| Revision as of 08:41, 19 May 2007 editDoc glasgow (talk | contribs)26,084 edits rejected - whilst whether it SHOULD be a guideline is disputed - the fact that it does not command concensus is beyond dispute← Previous edit | Revision as of 09:24, 19 May 2007 edit undoNed Scott (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users39,901 edits in that case, lets just put the draft hereNext edit → | ||
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| :''For software, see ] (]); for Spoken Misplaced Pages, see ] (]). For Misplaced Pages guidelines regarding non-spoiler warnings, see ] (]).'' | |||
| {{rejected}}'' | |||
| {{ |
{{proposed|]|WP:SPOIL|WP:SW}} | ||
| A ''']''' is a piece of information in an article about a narrative work (such as a book, feature film, television show or video game) that may reduce one's enjoyment of reading, viewing, or playing the work by revealing certain ] ]s or ]s. If someone hasn't read, watched or played the material to which the warning refers, they might wish to avoid reading the spoiler before fully experiencing the work. | A ''']''' is a piece of information in an article about a narrative work (such as a book, feature film, television show or video game) that may reduce one's enjoyment of reading, viewing, or playing the work by revealing certain ] ]s or ]s. If someone hasn't read, watched or played the material to which the warning refers, they might wish to avoid reading the spoiler before fully experiencing the work. | ||
| When discussing creative works, e.g. books, music, computer games, TV series or films, then an encyclopedia's task is to give a summary of the work and its place in the overall field. Thus, it is natural that the action of a book or a film will be described and discussed in full. | |||
| Although Misplaced Pages strives first to inform and so may include spoilers, not all visitors will recognize this function, so some people will appreciate a spoiler notice. An article may contain analyses and background detail not available or at least not obvious in the work described. Where this is the case, some people feel a spoiler notice should be made prominent as a simple courtesy. | |||
| Many books or films lose their attraction, however, if too many details or the ending are revealed before they are read or seen. So it became common on the Internet to put before such descriptions a spoiler warning. | |||
| It is also recommended that editors avoid placing spoilers in ] or section headers (unless the spoiler warning is before the ]) and avoid ] from another article to a section inside the spoiler area. Information that may be a spoiler for a narrative work may sometimes be relevant in articles about other subjects than the narrative in question, for example in the article about another fictional work, an ], or an ]; in these cases, spoilers can still be preceded by a spoiler warning. | |||
| In encyclopedias, however, this is rare, and are generally avoided. | |||
| The question of spoilers should never influence decisions about article content and structure. If moving a spoiler from an article's lead section decreases the quality of the article, the article quality is more important than warning readers about spoilers. | |||
| ==When and how to warn== | |||
| == Where spoiler warnings may be inappropriate == | |||
| *Spoiler warnings ''may'' be used where the editors proposing them can provide a compelling and justifiable reason to insert one. Such reasons should show that knowledge of the spoiler would likely ''substantially'' diminish the readers enjoyment of the work. Restrict such warnings to areas where a reader wouldn't reasonably expect to read a spoiler. No tags in <nowiki>==Plot== or other such sections.</nowiki> | |||
| Spoiler warnings are generally redundant in sections covering plot summaries or synopses; it is expected that such sections will include details of the plot. | |||
| *A spoiler warning is a courtesy note to readers, such as those who find articles from search engine results. As such it's more of a reminder note and not a label to be used for ''every'' spoiler. Such tags should only be used once in an article. Such a note is never guaranteed. | |||
| They are also generally inappropriate in respect of factual works, classic works of fiction (including films), or subjects where plot twists have been the subject of considerable external debate. It is probably not necessary to include {{tl|spoiler}} in the plot section of ], for example, since the Bible is one of the most widely read and discussed books in history and there is a centuries-long tradition of public holidays based around the events portrayed. | |||
| *Use only '''{{tl|Spoiler}}''' to mark spoilers. For articles on magic or puzzles, simply use better section labels. | |||
| Where plot details genuinely are not widely known, take especial care that including them does not violate policy against ]. | |||
