Actions

Sonic Retro

Difference between revisions of "FAQ"

From Sonic Retro

m
(Undo revision 201607 by Black ops 14 (talk))
(36 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
 
'''Overview FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)''':
 
'''Overview FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)''':
== What is '''Wiki'''? ==
+
== What is a '''Wiki'''? ==
 
 
: A ''wiki'' is a collaborative '''collection''' of interlinked web pages, all of which can be visited and edited by anyone at any time (collaborative software). The concept and software were invented by Ward Cunningham. You could even edit this page by clicking the "edit" link on the third tab above, or edit only a section by clicking on "[edit]" to its right. If you don't have anything to add or correct on this page and you just want to see how it works, try out the [[Sandbox]].
 
  
== What is [[SSonicNET Database]]? ==
+
: A ''wiki'' is a collaborative '''collection''' of interlinked web pages, all of which can be visited and edited by anyone at any time (collaborative software). The concept and software were invented by Ward Cunningham. You could even edit this page by clicking the "edit" link on the drop-down menu above, or edit only a section by clicking on "[edit]" to the left of the section heading. If you don't have anything to add or correct on this page and you just want to see how editing works, try out the [[Sandbox]].
:SSonicNET Database, aka Sonic Retro, is a project to produce a new kind of information site that is comprehensive and free for anyone or any site to use. See [[SSonicNET Database:About]] and the [[Sonic Retro]] article for even more information.
 
  
== Why is it called Sonic Retro '''and''' SSonicNET Database? ==
+
== What is [[Sonic Retro]]? ==
:The name 'SSonicNET Database' was the beta name that was generated while [[Project Sonic Retro]] was being designed; the name Sonic Retro just stayed around, so both are in acceptable use.
+
:Sonic Retro is a project to produce a new kind of information site that is comprehensive and free for anyone or any site to use. See [[Sonic Retro:About]] and the [[Sonic Retro]] article for even more information.
  
==What is the goal of SSonicNET Database?==
+
==What is the goal of Sonic Retro?==
:Wikipedia's goal is to create a free, reliable database--indeed, the largest database for Sonic information in history, both in terms of breadth and depth. This is an '''ambitious''' goal, and will probably take many years to achieve.
+
:Our goal is to create a free, reliable database--indeed, the largest database for Sonic information in history, both in terms of breadth and depth. This is an '''ambitious''' goal, and will probably take many years to achieve.
  
==Who owns SSonicNET Database?==
+
==Who owns Sonic Retro?==
: The database is managed by [[SSonicNET]], which also manages the operation of SSonicNET's sister projects, including [[Sonic Classic]], [[SSonicNET Radio]], [[Area 51]].  
+
: The database is owned and managed by [[Scarred Sun]], who also manages the operation of Sonic Retro's sister projects, including [[Sega Retro]], [[The Sonic 2 Beta Page]] and [[BadnikNET]]. However, hundreds of authors have contributed their own writings to Sonic Retro as well, and as such the site's content is collectively owned by all those writers.
  
:The articles hosted on this site are released by their authors under the [[GNU Free Documentation License]], so the articles are free content and may be reproduced freely under the same license. See [[SSonicNET Database:Copyrights]] and [[SSonicNET Database:Readers' FAQ]] for information on how you can use Wikipedia content.
+
:The articles hosted on this site are released by their authors under the [[GNU Free Documentation License]], so the articles are free content and may be reproduced freely under the same license. See [[Sonic Retro:Copyrights]] and [[Sonic Retro:Readers' FAQ]] for information on how you can use the site's content.
  
==Who is responsible for the articles on Wikipedia?==
+
==Who is responsible for the articles on Sonic Retro?==
 
:'''Everyone'''. This is a collaborative endeavor. Many people have contributed to different parts of this project, and anyone can do so, including you. All you need is to know [[Help:Editing|how to edit a page]], and have some knowledge you want to share. The database provides users with a certain amount of freedom.  
 
:'''Everyone'''. This is a collaborative endeavor. Many people have contributed to different parts of this project, and anyone can do so, including you. All you need is to know [[Help:Editing|how to edit a page]], and have some knowledge you want to share. The database provides users with a certain amount of freedom.  
  
