Guidelines – Bohemia Interactive Community

Latest revision as of 11:21, 27 February 2023

As with any good public internet place, rules and guidelines help maintain order and sanity among readers and editors. The following rules and guidelines are designed so that people will return here to contribute and find quality information. Respecting these rules will help in providing a positive experience for both editors and readers alike.

ⓘ

User behaviour is regulated by general BI Rules.

Content Guidelines

The content guidelines are important to ensure that content, names and pictures remain consistent. This makes reading the articles much easier, and it also makes the job of the editors easier. Content guidelines ensure that articles and topics do not violate the Rules of Conduct, or violate the law.

Text

When writing an article:

Do your research beforehand. Read all the relevant documentation, posts and articles on the web, this very wiki, test the situations your are describing, and only then start your article. If you are still in the early stages of editing, formatting, etc. keep the article in your sandbox until it is finished. If you are unsure about certain subjects that are brought up by your article, don't guess. Likewise, it is good to be honest and say the data is incomplete. It is better to leave out subjects about which you are unsure rather than to post hear-say or false information. This is a Wiki and other users will, over time, complete the missing parts.
Preview the changes before saving them. Saving every single revision during editing will clutter the "History" and "Recent Changes" pages, and will make it harder for others to track the actual changes.
Aim for the best spelling ("u r"/"you're" → "you are", "its" → "its", "it's" → "it is").

If there are some minor points in your article that you think someone else might be able to answer, ask on the Arma Platform Discord's #community_wiki channel

Only post verified information on the wiki - this should go without saying.
Do not ask questions (about a topic, a future game, anything else).
Talk pages and Discussion pages are not to be used anymore and are blocked for modification.
If in doubt, use Arma Platform Discord's #community_wiki channel or the or the forums

Images

Uploaded images must not contain porn, real killings, mutilations, wounds, carnage and other explicit images. This also includes links to pages that contain such images. The only accepted images for this Wiki must be related to a Bohemia Interactive product. Keep the following guidelines in mind when uploading and posting pictures here:

You must own the image rights or its copyright must allow its upload on this wiki
Do not use hotlinked images in the Wiki. Use the Upload File function instead to upload images to this Wiki.
Use the Naming Rules
When appropriate use an image thumbnail on the article page (such as on the OFP Easter Eggs page).
Avoid using a text link to point to an image. Display the image as thumbnail or sized appropriately for the article.

Format Guidelines

These guidelines are here to ensure that articles are presented in a clear, understandable and consistent style.

Categorise your Article

Organisation is essential for making it easy to find information on this Wiki. Be sure to categorise your article once you have completed the writing. Always use categories for a page. Unless you categorise your article properly people will not be able to find it.

Clearly distinguish content specific to a particular project. If the content you are creating is about Operation Flashpoint then it should be categorised in the appropriate Operation Flashpoint category, not everything from Operation Flashpoint is applicable to later titles).

Use {{GameCategory}} whenever possible!

Create/Edit Sections

When starting a new subject on an article or discussion page define a section name to describe the sub-topic (Example: == Create/edit Sections ==).
When editing only a section of a page, use the section edit button (the [edit] link on the right side) to open only that particular part of the page. This will prevent conflicts if two people are editing the same page.

External Links

To link an external page, use the {{Link}} template (e.g {{Link|https://www.google.com|My Link}} – this will allow to track dead links faster in the future.
Do not link to websites that have temporary addresses (e.g IPs).

Changes Summary

When making only small edits check the "This is a minor edit" box at the bottom. This makes the version history easier to read. Generally 90% of the edits will be minor edits for boldness, typos, etc. By default all edits are marked as "major". This can be changed to "minor" in your preferences setting.

Be sure to include a summary text of edits you have made. This makes it easy for other people to see at a glance what the edit was about. Even short text statements like "fixed typo" will be sufficient in most cases.

Page Titles

Do	Don't
Operation Flashpoint: Actions List Operation Flashpoint: Elite Arma 3: Weapons	List of Actions OFP OFP:Elite A3:Weapons

When creating new categories or articles, consider the naming convention to be used.
[[Operation Flashpoint: Elite]] is more acceptable than [[OFP:Elite]]. The new category or article should almost always be [[Game Title: something]] such as [[Operation Flashpoint: Addons]].

The namespace must be considered:

if the game has a namespace, use it: DayZ:Unusual Process Exit
otherwise, use the game name with a space: Arma 3: Unusual Process Exit

ⓘ

Use Namespaces whenever possible!

