GaryJJSpate at 21:13, 2 August 2026

2026-08-02T21:13:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:13, 2 August 2026
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	[[Category:Haunted Locations]]		[[:Category:Haunted Locations\|Category:Haunted Locations]]

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	[[Category:Confirmed Haunted Places]]		[[:Category:Confirmed Haunted Places\|Category:Confirmed Haunted Places]]

	== Images ==		== Images ==

GaryJJSpate at 21:04, 2 August 2026

2026-08-02T21:04:59Z

Show changes

GaryJJSpate: Created page with "{{VaultPolicyInfobox |title=Writing Guidelines |image=TheVaultLogo.png |category=The Vault Policies |status=Active }}
Writing clear, accurate, and consistent articles is essential to maintaining The Vault as a reliable archive of paranormal research. These guidelines explain the expected standards for creating and editing articles.
==Purpose== The Vault aims to document reports, claims, investigations, and research relating to unexplain..."

2026-08-02T20:14:47Z

Created page with "{{VaultPolicyInfobox |title=Writing Guidelines |image=TheVaultLogo.png |category=The Vault Policies |status=Active }} <div class="vault-intro"> Writing clear, accurate, and consistent articles is essential to maintaining The Vault as a reliable archive of paranormal research. These guidelines explain the expected standards for creating and editing articles. </div> ==Purpose== The Vault aims to document reports, claims, investigations, and research relating to unexplain..."

New page

{{VaultPolicyInfobox
|title=Writing Guidelines
|image=TheVaultLogo.png
|category=The Vault Policies
|status=Active
}}

<div class="vault-intro">
Writing clear, accurate, and consistent articles is essential to maintaining The Vault as a reliable archive of paranormal research. These guidelines explain the expected standards for creating and editing articles.
</div>

==Purpose==
The Vault aims to document reports, claims, investigations, and research relating to unexplained phenomena in a structured and objective manner.

Articles should inform readers, preserve historical records, and present available evidence without promoting or dismissing claims without justification.

==General Principles==

===Be Neutral===
Articles must be written from a neutral perspective.

The Vault does not exist to prove or disprove paranormal claims. Instead, articles should document:

* What has been reported
* Who reported it
* What evidence exists
* How the evidence has been interpreted
* Alternative explanations where relevant

Avoid language that presents uncertain claims as fact.

'''Avoid:'''
<blockquote>
"The creature definitely exists and has been seen by thousands."
</blockquote>

'''Prefer:'''
<blockquote>
"Reports of the creature have been documented by numerous witnesses, although its existence has not been scientifically verified."
</blockquote>

==Writing Style==

===Use Clear Language===
Articles should be understandable to a general audience while maintaining accuracy.

Avoid:
* Excessive technical language
* Sensational wording
* Dramatic exaggeration
* Personal opinions

Use:
* Clear explanations
* Defined terminology
* Consistent formatting

===Avoid Sensationalism===
The Vault is not a tabloid publication.

Avoid phrases such as:

* "Terrifying proof"
* "Scientists are baffled"
* "The truth revealed"
* "100% confirmed"

unless supported by reliable evidence.

==Article Structure==

Where appropriate, articles should follow this general structure:

===Introduction===
A short summary explaining:

* What the subject is
* Why it is notable
* The type of claim or phenomenon involved

===History===
Include:

* Origins of the claim
* Earliest known reports
* Important developments

===Reported Encounters / Cases===
For cases involving witnesses:

Include:

* Date
* Location
* Witness information (where publicly available)
* Description of events
* Sources

===Evidence===
Describe available evidence, including:

* Photographs
* Videos
* Audio recordings
* Physical evidence
* Documents
* Witness testimony

Evidence should not automatically be considered proof.

===Analysis===
Discuss:

* Supporting arguments
* Criticism
* Alternative explanations
* Investigative findings

===References===
All articles should include appropriate sources.

See:
[[TheVault:Source Guidelines]]

==Claims and Language==

When writing about unverified phenomena, use appropriate terminology.

===Recommended Terms===
* "Reported"
* "Claimed"
* "Alleged"
* "Witnesses described"
* "According to investigators"
* "Some researchers believe"

===Avoid Presenting Claims as Facts===
Examples:

'''Incorrect:'''
<blockquote>
"The ghost haunted the building for 200 years."
</blockquote>

'''Correct:'''
<blockquote>
"The building has been the subject of reported hauntings for approximately 200 years."
</blockquote>

==Sources and Citations==

Editors should prioritise:

* Primary sources
* Original witness accounts
* Published research
* Investigation reports
* Credible journalism

Avoid relying solely on:

* Social media posts
* Unsourced websites
* Repeated claims without original evidence

For further guidance see:

[[TheVault:Source Guidelines]]

==Images and Media==

Images, videos, and audio should:

* Have a clear source
* Include appropriate licensing information
* Include context
* Not be misleadingly presented

Do not use edited or manipulated media without clearly stating this.

==Original Research==

The Vault documents research but does not publish unsupported personal theories as established information.

Personal investigations may be included when:

* The methodology is explained
* Evidence is documented
* Conclusions are clearly identified as interpretation

See:

[[TheVault:Research Methodology]]

==Editing Existing Articles==

When improving an article:

* Preserve accurate existing information
* Add sources where possible
* Correct factual errors
* Improve clarity and structure
* Avoid unnecessary opinion

Major changes to established articles should include an explanation in the edit summary.

==Article Titles==

Titles should be:

* Clear
* Descriptive
* Consistent

Avoid:

* Sensational titles
* Conclusions in titles
* Personal opinions

'''Example:'''

Good:
<blockquote>
"The Bell Witch Case"
</blockquote>

Avoid:
<blockquote>
"The True Story of America's Most Evil Ghost"
</blockquote>

==Respect for Witnesses==

The Vault documents people's experiences and accounts.

Editors should:

* Avoid mocking witnesses
* Avoid personal attacks
* Respect privacy
* Avoid unnecessary speculation about individuals

==Quality Standards==

Articles may be assessed using:

[[TheVault:Evidence Rating System]]

and

[[TheVault:Case Assessment Process]]

Articles should aim to be:

* Accurate
* Balanced
* Well sourced
* Clearly written
* Transparent about uncertainty

==See Also==
* [[TheVault:Research Methodology]]
* [[TheVault:Source Guidelines]]
* [[TheVault:Case Assessment Process]]
* [[TheVault:Evidence Rating System]]
* [[TheVault:Classification System]]

[[Category:The Vault Policies]]

TheVault:Writing Guidelines - Revision history

GaryJJSpate at 21:13, 2 August 2026

GaryJJSpate at 21:04, 2 August 2026