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'''This page documents the editorial and structural conventions established across The Vault.''' It exists to keep new pages consistent with existing ones — check here before creating unusual page types or departing from established patterns.
{{Documentation}}


== Language and tone ==
= The Vault Style Guide =
* British English spelling throughout (e.g. ''organisation'', ''colour'', ''sceptic'').
* Neutral, measured tone. The Vault records reports as given; it does not assert that reported phenomena are real, nor dismiss them as false. Phrases like "said to," "reportedly," and "claimed" are used consistently for unverified phenomena.
* For scientifically explicable phenomena (e.g. [[Sleep Paralysis]], [[Hallucination]]), state the conventional explanation plainly rather than hedging it as "just a theory."


== Real people ==
The '''Vault Style Guide''' establishes the writing standards, formatting rules and editorial principles used throughout The Vault.
* Living or recently deceased people are covered factually, using well-corroborated public facts. Avoid stating one party's disputed claims about another as settled fact — see [[David Farrant]] and [[Sean Manchester]] for the template on handling an ongoing, mutually disputed rivalry.
* Partisan or single-source blogs (e.g. a subject's own fan site, or a rival's) are useful for detail but should not be the sole basis for a contested claim; attribute rather than assert where sources conflict.
* Health conditions, convictions, or other sensitive biographical facts are included only when independently corroborated and directly relevant to the subject's notability.


== Geographic links ==
The purpose of this guide is to ensure that articles remain consistent, informative and accessible while documenting subjects relating to [[paranormal phenomena]], [[cryptozoology]], [[ufology]], [[parapsychology]], [[Forteana]] and related fields.
* '''Towns and cities''' get a normal wikilink: <code><nowiki>[[Bootle]]</nowiki></code>
* '''States, counties, provinces, and other sub-national regions''' get a category link: <code><nowiki>[[:Category:Nevada|Nevada]]</nowiki></code>
* '''Countries''' get a category link: <code><nowiki>[[:Category:United States of America|USA]]</nowiki></code>
* Remember the leading colon (<code>:Category:</code>, not <code>Category:</code>) — without it, MediaWiki files the current page into that category instead of linking to it.


== Category structure ==
The Vault aims to document reported phenomena objectively. Articles should present available information, evidence, investigations and interpretations without attempting to prove or disprove claims.
* '''The Vault''' is the root category, with no parent.
* Content splits into subject-matter branches (Reported Phenomena, Parapsychology, People, In The Media, Hub Pages) and administrative branches (Vault Maintenance).
* '''Flat tagging is retired''' for content pages generally — a page carries only its single most specific category, not a chain up to "All Files" or "The Vault."
* '''Exception: all biography pages carry <nowiki>[[Category:People]]</nowiki> in addition to their specific subcategory''' (Psychic Mediums, Investigators, Researchers, TV Personalities, Witnesses). This is required so {{tl|StatsBar}}'s <nowiki>{{PAGESINCATEGORY:People|all}}</nowiki> count on the Main Page reflects every person on the wiki, not just the handful of subcategory shells — PAGESINCATEGORY only counts direct members of a category, not members of its subcategories.
* Only direct children of the root, and category pages one level below it, tag their immediate parent otherwise.


== Infobox reference ==
== Editorial philosophy ==
Use the infobox matching the page's subject type — never mix:
* '''{{tl|CaseInfobox}}''' — a specific case, or a place used as a Hub Page (fields: type, region, first_report, status)
* '''{{tl|CategoryInfobox}}''' — category pages only (fields: scope, parent)
* '''{{tl|PhenomenonInfobox}}''' — a general phenomenon/ability/term, not tied to one case (fields: type, field, also_known_as, notable_case, status)
* '''{{tl|PersonInfobox}}''' — biographies (fields: born, died, occupation, known_for, status)
* '''{{tl|OrganisationInfobox}}''' — companies, societies, investigation groups (fields: type, founded, founders, known_for, status)
* '''{{tl|ShowInfobox}}''' — TV series (fields: type, network, presenter, first_aired, status)
* '''{{tl|FilmInfobox}}''' — films (fields: director, studio, release_date, genre, status)
* '''{{tl|BookInfobox}}''' — books (fields: author, publisher, published, isbn, pages, genre)
* '''{{tl|PublicationInfobox}}''' — magazines and periodicals (fields: type, publisher, frequency, first_published, status)