The name choice should always be clear and concise for the reader, and easy for the editor to link back to. Keep in mind that you can use spaces in the name of the article (e.g. [[Easter Eggs]] would be better than [[EasterEggs]]).

Content

Common Names

The Name Template provides the expected names for various product and company names.
Some shortcut templates exist for simplicity (e.g {{arma3}} instead of {{Name|arma3}}) and are listed in the table below.

Long Names	Short Names	Template
Arma 4	Arma 4	Template:arma4 (Arma 4)
Arma Reforger	Reforger	Template:armaR (Arma Reforger)
Arma 3	Arma 3	Template:arma3 (Arma 3)
Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead	Arma 2:OA	Template:arma2oa (Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead)
Arma 2	Arma 2	Template:arma2 (Arma 2)
Armed Assault	ArmA	Template:arma1 (Armed Assault)
Bohemia Interactive	BI (not BIS)	{{Name\|bi}} (Bohemia Interactive)
Operation Flashpoint	OFP	Template:ofp (Operation Flashpoint)
Operation Flashpoint: Resistance	OFP:R	Template:ofpr (Operation Flashpoint: Resistance)
Operation Flashpoint: Elite	OFP:E	Template:ofpe (Operation Flashpoint: Elite)
Take On Helicopters	TKOH (not TOH)	Template:tkoh (Take On Helicopters)
Take On Mars	TKOM (not TOM)	Template:tkom (Take On Mars)

Deletion Guidelines

Deletion is only possible by a wiki admin. Pages should not be created without thinking beforehand, therefore pages are usually moved rather than deleted.

A page can be marked for deletion with {{Wiki|delete}}:

