itself.
−
*A Level 2 heading is the highest level of heading on the page.  
+
*A Level 2 heading is the highest heading tier on the page.  
 
*A Level 3 heading is a subheading under a Level 2 heading.
 
*A Level 3 heading is a subheading under a Level 2 heading.
 
*A Level 4 heading is a subheading under a Level 3 heading.
 
*A Level 4 heading is a subheading under a Level 3 heading.
  
−
Each level of heading should be organized beneath a heading of the previous level. Thus, a Level 4 heading should appear only below a Level 3 heading.
+
Each heading below Level 2 should be nested under a heading of the preceding tier. Thus, a Level 4 heading should always be under a Level 3, not a Level 2.  
  
−
Never use a level 1 heading on a page.  
+
Note: never use a Level 1 heading within an article.  
  
 
===Numbers and Dates===
 
===Numbers and Dates===
−
Numbers from one to nine should be spelled out as words, and numbers 10 and above should be written as numerals.  
+
Spell out numbers from one to nine and use numerals for 10 and greater.  
  
−
Exceptions would include:
+
Exceptions involving numbers under 10:
−
*Decimal numbers  
+
*Decimals
−
 
+
*Chapter numbers in titles or text
−
Exceptions involving dates:
 
−
*Days should always be written using numerals.
 
−
*Months should be spelled out fully and should not be abbreviated. For instance, write "March" rather than "Mar."
 
−
*Years should always be written using numerals.
 
−
 
 
−
Real-world dates that appear on Tower related pages should be written using the following format:
 
−
 
 
−
<blockquote>
 
−
Month Date, Year
 
−
 
 
−
Example: September 4, 2021
 
−
</blockquote>
 
  
−
Wheel of Time related dates should be written using the following format:
+
When writing dates, always use numerals for days and years, and spell out the full name of the month ("November" not "Nov.").
  
−
<blockquote>
+
Use the following format for both real-world and Wheel of Time dates that appear on Tower related pages:
−
Month Date, Year
 
  
−
Example: Aine 4, 998 NE
+
<blockquote>'''Month Day, Year'''
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
−
Please note that there are several ways of spelling the calendar year that an event in the Wheel of Time world took place in:
+
Examples:
−
*For years from the Toman calendar, After the Breaking ( abbreviated as '''AB''') - Year '''AB'''
+
*Real-world: September 4, 2021
−
*For years form the Gazaran calendar, Free Years (abbreviated '''FE''') - '''FE''' Year
+
*Wheel of Time: Aine 4, 998 NE
−
*For years from the Farede calendar, years of the New Era (abbreviated '''NE''') - Year '''NE'''
 
  
−
===Wheel of Time Specific Words and Phrases===
+
There are several calendars and abbreviations associated with Wheel of Time events:
−
There are some words and phrases that are "special cases", because of how Robert Jordan has decided to write them in his works [[The Wheel of Time (Series)|The Wheel of Time]]. To continue the consistency, the TarValon.Net Library follows the same formatting of those words and phrases.  
+
*The Toman calendar uses "After the Breaking," which is abbreviated '''AB'''.
 +
*The Gazaran calendar uses "Free Years," which is abbreviated '''FE'''.
 +
*The Farede calendar uses "New Era," which is abbreviated '''NE'''.
  
−
The following format should be used in text, but not in page, category, or section titles.
+
===Specific Wheel of Time Words and Phrases===
 +
There are some words and phrases that Robert Jordan chose to write in unique ways in [[The Wheel of Time (Series)|The Wheel of Time]]. To maintain consistency, the Library uses the same formatting for those words and phrases in articles. (Do not use this format in page, category, or section titles!) 
  
−
On general principle, country, town, city, and personal names should always be capitalized; official titles should always be capitalized; weave names should always be capitalized.  
+
In most cases, country, town, city, and personal names should always be capitalized. The same applies to official titles and the names of channeling weaves.  
  
−
Please consult with the following list when in doubt how to format Wheel of Time words and phrases - [[Manual of Style/Wheel of Time Words and Phrases]].
+
Many unique Wheel of Time words are italicized, or both capitalized and italicized.  Other words are both singular and plural with one spelling.  Please consult with the [[Manual of Style/Wheel of Time Words and Phrases]] when in doubt on how to format Wheel of Time words and phrases.
  
−
==Punctuation==
+
===Punctuation===
−
===Apostrophes===
+
====Apostrophes and Quotations====
−
Use straight apostrophes ('), not curly apostrophes (’). Do not use accent marks or backticks (`) as apostrophes.
+
Use vertical ('), not curly (’) characters for apostrophes and quotation marks. Do not use accent (á), backtick\grave (à), low-high („ “) or guillemet (« ») marks as apostrophes or quotation marks.
  