| *Spoiler warnings should not interfere with NPOV, completeness, encyclopedic tone, or other elements of article quality. | |||
| ==Suggested templates== | |||
| One standard way to warn is to insert {{tl|spoiler}} before the revealing text. On the real article this will appear as this: | |||
| *Spoiler warnings should not be used on ancient texts, literary classics, classic films, or works whose plot is 'common knowledge'. There is some support for use in more recent works. While this is often obvious, grey-area situations should avoid the use of spoiler templates or discuss the matter on the individual article's talk page. | |||
| {{spoiler}} | |||
| *Spoilers should not be ''unnecessarily'' disclosed in the lead, but avoided only when reasonable. If moving a spoiler from an article's lead section decreases the quality of the article, the article quality is more important than warning readers about spoilers. Articles often break down neatly into sections which contain spoilers (such as plot summaries and literary controversy) and sections lacking spoilers (considering authorship or lists of actors / characters). That said, this is not always true, and articles whose best structure would contain spoilers throughout should not be bent into "spoiler" and "non-spoiler" sections. | |||
| If you wish to specify the spoiler's nature (particularly if this isn't clear from the article's / section's title), you may use {{tl|spoiler-about}} before the revealing text. <nowiki>{{spoiler-about|(a particular element)}}</nowiki> appears as: | |||
| *Seek ''acceptable'' alternatives. Instead of a spoiler tag for a second season of a TV show, simply label that section as the plot summary for the second season, or note it in text, such as "In the second season..." This gives the reader a "fair warning" by simply noting which part of the plot is being discussed. | |||
| {{spoiler-about|(a particular element)}} | |||
| === Examples === | |||
| This template also can be used to specify that spoilers affect multiple works, as the ''phrase'' can be a list or description of several works that are spoiled by the article involved. | |||
| In mid to late 2006, a spoiler template before the fact that ] Kills ] in ] would be warranted. Due to the wide dissemination of this information, however, a spoiler tag would not currently be appropriate. The same reasoning can be used for major spoilers in ], ] and ] | |||
| If an article contains spoilers pertaining to both the titular subject '''and''' a subject or subjects other than the one indicated in the title, you may use {{tl|spoiler-other}} before the revealing text. <nowiki>{{spoiler-other|(other subjects)}}</nowiki> expands to: | |||
| ⚫ | ==Unacceptable alternatives== | ||
| {{spoiler-other|(other subjects)}} | |||
| Unlike the {{tl|spoiler-about}} template, {{tl|spoiler-other}} emphasizes the distinction between the article's titular subject and the other subject(s) potentially "spoiled," and should be used ''only'' in an applicable situation. | |||
| Note that some editors encourage the use of {{tl|spoiler-about}} instead of {{tl|spoiler-other}}, especially if you're unsure of which to use. The former can be applied to any situation that calls for the latter (albeit with less than ideal results), but the reverse is ''not'' true. Therefore, whenever in doubt, it's best to use {{tl|spoiler-about}}. | |||
| If an article contains spoilers regarding any other subject not covered by the previous templates, you may use {{tl|spoiler-blank}} before the revealing text. <nowiki>{{spoiler-blank|(subject)}}</nowiki> expands to: | |||
| {{spoiler-blank|(subject)}} | |||
| If only part of the article contains spoilers, and you wish to indicate where these end (so that a reader can skip the spoilers and read the parts below), you can insert {{tl|endspoiler}}. This expands to: | |||
| {{endspoiler}} | |||
| ===Specialized templates=== | |||
| If these general-purpose ]s are not suitable for the particular article you are working on, feel free to custom-design your own warning template, but please link back to this page. | |||
| The following spoiler templates are for specialized uses. | |||
| ====Secrets of magic tricks==== | |||
| {{tl|magic-spoiler}} | |||
| {{magic-spoiler}} | |||
| ====Puzzle solutions==== | |||
| When a puzzle, word problem or similar question is presented, you may wish to insert {{tl|Solution}} before giving the solution. This expands to:{{Solution}} | |||
| ⚫ | ==Unacceptable alternatives== | ||
| The following methods should never be used to obscure spoilers: | The following methods should never be used to obscure spoilers: | ||
| * Making "spoiler free" parallel versions (]) of an article. (Since Misplaced Pages content is available under the ], creating parallel versions ''outside'' of Misplaced Pages is generally acceptable.) | * Making "spoiler free" parallel versions (]) of an article. (Since Misplaced Pages content is available under the ], creating parallel versions ''outside'' of Misplaced Pages is generally acceptable.) | ||