A page containing pointless/test/BI-unrelated/law-breaking content is prone to be deleted.
All links to that page must be removed before doing so.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-==Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki Rules==
+{{TOC|side}}
+As with any good public internet place, rules and guidelines help maintain order and sanity among readers and editors. The following rules and guidelines are designed so that people will return here to contribute and find quality information. Respecting these rules will help in providing a positive experience for both editors and readers alike.
-Please respect the following rules when you post on this wiki. Breaking of any of these rules may result in a user or IP block for a set period of time or in extreme cases a can result in a permanent ban.
+{{Feature|informative|User behaviour is regulated by general BI [[Bohemia Interactive Community:Rules|Rules]].}}
-===1. Rules of Conduct===
+== Content Guidelines ==
-The Rules of Conduct regulate the interaction between forum members. They are in place to ensure that board remains a civilised place where people can communicate freely without being harassed and abused.
+The '''content guidelines''' are important to ensure that content, names and pictures remain consistent.  This makes reading the articles much easier, and it also makes the job of the editors easier. Content guidelines ensure that articles and topics do not violate the '''[[Meta:General_disclaimer|Rules of Conduct]]''', or violate the law.
-====§1)No Flaming/Flame-baiting====
+=== Text ===
-Abusive comments, personal attacks and name calling are not allowed. If you find an article or discussion that is abusive or you find offensive please report it to a admin who will investigate. Flame-baiting is also not tolerated, flame-baiting is making a post to someone that is obviously intended to elicit an angry response.
+When writing an article:
+* Do your research beforehand. Read all the relevant documentation, posts and articles on the web, this very wiki, test the situations your are describing, and only then start your article.<!--
+--> If you are still in the early stages of editing, formatting, etc. keep the article in your '''sandbox''' until it is finished.<!--
+--> If you are unsure about certain subjects that are brought up by your article, don't guess. Likewise, it is good to be honest and say the data is incomplete.<!--
+--> It is better to leave out subjects about which you are unsure rather than to post hear-say or false information. This is a Wiki and other users will, over time, complete the missing parts.
+* '''Preview''' the changes before saving them. Saving every single revision during editing will clutter the "History" and "Recent Changes" pages, and will make it harder for others to track the actual changes.
+* Aim for the best spelling ("u r"/"you're" &rarr; "you are", "its" &rarr; "its", "it's" &rarr; "it is").
-====§2)No bigotry====
+If there are some minor points in your article that you think someone else might be able to answer, ask on the {{Link|https://discord.com/invite/arma|Arma Platform Discord}}'s {{hl|#community_wiki}} channel
+* '''Only post verified information on the wiki''' - this should go without saying.
+* Do not '''ask''' questions (about a topic, a future game, anything else).
+* Talk pages and Discussion pages are not to be used anymore and are blocked for modification.
+* If in doubt, use {{Link|https://discord.com/invite/arma|Arma Platform Discord}}'s {{hl|#community_wiki}} channel or the or the {{Link|https://forums.bohemia.net/forums/|forums}}
-Racists, sexists, homophobes or any other type of bigots are not welcome on these forums, such offences will very likely result in an immediate and permanent IP block.
+=== Images ===
-====§3)Follow the instructions of the moderators====
+Uploaded images must not contain porn, real killings, mutilations, wounds, carnage and other explicit images. This also includes links to pages that contain such images.
+The only accepted images for this Wiki must be related to a {{Name|bi}} product. Keep the following guidelines in mind when uploading and posting pictures here:
+* You must own the image rights or its copyright must allow its upload on this wiki
+* Do not use hotlinked images in the Wiki. Use the [[Special:Upload|Upload File]] function instead to upload images to this Wiki.
+* Use the [[Special:Upload#Naming Rules|Naming Rules]]
+* When appropriate use an image thumbnail on the article page (such as on the [[Operation Flashpoint: Easter Eggs|OFP Easter Eggs]] page).
+* Avoid using a text link to point to an image. Display the image as thumbnail or sized appropriately for the article.
-When a admin or BIS staff member asks you to do something or to stop doing something, please follow their instructions, if you're unhappy with their instruction feel free to PM them.
--------------------------------------------
+== Format Guidelines ==
-===2. Rules of Contents===
+These guidelines are here to ensure that articles are presented in a clear, understandable and consistent style.
-The Rules of Contents regulate the substance of what is posted. They are in place to ensure that topics that are posted do not offend and bother people or violate the law.
+=== Categorise your Article ===
-§1)Discussions about Operation Flashpoint's copy protection or copying, backing-up, hacking, cracking or reverse engineering Operation Flashpoint will not be tolerated and such discussions will be deleted immediately. Any breach of this rule may result in the poster no longer having access to the forum.
+Organisation is essential for making it easy to find information on this Wiki. Be sure to categorise your article once you have completed the writing.
+'''Always''' use categories for a page. Unless you categorise your article properly people will not be able to find it.
-====§2)No discussion about illegally obtained software====