−
===Quotations===
+
For a quotation within a quotation, use single quotes nested inside double quotes:
−
Use "straight" double quotation marks, not “curly” ones.
 
  
−
Do not use accent marks, backticks (`text´), low-high („ “) or guillemet (« ») marks as quotation marks.
+
<blockquote>The Brown Sister asked: "Did that novice say 'I lost the book' before she left?"</blockquote>
  
−
For a quotation within a quotation use single quotes:
+
====Serial Comma (Oxford Comma) Use====
 +
TarValon.Net's Library uses the serial/Oxford comma, except when doing so would make the meaning of a sentence unclear. This is the placing of a comma before the final item in a list (e.g., "I love baking, babies, and toddlers" not "I love baking, babies and toddlers").
  
−
<blockquote>Bob asked: "Did Jim say 'I ate the apple' before he left?"</blockquote>
+
===Spacing===
 +
No spaces should be inserted before a comma, semicolon, colon, period/full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark. A single space should be added after each of these punctuation marks.
  
−
==Spacing==
+
Some editors may prefer to double-space between sentences, but this will not appear on the published page as the Library software reduces any extra spaces to a single space.
−
A space should be omitted before a comma, semicolon, colon, period/full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark. A single space should be added after each of these punctuation marks.
 
  
−
Some editors may prefer to type two spaces after a period/full stop, however the software will render only a single space so what the reader sees is not affected.  
+
A single empty line should be inserted before each heading, regardless of its level. After the heading, there should not be an empty line between the heading and its text.
  
 
==Citations==
 
==Citations==
−
The source material used in TarValon.Net's Library articles comes from the work by Robert Jordan [[The Wheel of Time (Series)|The Wheel of Time]], and its accompanying works, such as [[The World of Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time"]] and [[The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game]]. The [[Wheel of Time Companion]] is not used as a source for articles submitted to TarValon.Net's Library.  
+
The source material used in TarValon.Net's Library comes from the [[The Wheel of Time (Series)|The Wheel of Time]] books by Robert Jordan, and any accompanying works, such as [[The World of Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time"]] and [[The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game]]. The [[Wheel of Time Companion]] is not used as a source for articles submitted to TarValon.Net's Library.  
  
−
All statements and quotations in an article must be followed by an appropriate reference to one of the books of the The Wheel of Time. The TarValon.Net Library has templates linking to a book, and a chapter of that particular book, which you may use to include your references - [[:Category:Chapter Templates]].
+
All Wheel of Time statements and quotations in an article must be followed by an appropriate reference. The Library has templates to link to a book, or a chapter within a book, which may be useful to include in your references - [[:Category:Chapter Templates]].
  
−
There are different templates, which you should use for different purposes. For more information on citations, check out the manual on [[Manual of Style/Citations|Citations]].
+
Be aware there are various templates which are required for specific instances/purposes. For more information on citations, refer to the manual on [[Manual of Style/Citations|Citations]].
  
 
==Categories and Pages Which This Manual Excludes==  
 
==Categories and Pages Which This Manual Excludes==  
 
In general, all articles under the [[:Category:The Wheel of Time]] and [[:Category:The Wheel of Time TV Series]] should follow this manual.   
 
In general, all articles under the [[:Category:The Wheel of Time]] and [[:Category:The Wheel of Time TV Series]] should follow this manual.   
  
−
However, there are several categories that either follow other manuals, or are written in free style and are not academically written articles. Therefore, those articles are exempt from following this manual, which does not mean that they cannot, but it is not mandatory.
+
However, there are several categories that either follow other manuals, or are written in free style and are not bound to prescribed formatting. Articles in those categories may follow this manual if desired, but overall they are exempt from any mandatory compliance.
  
 +
Exemption examples:
 
*Free style articles: [[:Category:The Real World]], [[:Category:Music, Poetry and Stories by the Fans]].
 
*Free style articles: [[:Category:The Real World]], [[:Category:Music, Poetry and Stories by the Fans]].
−
*The Tar Valon Times articles are usually edited following another manual - [[:Category:Tar Valon Times]].  
+
*Tar Valon Times articles: [[:Category:Tar Valon Times]].  
 
*All class transcripts under the [[:Category:TarValon.Net Classes]]
 
*All class transcripts under the [[:Category:TarValon.Net Classes]]
  
 
==Revisions==
 
==Revisions==
−
Revisions to this document will be done on a yearly basis.
+
Revisions to this document will be done annually.
  
 
Revisions will also be made whenever there is a need to change, or add a section or a rule.
 
