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{{subcat guideline|content guideline|Television episodes|WP:EPISODE}} {{subcat guideline|content guideline|Television episodes|WP:EPISODE}}
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| <div align="center">This guideline has recently expanded. If you have been familiar with this guideline in the past, then you may wish to review the page.
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Misplaced Pages contains many articles on television episodes. The following guideline aims to promote the creation of high-quality articles about television shows and their episodes. Misplaced Pages contains many articles on television episodes. The following guideline aims to promote the creation of high-quality articles about television shows and their episodes.


==Creating articles on television episodes== ==Process for creating articles on television episodes==
All articles on Misplaced Pages must meet ], which state that:
More important than having many articles on TV episodes is having good articles on those episodes. Therefore, it may not be a good idea to create small articles on every episode of a television show. That is not to say that one should not add information about a television episode to Misplaced Pages. The following process is a suggested method of doing so:
<blockquote>''A topic is presumed to be notable if it has received significant coverage in ] that are ] of the subject.''</blockquote>
*First, create an article on the television show.
It is important to bear this in mind when creating articles, and it is likely that each individual episode of a television series ''will not'' be notable on its own, simply because there are not enough secondary sources available. ] explains this further:
⚫ *Once there's enough verifiable information independent of the show itself, create articles on each season, or some other logical division of the show.
<blockquote>''Misplaced Pages articles on works of fiction should contain real-world context and sourced analysis, offering detail on a work's achievements, impact or historical significance.''</blockquote>
⚫ *If there is enough verifiable information from secondary sources about individual episodes, create separate articles for them.
While each episode ''on its own'' may not qualify for an article, it is quite likely that sources can be found to support a series or season page, where all the episodes in one season (or series) are presented on one page. (See examples listed below). Such pages must still be notable, and contain out-of-universe context, and not merely be a list of episode titles or cast and crew: ].


Over time, you might find that some episodes or story-arcs have enough real-world information to warrant their own article. Such an episode can be broken out into its own page.
==Content==

{{For2|detailed style guidance for writing about fictional works|]}}
===Process===
⚫ * Content about television episodes must conform to Misplaced Pages content policies, including but not limited to ] and ]. An actual episode may be used as a source for information about the episode and constitutes a primary source. Such use does not constitute original research.
* Create page for the television PROGRAMME
⚫ * ]. Avoid excessive trivia and quotations.
⚫ ::''Once there's enough verifiable information independent of the show itself, then:''
* Extensive quotation from episodes and overly detailed plot summaries to the point that they replicate the screenplay of the work can be a violation of copyright and unlikely to meet ].
* Create page for each series/season, or a 'List of episodes' page.
* Here are some ideas for what information to include about a television episode, where possible:
⚫ ::''if there is enough verifiable information from secondary sources about individual episodes, then:''
⚫ :*A brief summary of the episode's plot
* Create pages for outstanding episodes.
⚫ :*The episode's relevance in ongoing story arcs, if any

⚫ :*How the episode was received by critics
==How to write a good season or episode page==
⚫ :*Information on production and broadcasting of the episode
⚫ All television pages must conform to Misplaced Pages content policies, including but not limited to ] and ]. In addition, ] has its own requirements, most particularly since:
* Elements which are best avoided in any episode article include:
<blockquote>''Misplaced Pages is an out-of-universe source, and all articles about fiction and elements of fiction should take an overall out-of-universe perspective.''</blockquote>
:*A scene-by-scene synopsis. An overall plot summary is much better; the article should not attempt to be a replacement for watching the show itself, it should be about the show.
In other words, the articles do not exist merely to retell the story (which is classed as a ] or a copyright violation) but to provide encyclopaediac information about the creation, production and reception of television programmes. Remember, the article should not attempt to be a replacement for watching the show itself, it should be about the show.
:*Particularly for comedies, no attempt should be made to recreate the humor of the show. This rarely works, and is contrary to the purpose of an encyclopedia.