'''Before using ISBN, pages, or any parameter, check the actual template source — several fields were added to templates after some pages were already written using them (e.g. BookInfobox's ISBN field). If unsure a parameter exists, check the template rather than assume.'''
The Vault is an encyclopaedic archive of unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries and paranormal research.


== Category structure ==
Articles should:
* '''The Vault''' is the root category, with no parent.
* Content splits into subject-matter branches (Reported Phenomena, Parapsychology, People, In The Media, Hub Pages) and administrative branches (Vault Maintenance).
* '''Flat tagging is retired.''' Content pages carry only their single most specific category — not a chain up to "All Files" or "The Vault." Only direct children of the root, and category pages one level below it, tag their immediate parent.
* '''Geographic hierarchy''': The Vault → Hub Pages → country category (e.g. United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland) → constituent-country category if applicable (England, Scotland) → county/region category → place-level page. Countries without internal subdivision built out yet (Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, USA) hold their content directly on the category page; once a sub-region is created, that content should migrate down and the parent trimmed to a pointer.
* '''Subcategory/member lists are not written manually.''' MediaWiki generates them automatically from category tags — do not add a "Pages in this category" list to a category page.


== The eponymous category pattern ==
* Document reported events and claims.
When a place or topic needs both a browsable category and readable overview content, split them:
* Explain the history and development of a subject.
* '''Category:X''' — structural only: infobox, one or two lines of scope, "what belongs/doesn't belong here" if useful.
* Present evidence and investigations.
* '''X''' (the plain-titled page) — the actual readable article, filed into Category:X.
* Include both supporting and critical perspectives.
See [[Kent]] / [[:Category:Kent|Category:Kent]] and [[Precognition]] as the reference examples. Counties created as category-only (no separate article) are a deliberate exception once confirmed with the site owner — see the batch of English counties rebuilt as pure categories.
* Distinguish between confirmed facts, reported claims and speculation.


== Growing a subtopic into its own page ==
The Vault does not exist to promote or dismiss paranormal claims. Its purpose is to preserve information and allow readers to explore the subject.
When a section of an existing page accumulates enough independent detail, split it into its own page and trim the original section down to a short summary + link. Established examples: [[Precognition]] out of [[Psychic Ability]]; [[Ganzfeld Experiment]] out of [[Telepathy]]; [[Enfield Poltergeist]] and [[Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis]] out of [[Poltergeist]]. Don't duplicate detail across both pages after a split — the parent should point, not repeat.


== Disambiguation ==
== Writing style ==
When a term names both a general phenomenon and a specific work (e.g. a book), the phenomenon keeps the plain title and the work takes a parenthetical qualifier — see [[Extra-Sensory Perception (book)|''Extra-Sensory Perception'' (book)]] vs. [[Extrasensory Perception]].


== Redirects ==
Articles should use a neutral, professional tone.
Use a redirect, not a duplicate article, when two titles genuinely describe the same subject from different angles with nothing to independently justify a second page (e.g. [[Medium]] → [[Mediumship]]; [[The Paranormal Channel]] → [[The Unexplained Channel]]).


== Sourcing and external links ==
=== Preferred wording ===
* Cite real sources found via search; don't invent citations or fabricate hauntings for real, named locations without a source. If nothing turns up, say so honestly rather than filling the gap.
* Amazon purchase links (`amzn.to` short links) cannot be verified by fetch — flag this limitation when adding one rather than presenting it as confirmed to match the exact edition.
* Wikitext content should avoid `<nowiki><code>[[...]]</code></nowiki>` to display a literal category/link tag as text — MediaWiki will still execute it. Use `(nowiki)<nowiki>[[...]]</nowiki>(/nowiki)` instead (replacing the brackets with <>).