Revisions will also be made whenever there is a need to change, or add a section or a rule.
 
   
 
   
 
;Latest Revisions:
 
;Latest Revisions:
−
* First published - April 25, 2022.
+
* First published - April 25, 2022
 +
* Copy edited - May 17, 2022
  
  
 
[[Category: TarValon.Net Library Manual of Style|*]]
 
[[Category: TarValon.Net Library Manual of Style|*]]

Latest revision as of 02:43, 16 June 2022

Latest Update: May 17, 2022

What is a Manual of Style?

A manual of style, sometimes called a style guide, is a reference work that sets standards for document writing, formatting, and design. A manual of style can be designed for anything, from business communication to blog writing. The manual typically does not focus on what is grammatically "correct" or "incorrect" in an absolute sense. Rather, it provides guidance for best practice and consistency.

Currently, this manual of style applies only to TarValon.Net's Library and the articles contained within it. Other TarValon.Net materials may follow a different guide.

Why does the TarValon.Net Library Need a Manual of Style?

Although every contributor to our Library has their own writing style and preferences, a high degree of variation can make the Library's materials less cohesive and consistent, and will often introduce issues with accuracy and readability. A manual of style helps ensure all of the Library's articles meet a uniform standard in punctuation, capitalization, citation, language, and typography.

Over time, Library contributors have established some unspoken or unwritten rules for Library materials, but having an official document ensures future writers and editors compose, format, and edit articles as consistently as possible.

Who Should Use the Manual of Style?

We understand that for many Library contributors, a significant amount of time may be required to read and apply the guidelines in this manual. However, we request all writers and editors make their best effort to do so. The style guide is here as a point of reference and key resource, and it can be an invaluable tool in settling disputes between editors, or answering questions that may arise.

Do I Need to Follow the Manual to Submit Articles to the Library?

Please do your best to apply this guide to any submissions to the Library. We understand that learning to use a style guide can be an involved process, but it is crucial to ensuring the consistency and clarity of the Library's materials. A Library editor will review your submission(s) and suggest useful changes, particularly those necessary to ensure compliance with the style guide.

Manual of Style Pages
Manual of Style/Abbreviations
Manual of Style/Article Layout
Manual of Style/Citations
Manual of Style/Wheel of Time Words and Phrases
Manual of Style/US English vs British English


Spelling and Grammar

Most articles in the Library are written in English, so the majority of this manual's guidance for grammar, mechanics, spelling, and terminology will be based on English conventions from the United States. TarValon.Net is incorporated in the U.S.A., with U.S. standard English required for all legal documentation, so likewise U.S. spelling and punctuation will be used by default in the Library.

Articles written in other languages will be edited according to the prevailing rules for those languages. Whenever possible, native and/or fluent speakers of each language will be asked to edit such articles.

A basic list with the U.S. English conventions can be found at the following page: Manual of Style/US English vs British English. Articles submitted in British English or other non-U.S. English dialects will be edited to conform to U.S. conventions, but please make your best effort to use U.S. conventions in your submissions.

To avoid any confusion over spelling and word definitions, the Library's preferred dictionary is the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Avoid Using Slang

In general, avoid using slang terms and other informal expressions in articles you submit to TarValon.Net's Library. Such terms often vary in meaning depending on location, and could therefore be difficult for readers from diverse backgrounds and locations to understand.

When editing or submitting articles, slang words may be allowed in the following cases:

However, in such cases slang terms should not be offensive in nature and will be edited if determined to be so.

Avoid Using Contractions

Formal and scholarly writing typically avoids the use of contractions to ensure greater clarity. The exceptions are direct quotations and the above mentioned Who's Who personal pages. In general, please avoid the use of contractions in submissions to the Library (use "I am not" instead of "I’m not," or "we are" instead of "we're").

Abbreviations

Avoid abbreviations when they may be unclear, interrupt the flow, or appear informal. Also avoid devising new abbreviations, especially acronyms.

Exceptions:

  • "Chapter" may be shortened to "Ch." in the referencing from a book.
  • The Wheel of Time book titles may be replaced with acronyms when referenced inline.
  • Staff and administrative positions at TarValon.Net may be referred to by their commonly used acronyms.

Please consult the following list when needing to use abbreviations - Manual of Style/Abbreviations.

Lists

Lists are commonly used to organize information of a similar kind.

TarValon.Net's Library uses unordered or bulleted lists by default, with each list item being a complete sentence. Use sentence case by default for list items.

