Well, it hasn’t been very long since we last saw one of these, has it?

Once again, darkest greetings from the planet Arx! Given the proximity of this report to my last one, and the need to start getting my new staffers adjusted to their roles and the projects that should serve to help make the Wiki more of a document of living history I will be trying to keep this once brief. We are coming into a quiet period within the Dark Brotherhood as we hit summer strides, but I am hoping to see a nice spurt of activity from many of you when you get a chance. Plus, it gives me and my team more chances to recognize your work in enriching the background and world we collectively (maybe given the recent war I should have picked a better word?) inhabit. Hopefully together we can keep the repository from getting dusty, and keep it growing and developing as our club's history further develops.

Introduction

Yes, last time I used this section to introduce myself. Might seem a little odd to include it again, but bear with me. I wanted to take an opportunity to welcome Morax Darkblade, Andrelious J. Mimosa-Inahj and Grot to the Wiki staff. Given what I read in their respective applications, I feel that my team brings a decent blend of knowledge, experience, determination, and drive to the Wiki. I hope everybody will welcome them as they embark on our joint venture for a greater Wiki.

Wiki Policy Changes

Still not quite anything yet. I and my staff will be reviewing some Templates and how they are used in the coming weeks to determine what additions are needed or what can be retired. We are aiming for an ease of use. Hopefully we can avoid some oddities like the fact that I have a “Wikistaff” and a “WikiStaff” template, for two different purposes. We will also be reviewing infoboxes, to look at how closely they align with other Wikis to create a sort of conformity. Nothing will be going away, and we won’t be breaking your toys (or templates, rather) but I am hoping that we can make things prettier, if nothing else!

Projects

Greater Ease of Navigation On the Wiki: examining options (implementation date to be announced)

Perpetual Wiki: Staffers being assigned

Project Shift: Staffers being assigned

Check back here next month and we will keep you up to date!

Featured Articles and Wikipedian of the Month

This month’s featured article showcases what I believe is a pretty succinct but surprisingly meaty example of a DJB-Wiki article. The layout, the presentation and the use of images (which felt more just right than too much or too little) have secured the page for Mauro Wynter as May 2018’s Featured Article.

While there has been a quiet spot for the Wiki over the last thirty days, one individual has continued to work on maintenance and upkeep for Clan Plagueis with NPCs, locations and even a bit of touch up on the old Horizons page. Looking over the last month, I see no reason not to recognize Ronovi Tavisaen as the May 2018 Wikipedian of the Month.

Wiki Tips of the Month

As I was preparing for the addition of new staff, I had a member reach out to me, inquiring how they could put up the page of one of their fellow members up as a candidate for Featured Article of the Month. This brought to my attention that the selection process for WotM (Wikipedian of the Month) and Featured Article may not be clear to a good chunk of our membership. This month I wanted to take a moment to give some transparency for how both of these honors are awarded.

There are technically two places on the Wiki that have to do with the Featured Article selection process. You have the means of nominating a page, and then you have the page where nominations are discussed, with pros and cons being offered on a potential selection. The prior allows all of you to put up pages for consideration, while the latter let's myself and staff identify and discuss issues that might prevent a nominated page from receiving the status of a Featured Page.

To nominate an article, place the following at the top (preferrably) of the page: {{Nominated}}. This handy little template flags the page for consideration. The other portion is the DJB:Featured Article Page. Now the latter is handy in that it gives you the ability to vote upon contenders for a given month's Featured Article! Placing the {{Nominated}} template is a part of this whole process, but the DJB:Featured article Page allows you to weigh in on the Nominations and get valuable feedback on how you can polish up your page to bring it up to the standards for consideration. I have shown some points to consider on the currently nominated Wiki pages. Also, linked on the page is the Featured Article queue. Yes, if your page has met the standards but isn't selected for that month, it can be placed into the queue as a possible grab (pre-approved, if you will) for a future month's Featured Article!

Another issue I have noticed which is more noticable, is a little more basic. Simply put: capitalization matters. With the DJB Wiki incorrect capitalization can create redlinks and can also prevent your page from being properly linked to or sorted into desired categories. There are two easy things you can do to help with this. One is to make plentiful use of your Preview Button on the Wiki to make sure that things link properly. The second is, if things are broken, and you can't figure out exactly where they are not working, you can always ask my staff members or myself on my talk page (my email alerts me when edits are made) so we can help you piece it out.

Final Words

That is it for the May Wiki Report. If you take nothing else away from this report, just remember:

If you have a Wiki problem...if no one else can help...and if you can contact us... you can hire....... The Wiki Staff team.

In the meantime I remain as ever, Yours In Darkness,