User talk:Shmooshkums/Adoption

Can you adopt me?
Hi, I was wondering if you could (please) adopt me. That would be great! Shmooshkums 02:21, 19 September 2007 (UTC)
 * Why, certainly, Shmooshkums! Now, in order for me to create a curriculum for your adoption program, I'll need you to tell me what you like to do here at Wikipedia, what you want to learn about it, and things you might want to become here. Happy editing,  A r k y  ¡Hablar!  02:53, 19 September 2007 (UTC)
 * Well, for instance, I'm not very good at using the computer properly, so I have some technical questions. As well, I want to learn more about the wikipolicies.  On Wikipedia, I like to correct typos or word things in a better way, try and add information where I can (which is mostly the Harry Potter articles), and spread Wikilove.  I also want to do some work on translating articles (in French and English).  As for what I want to become here... I'd like to be a dependable asset to the community, I'd like to be counted on, and I'd like to learn lots in the process (and have fun!).  Shmooshkums 15:08, 23 September 2007 (UTC)
 * Good news--I've created your adoption curriculum! It is located here. Just scroll down until you see your name :) Cheers,  ARkY //  ¡HaBLaR!  01:17, 24 September 2007 (UTC)
 * Sounds good:) When do we start?  Shmooshkums 22:08, 25 September 2007 (UTC)

Basic Policies and Background of Wikipedia
Alright, Shmooshkums! Let the fun begin!

We'll start with the basics. The most fundamental and important policies of Wikipedia are its Five Pillars. They are as follows:


 * Wikipedia is an encyclopedia.
 * This means that Wikipedia strives to provide accurate information on all areas of knowledge. You must be able to back up everything you say with reliable sources and you cannot just make things up. Wikipedia is not a list of facts, a place for your own opinions or advertising, or a dictionary.


 * See also: What Wikipedia is not


 * Wikipedia has a neutral point of view
 * This simply means that Wikipedia does not advocate any particular view. It equally represents every major point of view, without giving any "undue weight" or presenting it as the best or correct view. Points of view should be verifiable as well.


 * See also: The Neutral Point of View policy


 * Wikipedia has free content
 * This means that Wikipedia can contain absolutely no Copyright Violations. All its text is licensed accordingly. You also need to remember that anyone can edit any article, so no one person can take ownership of a single article; rather, it is the community's article.
 * ''See also: GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL), which all Wikipedia's text is licensed under

This means that all editors have to behave accordingly. In order to avoid edit wars and Three-revert-rule violations (making more than 3 reverts to an article in under 24 hours), try to reach consensus instead. Also, don't mess with Wikipedia to make a point and assume that others are doing what they think is right for the encylopedia.
 * Wikipedia has a code of conduct


 * See also: WikiLove: An essay

If a rule gets in the way of you improving the encyclopedia, ignore it! Be Bold when you update a page. Even if you think you made a mistake, or if you're unsure how helpful your edits are, perfection is not required! Sure, it should be aimed for, but any good-faith contribution to the encyclopedia is helpful! Once again, BE BOLD!
 * Wikipedia does not have firm rules (besides these five pillars)


 * See also: Ignore all rules

Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question! If you have one, don't be afraid to ask it; I enjoy discussion :) Also, when you are finished reading, don't forget to tell me, but remember, no rush. Happy editing,  ARkY //  ¡HaBLaR!  18:43, 27 September 2007 (UTC)

WikiMarkup
Wikipedia has it's own special "language" called "WikiMarkup". It is very important, therefore, to know a good deal of it when you begin to write an article.

Internal links
An internal link is a link that links to any page within Wikipedia. They are formatted like this:
 * For example:  becomes Giraffe.

An internal link can display alternate text through the use of a pipe character "|"
 * For example:  becomes A long-necked animal that lives on the plains of Africa.

Normal text can also be blended into a link.
 * For example:  becomes I like Giraffes.

Internal links can link across namespaces.
 * For example:  becomes Neutral point of view.

They can also use Pipe tricks.
 * For example:  (note the pipe character before the two end brackets) becomes Neutral point of view
 * For example:  becomes Orange.

Redirects
A redirect is a page that, if accessed, sends you to a related page automagically. For an example of this, see Gill net. Note how at the top of the page it says (Redirected from Gill net). Voila!
 * For example:  redirects whatever page it was on to United States.

When you've finished this portion of the lesson, just tell me and I'll continue on to the next stage of your WikiMarkup lesson. Happy editing, ( ar  ky  ) 19:45, 20 November 2007 (UTC)

Okay, next section...

Images
An image is a picture file (*.png, *.jpg, *.gif, etc.) that can be displayed in a page on Wikipedia.
 * For example,  becomes [[Image:Smile.png]]

An image's size can be changed, too.
 * For example,  becomes [[Image:External.svg|40px]], an image with a width of 40 pixels.

An image can have alternate text, too.
 * For example,  becomes [[Image:Smile.png|Hey, Shmooshkums!!]], which reads "Hey Shmooshkums!!" when it is pointed at with the cursor.

Also, an image can be placed inside a thumbnail with a label.
 * For example,  becomes the thumbnail on the right


 * while  is the same thing, but it aligns the thumbnail to the left.

Finally, an image can be linked to without displaying a picture.
 * For example,   becomes Image:Smile.png.