Sometimes multiple lists are part of the same sentence. In this situation, use a semicolon to divide the elements of the outer/main list, with commas dividing secondary lists:

"Aes Sedai have many skills like diplomacy; research; mediating with royalty, nobles, and angry innkeepers; fighting Trollocs, Myrddraal, and other Shadowspawn; and always staying calm when all the tea is gone."

Read more examples about this rule at Merriam-Webster.com A Guide to Using Semicolons in the section Semicolons Separate Phrases or Items in a List or Series.

General Formatting Rules

Page and Category Titles

The title of a page or category in the Library should be written in title case.

Avoid using "A," "An," or "The" as the first word in an article title. For example, use "Keeper of the Chronicles" instead of "The Keeper of the Chronicles" or "A Keeper of the Chronicles."

Headings

All article headings in the Library should be written in title case.

There are four tiers of headings in the Library:

  • A Level 1 heading is the title of the page itself.
  • A Level 2 heading is the highest heading tier on the page.
  • A Level 3 heading is a subheading under a Level 2 heading.
  • A Level 4 heading is a subheading under a Level 3 heading.

Each heading below Level 2 should be nested under a heading of the preceding tier. Thus, a Level 4 heading should always be under a Level 3, not a Level 2.

Note: never use a Level 1 heading within an article.

Numbers and Dates

Spell out numbers from one to nine and use numerals for 10 and greater.

Exceptions involving numbers under 10:

  • Decimals
  • Chapter numbers in titles or text

When writing dates, always use numerals for days and years, and spell out the full name of the month ("November" not "Nov.").

Use the following format for both real-world and Wheel of Time dates that appear on Tower related pages:

Month Day, Year

Examples:

  • Real-world: September 4, 2021
  • Wheel of Time: Aine 4, 998 NE

There are several calendars and abbreviations associated with Wheel of Time events:

  • The Toman calendar uses "After the Breaking," which is abbreviated AB.
  • The Gazaran calendar uses "Free Years," which is abbreviated FE.
  • The Farede calendar uses "New Era," which is abbreviated NE.

Specific Wheel of Time Words and Phrases

There are some words and phrases that Robert Jordan chose to write in unique ways in The Wheel of Time. To maintain consistency, the Library uses the same formatting for those words and phrases in articles. (Do not use this format in page, category, or section titles!)

In most cases, country, town, city, and personal names should always be capitalized. The same applies to official titles and the names of channeling weaves.

Many unique Wheel of Time words are italicized, or both capitalized and italicized. Other words are both singular and plural with one spelling. Please consult with the Manual of Style/Wheel of Time Words and Phrases when in doubt on how to format Wheel of Time words and phrases.

Punctuation

Apostrophes and Quotations

Use vertical ('), not curly (’) characters for apostrophes and quotation marks. Do not use accent (á), backtick\grave (à), low-high („ “) or guillemet (« ») marks as apostrophes or quotation marks.

For a quotation within a quotation, use single quotes nested inside double quotes:

The Brown Sister asked: "Did that novice say 'I lost the book' before she left?"

Serial Comma (Oxford Comma) Use

TarValon.Net's Library uses the serial/Oxford comma, except when doing so would make the meaning of a sentence unclear. This is the placing of a comma before the final item in a list (e.g., "I love baking, babies, and toddlers" not "I love baking, babies and toddlers").

Spacing

No spaces should be inserted before a comma, semicolon, colon, period/full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark. A single space should be added after each of these punctuation marks.

Some editors may prefer to double-space between sentences, but this will not appear on the published page as the Library software reduces any extra spaces to a single space.

A single empty line should be inserted before each heading, regardless of its level. After the heading, there should not be an empty line between the heading and its text.

Citations

The source material used in TarValon.Net's Library comes from the The Wheel of Time books by Robert Jordan, and any accompanying works, such as The World of Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" and The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game. The Wheel of Time Companion is not used as a source for articles submitted to TarValon.Net's Library.

All Wheel of Time statements and quotations in an article must be followed by an appropriate reference. The Library has templates to link to a book, or a chapter within a book, which may be useful to include in your references - Category:Chapter Templates.

Be aware there are various templates which are required for specific instances/purposes. For more information on citations, refer to the manual on Citations.

Categories and Pages Which This Manual Excludes

In general, all articles under the Category:The Wheel of Time and Category:The Wheel of Time TV Series should follow this manual.

However, there are several categories that either follow other manuals, or are written in free style and are not bound to prescribed formatting. Articles in those categories may follow this manual if desired, but overall they are exempt from any mandatory compliance.

Exemption examples:

Revisions

Revisions to this document will be done annually.

Revisions will also be made whenever there is a need to change, or add a section or a rule.

Latest Revisions
  • First published - April 25, 2022
  • Copy edited - May 17, 2022
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