+Clearly distinguish content specific to a particular project.
+If the content you are creating is about {{ofp}} then it should be categorised in the appropriate {{GameCategory|ofp|link=y}} category, not everything from {{ofp}} is applicable to later titles).
-All discussions about warez, piracy or leaked software are strictly forbidden, such threads will be closed and will most likely result in a permanent ban for the instigator.
+* Use {{Template|GameCategory}} whenever possible!
-====§3)No discussion about cracks====
+=== Create/Edit Sections ===
-This includes request for cracks, links to cracks or sites that host cracks, also not acceptable are requests for CD Keys/serials, again such threads will be closed and could result in a permanent ban.
+When starting a new subject on an article or discussion page define a section name to describe the sub-topic (Example: {{hl|<nowiki>== Create/edit Sections ==</nowiki>}}).<br>
+When editing only a section of a page, use the section edit button (the <nowiki>[edit]</nowiki> link on the right side) to open only that particular part of the page.
+This will prevent conflicts if two people are editing the same page.
-====§4)No Spam====
+=== External Links ===
-We deem spam as making a thread or posting a reply that has no real worth, is irrelevant, useless and offers nothing to a discussion. Spam is not limited to text, posting an image as a means of spam or a spam'esque URL will also result in the same response from a moderator. With spam being hard to define, it is another example of something left to moderator's discretion, if in doubt ask yourself "does my reply add to the discussion in a way for the discussion to continue further"? If not then think of something "meatier" to add to the thread. Repeated spamming will result in any/all of the following:- Post count reduction, warning level increase, temporary restriction from posting.
+* To link an external page, use the {{Template|Link}} template (e.g {{hl|<nowiki>{{Link|https://www.google.com|My Link}}</nowiki>}} – this will allow to track dead links faster in the future.
+* Do not link to websites that have temporary addresses (e.g IPs).
-====§5)No posting of explicit images====
+=== Changes Summary ===
-No posting of pictures containing porn, real killing, mutilations, wounds, carnage,  and other disgusting/explicit images. This also includes links to pages that contain such images. There have been a number of incidents where people have linked to news sites which unbeknownst to them contains obscene images a few mouse clicks away, while we can't expect people to check every link on a site it is strongly suggested that whenever making a post about a news item the post is structured in a way that provides the information without risk of breaching the rules. A good example of how to do this can be seen below. If you're ever unsure as to whether or not a link should be posted on the forum feel free to PM a moderator for guidance.
+When making only small edits check the "This is a minor edit" box at the bottom.
+This makes the version history easier to read. Generally 90% of the edits will be minor edits for boldness, typos, etc.
+By default all edits are marked as "major". This can be changed to "minor" in your preferences setting.
-====§6)Do not start threads relating to discussions on other boards====
+Be sure to include a summary text of edits you have made. This makes it easy for other people to see at a glance what the edit was about. Even short text statements like "''fixed typo''" will be sufficient in most cases.
-What happens in this forum should stay in this forum and vice versa, conversations other than those strictly relating to OPF matters should not be brought into these forums from others.
+=== Page Titles ===
+{| class="wikitable float-right"
+! Do
+! Don't
+|-
+|
+* {{ofp}}: Actions List
+* {{ofpe}}
+* {{arma3}}: Weapons
+|
+* List of Actions OFP
+* OFP:Elite
+* A3:Weapons
+|}
-====§7)No public discussion on how the forum is moderated====
+When creating new categories or articles, consider the naming convention to be used.<br>
+<nowiki>[[Operation Flashpoint: Elite]] is more acceptable than [[OFP:Elite]]. The new category or article should almost always be [[Game Title: something]] such as [[Operation Flashpoint: Addons]]</nowiki>.
-If you have questions/complaints/comments that you wish to make about the board or moderators or anything like that please PM them to a moderator, we will do our utmost to reply to any that we receive, please remember we have lives outside of the forum so can't promise to reply immediately. If you have an issue that you feel cannot be solved by another moderator then please PM the head moderator (Placebo) he will be happy to look into the matter.
+The namespace must be considered:
+* if the game has a namespace, use it: {{hl|[[DayZ:Unusual Process Exit|<nowiki>DayZ:Unusual Process Exit</nowiki>]]}}
+* otherwise, use the game name with a space: {{hl|[[Arma 3: Unusual Process Exit|<nowiki>Arma 3: Unusual Process Exit</nowiki>]]}}
-====§8)No posting of messages from banned members====
+{{Feature|informative|Use '''Namespaces''' whenever possible!}}
-If a forum member is banned, no matter if they're a friend/colleague/clan mate, they will have been banned for a reason that we believe to be fully valid, therefore we do not want any comments posted onto the forum on their behalf, doing so could put you into the same banned position that they are in.
+The name choice should always be clear and concise for the reader, and easy for the editor to link back to.
+Keep in mind that you can use spaces in the name of the article (e.g. <nowiki>[[Easter Eggs]] would be better than [[EasterEggs]]</nowiki>).
+=== Content ===
--------------------------------------------
+==== Common Names ====
+The [[Template:Name|Name Template]] provides the expected names for various product and company names.<br>
