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 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:
"The creature definitely exists and has been seen by thousands."
Prefer:
"Reports of the creature have been documented by numerous witnesses, although its existence has not been scientifically verified."
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:
"The ghost haunted the building for 200 years."
Correct:
"The building has been the subject of reported hauntings for approximately 200 years."
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:
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:
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:
"The Bell Witch Case"
Avoid:
"The True Story of America's Most Evil Ghost"
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