== Templates ==
Use:
See [[:Category:Vault Templates|Category:Vault Templates]] for the full library and their individual documentation. Use {{tl|Documentation}} for a new template's own noinclude block rather than freehand formatting.


[[Category:Vault Maintenance]]
* "Witnesses have reported..."
* "Researchers have suggested..."
* "The case remains unexplained..."
* "The phenomenon has been investigated by..."
* "No accepted evidence has confirmed..."
 
Avoid:
 
* "This proves..."
* "This definitely exists..."
* "This is obviously fake..."
* "Scientists refuse to accept..."
* "Experts know..."
 
Extraordinary claims should be described accurately without exaggeration.
 
== Article structure ==
 
Where appropriate, articles should follow the standard structure below.
 
=== General phenomena ===
 
<pre>
Infobox
 
Introduction
 
Description
 
History
 
Reports and accounts
 
Evidence
 
Investigations
 
Explanations
 
Scientific perspective
 
Cultural impact
 
Related phenomena
 
See also
 
External links
 
References
</pre>
 
=== Cryptids ===
 
<pre>
CryptidInfobox
 
Introduction
 
Description
 
Origins and folklore
 
History
 
Notable sightings
 
Evidence
 
Investigations
 
Proposed explanations
 
Scientific perspective
 
Cultural impact
 
Related cryptids
 
See also
 
External links
 
References
</pre>
 
=== UFO / UAP cases ===
 
<pre>
UFOInfobox
 
Introduction
 
Background
 
Incident summary
 
Witness accounts
 
Physical evidence
 
Official investigations
 
Alternative explanations
 
Sceptical analysis
 
Legacy
 
See also
 
External links
 
References
</pre>
 
=== Haunted locations ===
 
<pre>
HauntedLocationInfobox
 
Introduction
 
History of location
 
Reported phenomena
 
Notable incidents
 
Investigations
 
Explanations
 
Media coverage
 
See also
 
External links
 
References
</pre>
 
=== Researchers and investigators ===
 
<pre>
PersonInfobox
 
Introduction
 
Early life
 
Career
 
Research
 
Notable investigations
 
Publications
 
Criticism and controversy
 
Legacy
 
References
</pre>
 
== Evidence classification ==
 
The Vault avoids categorising subjects simply as "real" or "fake".
 
Instead, articles should describe evidence using the following classifications.
 
=== Documented ===
 
A report, event, investigation or claim is historically recorded.
 
Example:
 
<blockquote>
The Patterson–Gimlin film is a documented piece of footage recorded in 1967.
</blockquote>
 
=== Reported ===
 
A claim or experience has been described by witnesses but remains unverified.
 
Example:
 
<blockquote>
Thousands of Bigfoot sightings have been reported throughout North America.
</blockquote>
 
=== Investigated ===
 
The subject has been examined by researchers, organisations or authorities.
 
Example:
 
<blockquote>
The incident was investigated by Project Blue Book.
</blockquote>
 
=== Unresolved ===
 
No accepted explanation currently exists.
 
=== Explained ===
 
A convincing conventional explanation has been proposed or demonstrated.
 
Example:
 
<blockquote>
The image was later revealed to be a hoax.
</blockquote>
 
== Internal linking ==
 
Internal links should encourage exploration of related Vault content.
 
Link to:
 
* Related paranormal subjects.
* Important cases.
* Researchers.
* Organisations.
* Evidence types.
* Historical events.
 
Avoid unnecessary links to general topics that do not contribute to understanding the paranormal subject.
 
Good:
 
<pre>
[[Bigfoot]]
[[Cryptozoology]]
[[Patterson–Gimlin film]]
[[Jeff Meldrum]]
</pre>
 
Avoid:
 
<pre>
[[Forest]]
[[Animal]]
[[Canada]]
</pre>
 
unless the topic itself is relevant.
 