+Some shortcut templates exist for simplicity (e.g {{hl|<nowiki>{{arma3}}</nowiki>}} instead of {{hl|<nowiki>{{Name|arma3}}</nowiki>}}) and are listed in the table below.
-===3. Rules of Format==
+{| class="wikitable"
+! Long Names || Short Names || Template
+|-
+| {{Name|arma4}} || {{Name|arma4|short}} || [[Template:arma4]] ({{arma4}})
+|-
+| {{Name|armaR}} || {{Name|armaR|short}} || [[Template:armaR]] ({{armaR}})
+|-
+| {{Name|arma3}} || {{Name|arma3|short}} || [[Template:arma3]] ({{arma3}})
+|-
+| {{Name|arma2oa}} || {{Name|arma2oa|short}} || [[Template:arma2oa]] ({{arma2oa}})
+|-
+| {{Name|arma2}} || {{Name|arma2|short}} || [[Template:arma2]] ({{arma2}})
+|-
+| {{Name|arma1}} || {{Name|arma1|short}} || [[Template:arma1]] ({{arma1}})
+|-
+| | {{Name|bi}} || {{Name|bi|short}} ('''not''' BIS) || ''[[Template:Name|<nowiki>{{Name|bi}}</nowiki>]]'' ({{Name|bi}})
+|-
+| {{Name|ofp}} || {{Name|ofp|short}} || [[Template:ofp]] ({{ofp}})
+|-
+| {{Name|ofpr}} || {{Name|ofpr|short}} || [[Template:ofpr]] ({{ofpr}})
+|-
+| {{Name|ofpe}} || {{Name|ofpe|short}} || [[Template:ofpe]] ({{ofpe}})
+|-
+| {{Name|tkoh}} || {{Name|tkoh|short}} ('''not''' TOH) || [[Template:tkoh]] ({{tkoh}})
+|-
+| {{Name|tkom}} || {{Name|tkom|short}} ('''not''' TOM) || [[Template:tkom]] ({{tkom}})
+|}
-The Rules of Format regulate the appearance of what is posted and of user profile. They are in place to ensure that the board remains easy to use and uncluttered with unnecessary elements.
+=== Categories ===
+{{Feature|informative|Use the [[Template:GameCategory|GameCategory]] template whenever possible.}}
-====§1)Search before posting====
+Templates can be used in the category name, e.g <syntaxhighlight lang="html" inline>[[Category:{{arma3}}: Functions]]</syntaxhighlight> (result: [[:Category:{{arma3}}: Functions]])
-If you have a question, please use the board search function before posting to make sure that it hasn't been answered before. There is a big chance it has, not only does searching help to keep the board free of multiple threads it will also help you to get an answer much quicker.
+==== Sorting Keys ====
+When defining a category for an article you should include a search key in that definition:
+ [[<nowiki/>Category: CategoryName'''|Sort Key''']]
+If not defined, the automatically created table of contents will sort everything alphabetically, sometimes unsuccessfully.
-====§2)Post in the right forum====
+One can use the following:
+<syntaxhighlight lang="html" inline>[[Category:{{arma3}}|{{uc:{{PAGENAME}}}}]]</syntaxhighlight>
-Please ensure you make new threads in the correct forum, if you're unsure of which forum to post in feel free to ask a moderator.
+The {{hl|uc:}} wiki template will '''u'''pper'''c'''ase the given value, which is <syntaxhighlight lang="html+handlebars" inline>{{PAGENAME}}</syntaxhighlight>.
+{{Feature|informative|See the interest of defining a custom key on the [[:Category:Arma 3: Functions|{{arma3}} Functions page]]: if custom keys were not defined in the {{Template|RV}} template, every function would be sorted under '''B''', for '''B'''IS_fnc/'''B'''IN_fnc.}}
-====§3)Do not cross-post====
+=== Deletion Guidelines ===
-Do not post duplicate threads in more than one forum simply to get an answer quicker or to draw more attention to your post.
+Deletion is only possible by a wiki admin. Pages should not be created without thinking beforehand, therefore pages are usually moved rather than deleted.
-====§4)Do not dig up old threads====
+A page can be marked for deletion with <nowiki>{{Wiki|delete}}</nowiki>:
+* A page containing pointless/test/BI-unrelated/law-breaking content is prone to be deleted.
+* All links to that page must be removed before doing so.
-Threads older than 4 months should not be dug up unless something significant is being added. If in doubt as to what is "significant" PM a moderator and they will give you their opinion. As always old threads will remain open or be closed at the moderator's discretion.
-====§5)No duplicate accounts====
+[[Category:Bohemia Interactive Community:Policies]]
-Having several accounts is strictly forbidden. If you want to get a new account contact a moderator. If you wish to change your name for any reason we will be happy to transfer your account status over.
-====§6)Do not type in all capital letters====
-Typing in all caps equals according to standard net etiquette to yelling. It is also difficult reading such posts.
-====§7)Write in English====
-In the English part of the board please write in English and in the Czech write in Czech. Try avoiding writing in any other language since the majority of the members most likely won't understand.
-Please avoid using short forms of words e.g. "m8" instead of mate, "u r" instead of you are or your, it may seem attractive to type in such a "shorthand" manner but remember that there are many people on the forums who do not have English as a first language, so it is disrespectful to use bad English simply for the sake of laziness. (Obviously there are common shortenings of words that have been used for many years on the internet that continue to be acceptable, e.g. LMAO, LOL, FYI etc.)
-====§8)Remove image tags when quoting a post containing an image====
-If you quote a post that contains an image please remove the image tag so that the link is posted not the image, it helps keep the thread tidy and easier to read if the same image isn't being posted repeatedly, you need only delete one [ to stop the image from hotlinking.
-====§9)Do not hotlink images over 100kb (102400 bytes) in size====
-Please do not hotlink (hotlink means using the IMG tags to display an image in your post) individual images over 100kb, this is so that the forum remains a smooth place to browse for everyone, irrespective of their internet connection. If you wish to post an image larger then 100 kb feel free to post the URL instead of hotlinking.
--------------------------------------------