Help:Wiki University--Patrolling Common Issues

Other issues to check
In addition to errors in the Wikitext coding, there can be issues with the content. The information can be in violation of the guiding principles or just poorly written. A few of the issues that Wiki support missionaries should look for and correct as needed are listed below in no particular order. Other information is available at Patrolling.

Talk pages
Be aware that users leave comments and questions on Talk pages. If you notice a Talk Page in the "Recent Changes" list, check to see if it contains a question or comment requiring an answer. If so, answer it if you can. If you cannot answer the question, do the following:
 * mark the page as patrolled
 * copy the URL
 * go to the Yammer Wiki 911 group, paste the URL, and explain that you need help
 * go back to the Talk Page and leave a message stating that you are in the process of finding the answer. That sends a message to the user that the question has been received; and a message to the other missionaries that someone is handling the question.

Personal opinions
If a large addition has been made to a page, be sure to read the material carefully. Since the Wiki must have a neutral point of view, you need to make sure there are no personal opinions or personal evaluations of the material presented. If there are, contact the user via the user's talk page and/or email. If the user does not make any changes, you will need to do it yourself or delete it.

Long histories
Sometimes you will see long histories of places such as a town, of groups of people, etc. Since the purpose of the Wiki is to inform people what records are available and how to access them, extensive histories are beyond the scope of the Wiki. A brief history is acceptable if it provides insight into how records were kept; what events affected how they were recorded or preserved; or what affected their content. You can advise the user to include a link to a history they think might be of interest.

Biographies
Life stories are not allowed in the Wiki.

Material of no genealogical importance
Delete any material that does not give research help to genealogists. Be careful in your assessment. Sometimes it may take a second reading to see the value.

Links to merchandisers
Occasionally you will see someone has slipped in a link to their commercial web site. Although sometimes it is out in the open, more likely it could be hidden in a link with a title indicating it is for a site with genealogical value. Check all NEW links by clicking through to the linked site. If you see links to advertising, delete them and request to block the user immediately.

Pornography
If you see any links to pornographic sites, DELETE IMMEDIATELY. Request to block the user immediately as well.

Faulty links



 * Links in red are "broken" links. If you can figure out what the link should be, correct it.
 * Links in black are proposed links that have not yet had coding applied. If the page was created some time ago, check to see if they have value.
 * Links to errors. Sometimes you will be taken to a page with a 404 error. This is a site that might not be active anymore or has other coding problems. If you cannot figure out what the problem is you can alert the user or delete it.
 * For help with broken links Click here. You will need to be familiar with Wikitext. You can take these Wikitext lessons to learn how to code in Wikitext.

Grammar and spelling
As you are reading new material, if you notice grammar and spelling errors you should correct them or come back to the page later to fix them. However, grammar and spelling are not our primary focus in patrolling.

Page is a mess!
Every once in a while, after a user has edited a page it will be messed up. Someone trying to edit may have inadvertently removed a bit of coding or had problems with the visual editor. You will need to look at the code to see what the problem is. Sometimes the damage is so severe that it is easier to make note of the intended change, roll back the changes, then make the edit again. If you are not confident in this process, get help from your mentor or another team member. We cannot let pages remain in this condition hoping the user will return and repair the damage. (Often the user saw the result, had no idea how to fix it, and saved the article hoping that someone would see it and fix it.)

Seeking research help
Some people have posted genealogical information about their own ancestors, seeking additional help. You should refer them to FamilySearch.org or other sites. Any genealogy information must be deleted or moved to Compiled Genealogies.

Policies and guidelines
Study Policies and guidelines to get familiar with what is acceptable and what is not in the Wiki.

Try these out


 Quick Quiz

In the Wiki:


 * A user may comment on an event in history to voice an opinion about it.


 * True
 * False


 * Biographies of historical figures or famous people are not allowed.


 * True
 * False


 * An article may link to a site that sells tee shirts for family reunions.


 * True
 * False


 * Using the word "ain't" is acceptable every once in a while.


 * True
 * False


 * All policies are etched in stone and cannot be changed.


 * True
 * False

Check your answers