:You can learn who is responsible for the most recent versions of any given page by clicking on the "Page history" link. But if you spot an error in the latest revision of an article, you are highly encouraged to be bold and correct it. This practice is one of the basic review mechanisms that maintains the reliability of the encyclopedia.
+
:You can learn who is responsible for the most recent versions of any given page by clicking on the "Page history" link. But if you spot an error in the latest revision of an article, you are highly encouraged to be bold and correct it. This practice is one of the basic review mechanisms that maintains the reliability of the database.
  
:If you are uncertain or find the wording confusing, quote the material on the associated [[SSonicNET Database:Talk page|talk page]] and leave a question for the next person. This helps eliminate errors, inaccuracies or misleading wording more quickly and is highly appreciated by the community.
+
:If you are uncertain or find the wording confusing, quote the material on the associated [[Help:Talk Page|talk page]] and leave a question for the next person. This helps eliminate errors, inaccuracies or misleading wording more quickly and is highly appreciated by the community.
  
 
==How can I contact the project?==
 
==How can I contact the project?==
:Get in touch with any of the [[SSonicNET Database:Administrators|administrators]], or contact SSonicNET directly.
+
:Get in touch with any of the [[Sonic Retro:Administrators|administrators]], or contact Sonic Retro directly via the [http://forums.sonicretro.org forums.]
  
 
==Should I create an account? Can't I just edit articles anonymously?==
 
==Should I create an account? Can't I just edit articles anonymously?==
 +
:Sorry, users cannot edit anonymously at this time. You will need to create an account to make edits and have your account activated to [[Trial Member|Trial Membership]] or higher to receive extended functions such as uploading or creating new pages.
  
:Users with account names enjoy several benefits, among them is the positive reputation that goes with quality work. Wikipedians with an established history are respected especially with regard to neutralising article disputes.  Also, Wikipedians sometimes find collaborating with anonymous users frustrating, because it is more difficult to contact them with questions, concerns, or suggestions. This is not to say there is a hierarchy ''per se'' - though there are editors with administrative abilities (see [[SSonicNET Database:Administrators]]), these are approved by the community, and the goal of most users is to ensure that democracy, albeit with a little anarchy, remains the supreme power on Sonic Retro.
+
==How do I create an account?==
 +
:Click "Create Account" at the top of the page and follow the prompts.
  
:Users with user names are in a sense ''more'' anonymous than contributors that are not logged in: while anyone can see the IP address of a user who did not log in when he/she edited, only server administrators can find the IP of a logged-in user. So if you
+
==How do I validate my account?==
're concerned about privacy and anonymity, you may prefer to create a username for yourself in order to hide your IP.
+
Sign in with your wiki details to the [http://forums.sonicretro.org forums] and follow the instructions in the Validating Forum.
  
:However, if you'd like to stay on the fringes, it's fine to edit without a login. Many valuable contributors have made this choice.
+
==Which forum member groups can edit the wiki?==
 +
:Currently, all member groups ''except'' Pending Approval and Misfits have editing rights. However, any member may be blocked if his or her edits are consistently unconstructive.
  
 
==How do you know if the information is correct?==
 
==How do you know if the information is correct?==
Line 42: Line 41:
 
:As anyone can edit any article, it is of course possible for biased, out of date or incorrect information to be posted. However, because there are so many other people reading the articles and monitoring contributions using the [[Special:Recentchanges|Recent Changes]] page, incorrect information is usually corrected quickly. Thus, the overall accuracy of the database is improving all the time as it attracts more and more contributors. You are encouraged to help by correcting articles and passing on your own knowledge.
 
:As anyone can edit any article, it is of course possible for biased, out of date or incorrect information to be posted. However, because there are so many other people reading the articles and monitoring contributions using the [[Special:Recentchanges|Recent Changes]] page, incorrect information is usually corrected quickly. Thus, the overall accuracy of the database is improving all the time as it attracts more and more contributors. You are encouraged to help by correcting articles and passing on your own knowledge.
  
:See [[SSonicNET Database:Replies to Common Objections]] for a longer discussion of this point.
+
:See [[Sonic Retro:Replies to Common Objections]] for a longer discussion of this point.
  