| * Deleting relevant, ] and ] information about a narrative work from Misplaced Pages "because it's a spoiler" |
* Deleting relevant, ] and ] information about a narrative work from Misplaced Pages "because it's a spoiler". | ||
| * Structuring an article around spoilers, confining them to a particular area of the article (e.g. under ==Plot==), when unnecessary or in a way that decreases article quality. | |||
| * In various ] discussion forums, a widespread convention is the insertion of blank (or virtually blank) lines before a spoiler (which removes the offending text from the reader's view, until he/she scrolls to the next page). Obviously, this is unacceptable in a general-purpose encyclopedia. | * In various ] discussion forums, a widespread convention is the insertion of blank (or virtually blank) lines before a spoiler (which removes the offending text from the reader's view, until he/she scrolls to the next page). Obviously, this is unacceptable in a general-purpose encyclopedia. | ||
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| * Another common method of hiding spoilers from readers is to change the color of the text to match that of the page background, thus rendering the text unreadable until highlighted by the reader in a selection. ] in this manner is unacceptable here because it requires explanation to readers unfamiliar with the practice, and because it may be incompatible with ] devices such as ]s. Also, some web browsers highlight text by inverting the colors of the text and background. In these browsers, for white text on a white background, highlighting produces black text on a black background. Also, it is possible for a user to set their browser to refuse to change text color (just as they can refuse to display images); text-only browsers (such as ]) may likewise disregard requests to change text color. In addition, it renders the text unprintable. | * Another common method of hiding spoilers from readers is to change the color of the text to match that of the page background, thus rendering the text unreadable until highlighted by the reader in a selection. ] in this manner is unacceptable here because it requires explanation to readers unfamiliar with the practice, and because it may be incompatible with ] devices such as ]s. Also, some web browsers highlight text by inverting the colors of the text and background. In these browsers, for white text on a white background, highlighting produces black text on a black background. Also, it is possible for a user to set their browser to refuse to change text color (just as they can refuse to display images); text-only browsers (such as ]) may likewise disregard requests to change text color. In addition, it renders the text unprintable. | ||
| ==Turning spoiler tags off== | |||
| Those who wish to not see spoiler warnings could use the following ] rule: | |||
| .spoiler { display: none; } | |||
| Any web browser which supports CSS (as almost all do) will then hide the spoiler warnings. (You will still see them in the Wikitext when editing.) | |||
| There are lots of ways of doing this, especially for users of ] or ]. Doing it locally on the computer you are using will work both for anonymous and logged-in users. | |||
| An alternative method is available to users with a ]; this will work without changing browser settings: | |||
| #Go to your ] page | |||
| #:(This is the default skin/style. If you are using another skin, substitute the name of your preferred style for monobook, for example ].) | |||
| #Click on the link to create the page, or click ''edit this page''. | |||
| #Enter <code>.spoiler { display: none; }</code> | |||
| #Save the page. | |||
| #Follow the instructions in ]. | |||
| :Spoiler warnings are now hidden as long as you are logged in, no matter what computer you are using. (Applies to CSS compliant browsers.) | |||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
Revision as of 09:24, 19 May 2007
- For software, see Misplaced Pages:Software (WP:SOFT); for Spoken Misplaced Pages, see Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Spoken Misplaced Pages (WP:WSW). For Misplaced Pages guidelines regarding non-spoiler warnings, see Misplaced Pages:No disclaimer templates (WP:NDT).
 | The following is a proposed Misplaced Pages policy, guideline, or process. The proposal may still be in development, under discussion, or in the process of gathering consensus for adoption. | Shortcuts |
A spoiler is a piece of information in an article about a narrative work (such as a book, feature film, television show or video game) that may reduce one's enjoyment of reading, viewing, or playing the work by revealing certain plot events or twists. If someone hasn't read, watched or played the material to which the warning refers, they might wish to avoid reading the spoiler before fully experiencing the work.
When discussing creative works, e.g. books, music, computer games, TV series or films, then an encyclopedia's task is to give a summary of the work and its place in the overall field. Thus, it is natural that the action of a book or a film will be described and discussed in full.
Many books or films lose their attraction, however, if too many details or the ending are revealed before they are read or seen. So it became common on the Internet to put before such descriptions a spoiler warning.
In encyclopedias, however, this is rare, and are generally avoided.
When and how to warn
- Spoiler warnings may be used where the editors proposing them can provide a compelling and justifiable reason to insert one. Such reasons should show that knowledge of the spoiler would likely substantially diminish the readers enjoyment of the work. Restrict such warnings to areas where a reader wouldn't reasonably expect to read a spoiler. No tags in ==Plot== or other such sections.
- A spoiler warning is a courtesy note to readers, such as those who find articles from search engine results. As such it's more of a reminder note and not a label to be used for every spoiler. Such tags should only be used once in an article. Such a note is never guaranteed.
- Use only {{Spoiler}} to mark spoilers. For articles on magic or puzzles, simply use better section labels.
- Spoiler warnings should not interfere with NPOV, completeness, encyclopedic tone, or other elements of article quality.
- Spoiler warnings should not be used on ancient texts, literary classics, classic films, or works whose plot is 'common knowledge'. There is some support for use in more recent works. While this is often obvious, grey-area situations should avoid the use of spoiler templates or discuss the matter on the individual article's talk page.
- Spoilers should not be unnecessarily disclosed in the lead, but avoided only when reasonable. If moving a spoiler from an article's lead section decreases the quality of the article, the article quality is more important than warning readers about spoilers. Articles often break down neatly into sections which contain spoilers (such as plot summaries and literary controversy) and sections lacking spoilers (considering authorship or lists of actors / characters). That said, this is not always true, and articles whose best structure would contain spoilers throughout should not be bent into "spoiler" and "non-spoiler" sections.
- Seek acceptable alternatives. Instead of a spoiler tag for a second season of a TV show, simply label that section as the plot summary for the second season, or note it in text, such as "In the second season..." This gives the reader a "fair warning" by simply noting which part of the plot is being discussed.
Examples
In mid to late 2006, a spoiler template before the fact that Snape Kills Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince would be warranted. Due to the wide dissemination of this information, however, a spoiler tag would not currently be appropriate. The same reasoning can be used for major spoilers in Enders Game, The Usual Suspects and The Sixth Sense
Unacceptable alternatives
The following methods should never be used to obscure spoilers:
- Making "spoiler free" parallel versions (content forks) of an article. (Since Misplaced Pages content is available under the text of the GNU Free Documentation License, creating parallel versions outside of Misplaced Pages is generally acceptable.)
- Deleting relevant, neutral and verifiable information about a narrative work from Misplaced Pages "because it's a spoiler".
- Structuring an article around spoilers, confining them to a particular area of the article (e.g. under ==Plot==), when unnecessary or in a way that decreases article quality.
- In various Internet discussion forums, a widespread convention is the insertion of blank (or virtually blank) lines before a spoiler (which removes the offending text from the reader's view, until he/she scrolls to the next page). Obviously, this is unacceptable in a general-purpose encyclopedia.
- On the Usenet computer network, a popular method of concealing spoilers (and sometimes, offensive material) is ROT13 encryption. Again, this is unacceptable in a general-purpose encyclopedia.
- Another common method of hiding spoilers from readers is to change the color of the text to match that of the page background, thus rendering the text unreadable until highlighted by the reader in a selection. Hiding text in this manner is unacceptable here because it requires explanation to readers unfamiliar with the practice, and because it may be incompatible with computer accessibility devices such as screen readers. Also, some web browsers highlight text by inverting the colors of the text and background. In these browsers, for white text on a white background, highlighting produces black text on a black background. Also, it is possible for a user to set their browser to refuse to change text color (just as they can refuse to display images); text-only browsers (such as Lynx) may likewise disregard requests to change text color. In addition, it renders the text unprintable.