Editing SpongeBob Wiki:FAQ

If you don't find your question here, feel free to ask it on the [[SpongeBob Wiki talk:FAQ|talk page]] or contact another user.

==Questions==
===I know some information that should be added to a page. How do I submit it?===
Believe it or not, there's no need to submit your suggestion to anyone. This site is a "wiki", which simply means ''anyone'' can add ''anything'' to ''any'' page. Since you can edit pages, we'd prefer that you go ahead and add the new information to the appropriate page yourself. Go ahead, be bold!

===I see a [[SpongeBob Wiki:Vandalism|vandal]] who is defacing pages! Can I revert their edits?===
If you see an IP address or user starting to vandalize pages, then their edits should be reverted immediately. See [[SpongeBob Wiki:Vandalism#Restoring pages which have been vandalized|here]] for instructions on restoring defaced pages. ''However'', if the vandal persists and continues vandalizing on a large scale, then '''do not''' continue reverting their edits. Bring it to an online admin's attention immediately. If no admins appear online, then please refer to the question below.

===How do I delete an article or image?===
Only sysops can delete articles and images, but there's an easy way for you to alert the sysops to pages you think should be deleted. Simply edit the article and add <code><nowiki>{{delete}}</nowiki></code> at the top (the two templates are for different situations; see [[:Category:To be deleted|this page]]). If you've done it right, you should see a box like this one at the top of the page:

{| class="delete-notice" style="text-align:justify;margin:.5em 2%;padding:0.5em 1em 0.5em 0.8em;width:96%"
|This {{#switch:{{NAMESPACE}}|Category=category|Template=template|File=file|#default=page}} is currently pending deletion. <br><span style="font-size: smaller">Please <span style="text-decoration:underline">delete</span> any corresponding talk pages as well.</span>
|}

The code also adds the article to a special "[[:Category:To be deleted|To be deleted]]" category. The sysops check this category regularly and will delete articles and images they agree should be deleted.

===How do I start a new article?===
The easiest way to start a new page is to [[Special:Search|search]] the name of it. If the page doesn't exist yet, you will see a red link which will take you to the edit page, where you will be able to write the new article. Once you are finished, click "Save page" and your article will be created. Please make sure your new article complies with all the guidelines found in the [[SpongeBob Wiki:Manual of Style|Manual of Style]], and note that only [[SpongeBob Wiki:Autoconfirmed users|autoconfirmed users]] are able to create new pages.

===How do I upload an image?===
To upload an image, you must be signed in as a registered wiki user. You can register or sign in by clicking the "[[Special:CreateAccount|Create account]]" or "[[Special:UserLogin|log in]]" link in the upper left corner of any page on the wiki. Once you've logged in, you should see an "Upload file" link in the toolbox on the lower left sidebar. Click that link and follow the prompts to upload your image.

Before uploading an image, please take the following into consideration:

*'''Does a better image already exist?''' Please take the time to search for your image on the SpongeBob Wiki before uploading. The image you are attempting to upload may already exist (or a better one for that matter). Additionally, if you upload a smaller picture of an already existing one, please:
**'''Note it in the images title''' Example: SpongeBobwiki23
**'''Mark the over-sized image for deletion'''
*'''Does the image have a use?''' Don't just upload images you think will help without having an intended place for them to go. If your image is for [[SpongeBob Wiki:Personal images|personal use]], please note so in the image's description.

===I just joined, but I still can't create articles or edit certain pages: why not?===
While most pages are open for anyone to edit, certain articles are prone to vandalism and edit wars, and as a result, are semi-protected from editing by anonymous guests and new users. Once a newly-joined user has been here for one day ''and'' made at least five edits, they become [[SpongeBob Wiki:Autoconfirmed users|autoconfirmed]], and can now edit these pages. Before being autoconfirmed, new users also can't make new pages - including their user page.

===How do I become an admin?===
The SpongeBob Wiki does not take on new staff members ([[SpongeBob Wiki:Administrators|administrators]] and/or [[SpongeBob Wiki:Bureaucrats|bureaucrats]]) very often. The best way to break it down is into ten main points:

#'''Have a decent amount of meaningful main namespace contributions.'''
#:''Edit the real articles, the ''SpongeBob'' information. Gnome work is an invaluable part of any wiki, but what we're talking about here is the addition of substantial <u>content</u>. The more you do this, the more you'll find yourself delving into discussion, and taking on projects.''
#'''Have a large number of main talk and SpongeBob Wiki talk namespace edits.'''
#:''Communicate with other users. Be open and have valid input, and be able to receive feedback. Other users can get to know you better the more you talk to them. In addition, use the user talk namespace as a resource to share ideas and encouragement about project-related topics. Idle chit-chat is perfectly okay from time to time, but, again, don't overdo it.''
#'''Take on a big project.'''
#:''See if there is an important niche that needs to be filled. Plan your project well ahead of time, and <u>get approval</u> and feedback.''
#'''Be able to handle stress and abuse in stride.'''
#:''Not everyone is perfect. Sometimes, other users will say things to you that may make you very angry, but self-control is essential. Know when to say what and how to say it. Likewise, do your absolute best never to be part of the problem.''
#'''Be technologically knowledgeable.'''
#:''Learn MediaWiki syntax and be able to write in it fairly well. Also, it wouldn't hurt to learn HTML and other markup languages.''
#'''Help maintain the site.'''
#:''Most of an administrator's job is not very glamorous. In fact, it's a lot of work, and the pay isn't that great. Administrators are expected to fight vandalism, fix formatting, give aid to those who need it, and perform housekeeping duties, all the while trying to contribute actual content to the project. Some of the things an admin is expected to do, like reverting vandalism, can also be done by users. You should spend at least a portion of your energy on such site maintenance.''
#'''Stay active.'''
#:''Seniority is important. Everything else being equal, the user with the most experience is the one who we turn to, and there could be several deserving users ahead of you. It is extremely unlikely that we would promote a relative newcomer.''
#'''Stay positive.'''
#:''We're making an encyclopedia about a video game series. Remember to keep your sense of humor about you.''
#'''Don't call us. We'll call you.'''
#:''Don't ask to be made an administrator. On some wikis, like Wikipedia, it's acceptable to nominate yourself to become an administrator at any time. On this wiki, however, openly asking is usually met with suspicion and resentment from regular users and the current administrators alike. Asking if you'll ever be an admin, inquiring about what you need to do to improve your chances of being promoted, drawing attention to your contributions and otherwise fishing for compliments and attention will also get you in trouble. Don't worry though&mdash;if you're taking care of these other points, we've already noticed you.''
#'''Be trustworthy.'''
#:''This is the most important piece of advice we can give. Being made a sysop is like being given the keys to the wiki, and we only turn them over to people when we know they're in good hands.''

Please note that fulfilling these criteria does not automatically make you an administrator. It will, however, make you a better user. Remember that it is the choice of the [[SpongeBob Wiki:bureaucrats|bureaucrats]] who will and won't become an administrator.

===I have a question about my user page===
<!--This question should remain as the last question-->
For all questions relating to user pages, see [[SpongeBob Wiki:Userspace|here]].

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