===What a page should contain===
⚫ *A brief summary of the episode's plot (see below)
⚫ *The episode's relevance in ongoing story arcs, if any
⚫ *How the episode was received by critics
⚫ *Information on production and broadcasting of the episode
*Real-world factors that have influenced the work or fictional element

===Plot summaries===
The only purpose of plot summaries is provide context for the rest of the information. The ] states:
<blockquote>''As the Misplaced Pages servers are located in the U.S. state of Florida, Misplaced Pages articles must conform to U.S. copyright laws. It has been held in a number of court cases that any work which re-tells original ideas from a fictional source, in sufficient quantity without adding information about that work, or in some way analysing and explaining it, may be construed as a ] or a copyright violation...Information about copyright fictional worlds and plots of works of fiction can be provided only under a claim of ], and ] holds that "the amount of copyrighted work used should be as little as possible."''</blockquote>
As a rough guide, this amounts to no more than ten words per minute of screen time. For example, a 45 minute episode would warrant no more than 450 words.

===Reliable sources===
Misplaced Pages is not the place to record ] or speculation. All discussion and interpretation of television episodes must be supported by reliable, published sources. The ] states that:
<blockquote>''Reliable sources are credible published materials with a reliable publication process; their authors are generally regarded as trustworthy, or are authoritative in relation to the subject at hand...Using reliable sources assures the reader that what is being presented meets the Misplaced Pages standards for ] and ]. Accurate ] allows the reader to go to those sources and gives appropriate credit to the author of the work.''</blockquote>
An actual episode may be used as a source for information about the episode and constitutes a ]. Such use does not constitute original research if it is used to verify a fact. However, the episode cannot be used to justify an interpretation.

===Non-free images===
The primary purpose of non-free images on Misplaced Pages is for information rather than decoration. Non-free images (copyrighted images such as screen shots, DVD covers or publicity posters) must meet the ] which allows them to be used only to aid critical commentary or discussion. Add images only when you are familiar with Misplaced Pages's ].

===Using an "out-of-universe" approach===
The ] states:
<blockquote>''Misplaced Pages is an out-of-universe source, and all articles about fiction and elements of fiction should take an overall out-of-universe perspective.''</blockquote>
This means writing about television programmes from a real-world perspective (ie. discussing the piece as fiction, rather from the perspective of one of the characters, or as if the events had really happened).

===Things to avoid===
* Trivia sections:
: ] are unencyclopaedic, and ]. Relevant information should be integrated into the body of the article.
* Quotations:
⚫ :Extensive use of these may breach copyright. Also, ]. Consider adding these to ] instead.
* Lists of featured music or song lyrics:
:Original song lyrics for a television episode breach copyright. References to featured music should be supported by reliable sources to establish notability. Do not just list music: ].
* Technical errors and continuity issues ("bloopers" or "goofs"):
:Unsourced sections about technical errors or ] issues should generally be avoided. If there is a major mistake that is discussed by a reliable source it can become a part of the production section.


==Dealing with problem articles== ==Dealing with problem articles==
*If the articles contain little content, consider ] or redirecting them into another article (e.g. an article about the show itself, an article that is a list of episodes of the show, or an article that summarizes the plot for one season of the show). *If the article(s) contain little content, consider ] or redirecting them into another article (e.g. an article about the show itself, an article that is a list of episodes of the show, or an article that summarizes the plot for one season of the show).
*To start this process, tag the article(s) with '''<nowiki>{{subst:episode-notability}}</nowiki>''' on the page, which automatically adds it to ] after fourteen days. After the article has been added to the category, it will go up for review by editors to decide what should be done about the article, such as redirecting, merging, or deleting.
:''A proposed process for reviewing problem articles can be found at: ]''
*If the same editor appears to have created a large number of problematic articles, please refer them to this page. *If the same editor appears to have created a large number of problematic articles, please refer them to this page.
*Avoid listing episodes for AfD unless they are completely unverifiable and original research. *Avoid listing episodes for AfD unless they are completely unverifiable and original research.
Line 32: Line 75:
Also do some basic looking for additional source material that could be used to improve the article. Also do some basic looking for additional source material that could be used to improve the article.
:''Are more sources available?'' :''Are more sources available?''
If the answer to either of these questions is 'yes', it is probably better to forgo merging or redirecting. Instead, leave the article as it is or consider improving it. If the answer to either of these questions is 'yes', it is probably better to avoid merging or redirecting. Instead, consider improving it, or offer suggestions for its improvement on the talk page.