 
==Site X seems to be violating Sonic Retro's copyright. Do you guys know about this?==
 
==Site X seems to be violating Sonic Retro's copyright. Do you guys know about this?==
  
:It's most likely the answer is yes, and it's reasonably likely they're within their rights. Anybody may mirror or fork SSonicNET Database as long as they comply with the [[GNU Free Documentation License]].  
+
:It's most likely the answer is yes, and it's reasonably likely they're within their rights. Anybody may mirror or fork Sonic Retro as long as they comply with the [[GNU Free Documentation License]].  
  
 
== Which wiki software does Sonic Retro run on? ==
 
== Which wiki software does Sonic Retro run on? ==
  
 
:See: [[Wikipedia:MediaWiki]]
 
:See: [[Wikipedia:MediaWiki]]
[[Category:SSonicNET Database]]
+
[[Category:Sonic Retro]]

Revision as of 14:50, 27 July 2013

Overview FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is a Wiki?

A wiki is a collaborative collection of interlinked web pages, all of which can be visited and edited by anyone at any time (collaborative software). The concept and software were invented by Ward Cunningham. You could even edit this page by clicking the "edit" link on the drop-down menu above, or edit only a section by clicking on "[edit]" to the left of the section heading. If you don't have anything to add or correct on this page and you just want to see how editing works, try out the Sandbox.

What is Sonic Retro?

Sonic Retro is a project to produce a new kind of information site that is comprehensive and free for anyone or any site to use. See Sonic Retro:About and the Sonic Retro article for even more information.

What is the goal of Sonic Retro?

Our goal is to create a free, reliable database--indeed, the largest database for Sonic information in history, both in terms of breadth and depth. This is an ambitious goal, and will probably take many years to achieve.

Who owns Sonic Retro?

The database is owned and managed by Scarred Sun, who also manages the operation of Sonic Retro's sister projects, including Sega Retro, The Sonic 2 Beta Page and BadnikNET. However, hundreds of authors have contributed their own writings to Sonic Retro as well, and as such the site's content is collectively owned by all those writers.
The articles hosted on this site are released by their authors under the GNU Free Documentation License, so the articles are free content and may be reproduced freely under the same license. See Sonic Retro:Copyrights and Sonic Retro:Readers' FAQ for information on how you can use the site's content.

Who is responsible for the articles on Sonic Retro?

Everyone. This is a collaborative endeavor. Many people have contributed to different parts of this project, and anyone can do so, including you. All you need is to know how to edit a page, and have some knowledge you want to share. The database provides users with a certain amount of freedom.
You can learn who is responsible for the most recent versions of any given page by clicking on the "Page history" link. But if you spot an error in the latest revision of an article, you are highly encouraged to be bold and correct it. This practice is one of the basic review mechanisms that maintains the reliability of the database.
If you are uncertain or find the wording confusing, quote the material on the associated talk page and leave a question for the next person. This helps eliminate errors, inaccuracies or misleading wording more quickly and is highly appreciated by the community.

How can I contact the project?

Get in touch with any of the administrators, or contact Sonic Retro directly via the forums.

Should I create an account? Can't I just edit articles anonymously?

Sorry, users cannot edit anonymously at this time. You will need to create an account to make edits and have your account activated to Trial Membership or higher to receive extended functions such as uploading or creating new pages.

How do I create an account?

Click "Create Account" at the top of the page and follow the prompts.

How do I validate my account?

Sign in with your wiki details to the forums and follow the instructions in the Validating Forum.

Which forum member groups can edit the wiki?

Currently, all member groups except Pending Approval and Misfits have editing rights. However, any member may be blocked if his or her edits are consistently unconstructive.

How do you know if the information is correct?

As anyone can edit any article, it is of course possible for biased, out of date or incorrect information to be posted. However, because there are so many other people reading the articles and monitoring contributions using the Recent Changes page, incorrect information is usually corrected quickly. Thus, the overall accuracy of the database is improving all the time as it attracts more and more contributors. You are encouraged to help by correcting articles and passing on your own knowledge.
See Sonic Retro:Replies to Common Objections for a longer discussion of this point.

Site X seems to be violating Sonic Retro's copyright. Do you guys know about this?

It's most likely the answer is yes, and it's reasonably likely they're within their rights. Anybody may mirror or fork Sonic Retro as long as they comply with the GNU Free Documentation License.

Which wiki software does Sonic Retro run on?

See: Wikipedia:MediaWiki