== Categories ==
 
Categories should describe the paranormal subject area.
 
Preferred examples:
 
<pre>
Category:Cryptids
Category:Lake monsters
Category:UFO cases
Category:Alien encounters
Category:Ghosts
Category:Haunted locations
Category:Parapsychology
Category:Forteana
Category:Cryptozoology
</pre>
 
Avoid overly broad categories unrelated to the Vault's purpose.
 
== Citations and sources ==
 
Important factual claims should be supported with citations.
 
Sources should be prioritised in the following order:
 
=== Primary sources ===
 
* Official reports.
* Original witness statements.
* Government documents.
* Scientific papers.
* Archived newspapers.
 
=== Academic sources ===
 
* Peer-reviewed research.
* University publications.
* Books by recognised researchers.
 
=== Specialist sources ===
 
Examples include:
 
* Paranormal research organisations.
* Historical societies.
* Specialist journals.
* Fortean publications.
 
=== Popular sources ===
 
Television programmes, documentaries, blogs and online articles may be used where appropriate but should not be the sole source for important claims.
 
== Images ==
 
Images should:
 
* Have appropriate copyright status.
* Include accurate descriptions.
* Include attribution where required.
* Avoid presenting speculation as fact.
 
Where an image is an artistic interpretation, it should be clearly labelled.
 
Example:
 
<pre>
Caption = Artist's impression based on eyewitness descriptions.
</pre>
 
== Article introductions ==
 
The opening paragraph should answer:
 
* What is the subject?
* Why is it notable?
* What is its current status?
 
Example:
 
<blockquote>
The Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie, is a legendary lake monster associated with Loch Ness in Scotland. It is one of the world's most famous cryptids and has been the subject of numerous investigations. Despite decades of reports, no physical evidence has been scientifically accepted as proof of its existence.
</blockquote>
 
== Contributor principles ==
 
Editors should:
 
* Write objectively.
* Cite important claims.
* Avoid sensational language.
* Respect differing interpretations.
* Distinguish between reports, evidence and conclusions.
* Improve articles rather than simply adding opinions.
 
The goal of The Vault is to create a reliable archive of the unexplained.
 
[[Category:Vault]]
[[Category:Vault guidelines]]

Revision as of 20:21, 29 July 2026

Vault:Style Guide

Template:Documentation

The Vault Style Guide

The Vault Style Guide establishes the writing standards, formatting rules and editorial principles used throughout The Vault.

The purpose of this guide is to ensure that articles remain consistent, informative and accessible while documenting subjects relating to paranormal phenomena, cryptozoology, ufology, parapsychology, Forteana and related fields.

The Vault aims to document reported phenomena objectively. Articles should present available information, evidence, investigations and interpretations without attempting to prove or disprove claims.

Editorial philosophy

The Vault is an encyclopaedic archive of unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries and paranormal research.

Articles should:

  • Document reported events and claims.
  • Explain the history and development of a subject.
  • Present evidence and investigations.
  • Include both supporting and critical perspectives.
  • Distinguish between confirmed facts, reported claims and speculation.

The Vault does not exist to promote or dismiss paranormal claims. Its purpose is to preserve information and allow readers to explore the subject.

Writing style

Articles should use a neutral, professional tone.

Preferred wording

Use:

  • "Witnesses have reported..."
  • "Researchers have suggested..."
  • "The case remains unexplained..."
  • "The phenomenon has been investigated by..."
  • "No accepted evidence has confirmed..."

Avoid:

  • "This proves..."
  • "This definitely exists..."
  • "This is obviously fake..."
  • "Scientists refuse to accept..."
  • "Experts know..."

Extraordinary claims should be described accurately without exaggeration.

Article structure

Where appropriate, articles should follow the standard structure below.