==Examples of good pages==
Below you will find three examples of each type of article. These have all reached ] or ] status, but are not the only pages to have done so.

===Programme pages===
* '']''
* '']''
* '']''

==='List of' pages===
* ]
* ]
* ]

===Season pages===
* ]

===Episode pages===
*"]" - episode of '']''
*"]" - first episode of '']''
*"]" - episode of '']''


==See also== ==See also==
*] *]
*] *]
*] - WikiProject guidelines and tips for articles on television episodes *] - WikiProject guidelines and tips for articles on television episodes
*] *]
*] & ] - 2 ]

Revision as of 00:38, 27 June 2007

Blue tickThis page documents an English Misplaced Pages content guideline.
Editors should generally follow it, though exceptions may apply. Substantive edits to this page should reflect consensus. When in doubt, discuss first on this guideline's talk page.		Shortcut
Change of times
Change of times
 This guideline has recently expanded. If you have been familiar with this guideline in the past, then you may wish to review the page.

Misplaced Pages contains many articles on television episodes. The following guideline aims to promote the creation of high-quality articles about television shows and their episodes.

Process for creating articles on television episodes

All articles on Misplaced Pages must meet notability guidelines, which state that:

A topic is presumed to be notable if it has received significant coverage in reliable sources that are independent of the subject.

It is important to bear this in mind when creating articles, and it is likely that each individual episode of a television series will not be notable on its own, simply because there are not enough secondary sources available. Misplaced Pages: Notability (fiction) explains this further:

Misplaced Pages articles on works of fiction should contain real-world context and sourced analysis, offering detail on a work's achievements, impact or historical significance.

While each episode on its own may not qualify for an article, it is quite likely that sources can be found to support a series or season page, where all the episodes in one season (or series) are presented on one page. (See examples listed below). Such pages must still be notable, and contain out-of-universe context, and not merely be a list of episode titles or cast and crew: Misplaced Pages is not a directory.

Over time, you might find that some episodes or story-arcs have enough real-world information to warrant their own article. Such an episode can be broken out into its own page.

Process

  • Create page for the television PROGRAMME
Once there's enough verifiable information independent of the show itself, then:
  • Create page for each series/season, or a 'List of episodes' page.
if there is enough verifiable information from secondary sources about individual episodes, then:
  • Create pages for outstanding episodes.

How to write a good season or episode page

All television pages must conform to Misplaced Pages content policies, including but not limited to Misplaced Pages:Verifiability and Misplaced Pages:No original research. In addition, writing about fiction has its own requirements, most particularly since:

Misplaced Pages is an out-of-universe source, and all articles about fiction and elements of fiction should take an overall out-of-universe perspective.

In other words, the articles do not exist merely to retell the story (which is classed as a Derivative work or a copyright violation) but to provide encyclopaediac information about the creation, production and reception of television programmes. Remember, the article should not attempt to be a replacement for watching the show itself, it should be about the show.

What a page should contain

  • A brief summary of the episode's plot (see below)
  • The episode's relevance in ongoing story arcs, if any
  • How the episode was received by critics
  • Information on production and broadcasting of the episode
  • Real-world factors that have influenced the work or fictional element

Plot summaries

The only purpose of plot summaries is provide context for the rest of the information. The Manual of Style for fiction states:

As the Misplaced Pages servers are located in the U.S. state of Florida, Misplaced Pages articles must conform to U.S. copyright laws. It has been held in a number of court cases that any work which re-tells original ideas from a fictional source, in sufficient quantity without adding information about that work, or in some way analysing and explaining it, may be construed as a Derivative work or a copyright violation...Information about copyright fictional worlds and plots of works of fiction can be provided only under a claim of fair use, and Misplaced Pages's fair-use policy holds that "the amount of copyrighted work used should be as little as possible."