General phenomena

Infobox

Introduction

Description

History

Reports and accounts

Evidence

Investigations

Explanations

Scientific perspective

Cultural impact

Related phenomena

See also

External links

References

Cryptids

CryptidInfobox

Introduction

Description

Origins and folklore

History

Notable sightings

Evidence

Investigations

Proposed explanations

Scientific perspective

Cultural impact

Related cryptids

See also

External links

References

UFO / UAP cases

UFOInfobox

Introduction

Background

Incident summary

Witness accounts

Physical evidence

Official investigations

Alternative explanations

Sceptical analysis

Legacy

See also

External links

References

Haunted locations

HauntedLocationInfobox

Introduction

History of location

Reported phenomena

Notable incidents

Investigations

Explanations

Media coverage

See also

External links

References

Researchers and investigators

PersonInfobox

Introduction

Early life

Career

Research

Notable investigations

Publications

Criticism and controversy

Legacy

References

Evidence classification

The Vault avoids categorising subjects simply as "real" or "fake".

Instead, articles should describe evidence using the following classifications.

Documented

A report, event, investigation or claim is historically recorded.

Example:

The Patterson–Gimlin film is a documented piece of footage recorded in 1967.

Reported

A claim or experience has been described by witnesses but remains unverified.

Example:

Thousands of Bigfoot sightings have been reported throughout North America.

Investigated

The subject has been examined by researchers, organisations or authorities.

Example:

The incident was investigated by Project Blue Book.

Unresolved

No accepted explanation currently exists.

Explained

A convincing conventional explanation has been proposed or demonstrated.

Example:

The image was later revealed to be a hoax.

Internal linking

Internal links should encourage exploration of related Vault content.

Link to:

  • Related paranormal subjects.
  • Important cases.
  • Researchers.
  • Organisations.
  • Evidence types.
  • Historical events.

Avoid unnecessary links to general topics that do not contribute to understanding the paranormal subject.

Good: 

[[Bigfoot]]
[[Cryptozoology]]
[[Patterson–Gimlin film]]
[[Jeff Meldrum]]

Avoid: 

[[Forest]]
[[Animal]]
[[Canada]]

unless the topic itself is relevant.

Categories

Categories should describe the paranormal subject area.

Preferred examples: 

Category:Cryptids
Category:Lake monsters
Category:UFO cases
Category:Alien encounters
Category:Ghosts
Category:Haunted locations
Category:Parapsychology
Category:Forteana
Category:Cryptozoology

Avoid overly broad categories unrelated to the Vault's purpose.

Citations and sources

Important factual claims should be supported with citations.

Sources should be prioritised in the following order:

Primary sources

  • Official reports.
  • Original witness statements.
  • Government documents.
  • Scientific papers.
  • Archived newspapers.

Academic sources

  • Peer-reviewed research.
  • University publications.
  • Books by recognised researchers.

Specialist sources

Examples include:

  • Paranormal research organisations.
  • Historical societies.
  • Specialist journals.
  • Fortean publications.

Television programmes, documentaries, blogs and online articles may be used where appropriate but should not be the sole source for important claims.

Images

Images should:

  • Have appropriate copyright status.
  • Include accurate descriptions.
  • Include attribution where required.
  • Avoid presenting speculation as fact.

Where an image is an artistic interpretation, it should be clearly labelled.

Example: 

Caption = Artist's impression based on eyewitness descriptions.

Article introductions

The opening paragraph should answer:

  • What is the subject?
  • Why is it notable?
  • What is its current status?

Example:

The Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie, is a legendary lake monster associated with Loch Ness in Scotland. It is one of the world's most famous cryptids and has been the subject of numerous investigations. Despite decades of reports, no physical evidence has been scientifically accepted as proof of its existence.

Contributor principles

Editors should:

  • Write objectively.
  • Cite important claims.
  • Avoid sensational language.
  • Respect differing interpretations.
  • Distinguish between reports, evidence and conclusions.
  • Improve articles rather than simply adding opinions.

The goal of The Vault is to create a reliable archive of the unexplained.

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