As a rough guide, this amounts to no more than ten words per minute of screen time. For example, a 45 minute episode would warrant no more than 450 words.

Reliable sources

Misplaced Pages is not the place to record original research or speculation. All discussion and interpretation of television episodes must be supported by reliable, published sources. The Guideline on Reliable Sources states that:

Reliable sources are credible published materials with a reliable publication process; their authors are generally regarded as trustworthy, or are authoritative in relation to the subject at hand...Using reliable sources assures the reader that what is being presented meets the Misplaced Pages standards for verifiability and originality. Accurate citation allows the reader to go to those sources and gives appropriate credit to the author of the work.

An actual episode may be used as a source for information about the episode and constitutes a primary source. Such use does not constitute original research if it is used to verify a fact. However, the episode cannot be used to justify an interpretation.

Non-free images

The primary purpose of non-free images on Misplaced Pages is for information rather than decoration. Non-free images (copyrighted images such as screen shots, DVD covers or publicity posters) must meet the non-free content guidelines which allows them to be used only to aid critical commentary or discussion. Add images only when you are familiar with Misplaced Pages's Image Use Policy.

Using an "out-of-universe" approach

The Manual of Style for fiction states:

Misplaced Pages is an out-of-universe source, and all articles about fiction and elements of fiction should take an overall out-of-universe perspective.

This means writing about television programmes from a real-world perspective (ie. discussing the piece as fiction, rather from the perspective of one of the characters, or as if the events had really happened).

Things to avoid

  • Trivia sections:
Trivia sections are unencyclopaedic, and Misplaced Pages is not an indiscriminate collection of information. Relevant information should be integrated into the body of the article.
  • Quotations:
Extensive use of these may breach copyright. Also, Misplaced Pages is not an indiscriminate collection of information. Consider adding these to Wikiquote instead.
  • Lists of featured music or song lyrics:
Original song lyrics for a television episode breach copyright. References to featured music should be supported by reliable sources to establish notability. Do not just list music: Misplaced Pages is not a directory.
  • Technical errors and continuity issues ("bloopers" or "goofs"):
Unsourced sections about technical errors or continuity issues should generally be avoided. If there is a major mistake that is discussed by a reliable source it can become a part of the production section.

Dealing with problem articles

  • If the article(s) contain little content, consider merging or redirecting them into another article (e.g. an article about the show itself, an article that is a list of episodes of the show, or an article that summarizes the plot for one season of the show).
  • To start this process, tag the article(s) with {{subst:episode-notability}} on the page, which automatically adds it to Category:Episode articles not asserting notability after fourteen days. After the article has been added to the category, it will go up for review by editors to decide what should be done about the article, such as redirecting, merging, or deleting.
A proposed process for reviewing problem articles can be found at: Misplaced Pages:Television article review process
  • If the same editor appears to have created a large number of problematic articles, please refer them to this page.
  • Avoid listing episodes for AfD unless they are completely unverifiable and original research.

Note: Stubs are allowed on Misplaced Pages and many articles are stubs. It may be inappropriate to merge or redirect an article about a television episode just because it is a stub. Before executing a merge, ask yourself:

Will the merge reduce the quality or coherence of the target article?

Also do some basic looking for additional source material that could be used to improve the article.

Are more sources available?

If the answer to either of these questions is 'yes', it is probably better to avoid merging or redirecting. Instead, consider improving it, or offer suggestions for its improvement on the talk page.

Examples of good pages

Below you will find three examples of each type of article. These have all reached featured article or featured list status, but are not the only pages to have done so.

Programme pages

'List of' pages

Season pages

Episode pages

See also

Category: