Content Edit Guidelines and Best Practices on VerseDB

Master the art of contributing to VerseDB with these comprehensive guidelines. Follow best practices to ensure your edits are accurate, well-formatted, and quickly approved.

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Core Principles

1. Accuracy Above All

Always verify information before submitting:

• ✅ Use official publisher sources
• ✅ Check printed comics for credits and details
• ✅ Cross-reference multiple sources when possible
• ✅ When in doubt, leave it blank rather than guess

2. Neutrality and Objectivity

Keep content factual, not opinion-based:

• ✅ Stick to verifiable facts
• ✅ Avoid subjective language ("best," "worst," "amazing")
• ✅ Present information without bias
• ✅ Let the facts speak for themselves

3. Respect Copyright and Attribution

Use original content responsibly:

• ✅ Paraphrase from sources in your own words
• ✅ Never copy text verbatim
• ✅ Respect fair use guidelines
• ✅ Give credit to original creators

4. Community Collaboration

Work together with other contributors:

• ✅ Build on others' work, don't replace it
• ✅ Check for pending edits before submitting
• ✅ Respect content locks
• ✅ Learn from moderator feedback

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Formatting Standards

Text Formatting

Names and Titles

Character Names:

• Use proper capitalization: Spider-Man (not spiderman)
• Include hyphens and punctuation: Spider-Man, Jean Grey
• Real names: Peter Parker (not peter parker)

Series Titles:

• Use italics in descriptions: The Amazing Spider-Man
• Include subtitles: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
• Add volume/year for disambiguation: X-Men (1991)

Publisher Names:

• Use full official names: Marvel Comics (not Marvel)
• Include imprints when relevant: DC Comics - Vertigo

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Dates

Format: MM-DD-YYYY

• Release dates: 06-16-2025
• Birth/death dates: 08-28-1917
• Leave blank if unknown – never guess

Examples:

• ✅ 12-25-1963
• ❌ 25-12-1963 (wrong format)
• ❌ December 25, 1963 (use numeric format)
• ❌ circa 1963 (either use exact date or leave blank)

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Numbers

Issue Numbers:

• Use numeric only: 42 (not #42 or Issue 42)
• For decimals: 700.1 (variant numbering)
• For annuals: Mark in issue type field, not number

Prices:

• Use decimal format: 3.99 (not $3.99)
• United States dollars unless otherwise specified
• Leave blank if unknown

Page Counts:

• Numeric only: 32 (not 32 pages)
• Count story pages, not ads

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Description Writing

Structure

Good descriptions include:

1. Opening summary – Who/what is this?
2. Key details – Important facts and information
3. Historical context – When introduced, by whom
4. Notable appearances – Major storylines
5. Current status – Where things stand now (if relevant)

Example Structure (Character):

[Character Name] is a [role/type] appearing in [publisher] comics.
Created by [creators] in [year], the character first appeared in [issue].

[Key characteristics, powers, or role]

[Major storylines or affiliations]

[Current status if relevant]

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Language Guidelines

✅ Do:

• Write in present tense for current info
• Use past tense for historical events
• Keep sentences clear and concise
• Define terms that might be unfamiliar
• Link to related content where appropriate

❌ Don't:

• Use first person ("I think," "In my opinion")
• Include spoilers in main descriptions without warnings
• Write in all caps or excessive punctuation
• Use slang or informal language
• Include fan theories as facts

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Content-Specific Guidelines

Characters

Required Information

• Name – Official character name
• Real Name – Civilian identity (if applicable)
• Description – Character overview and history

Recommended Information

• Aliases – Other names used
• Powers/Abilities – Superpowers or skills
• First Appearance – Debut issue and date
• Creators – Writer and artist who created them
• Affiliations – Teams, organizations, relationships
• Status – Active, deceased, retired (if relevant)

Character Relationships

When adding character relationships:

• Only add verified relationships
• Use appropriate relationship types
• Include context where needed
• Update when relationships change canonically

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Series

Required Information

• Name – Official series title
• Start Year – Publication start year
• Publisher – Publishing company

Recommended Information

• End Year – If series has concluded
• Description – Series overview
• Publication Type – Ongoing, limited series, one-shot
• Creators – Key writers and artists
• Related Series – Previous volumes, spin-offs

Series vs. Titles

• Series: A specific publishing run (e.g., Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 5 (2018-2022))
• Title: The overall franchise (e.g., Spider-Man as a concept)

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Issues

Required Information

• Series – Parent series
• Issue Number – Numeric issue number
• Name – Issue title (if applicable)

Recommended Information

• Release Date – Publication date
• Price – Cover price
• Page Count – Total story pages
• Creators – Full creative team with roles
• Description – Plot summary (spoiler-free or marked)
• Story Arcs – Related story arcs
• Character Appearances – Characters featured

Credits and Roles

When adding creator credits:

• Writer – Story author(s)
• Penciller – Primary artist
• Inker – Inking artist
• Colorist – Color artist
• Letterer – Text and dialogue
• Cover Artist – Cover art
• Editor – Editorial oversight

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Creators

Required Information

• Name – Full creator name

Recommended Information

• Biography – Career overview
• Birth Date – If publicly known
• Nationality – Country of origin
• Notable Works – Key creations
• Awards – Industry recognition

Biographical Guidelines

• Focus on professional career
• Include publicly available information only
• Respect privacy for personal details
• Keep biographies current and factual
• Note any name changes or pseudonyms

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Publishers

Required Information

• Name – Official publisher name

Recommended Information

• Founded – Year established
• Headquarters – Location
• Description – Company overview
• Imprints – Sub-labels
• Status – Active, defunct, acquired

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Story Arcs

Required Information

• Name – Story arc title
• Description – Arc overview

Recommended Information

• Issues – All issues in arc (in order)
• Series – Series involved
• Characters – Key characters
• Publisher – Publishing company
• Start Date – When arc began
• End Date – When arc concluded

Story Arc Proposals

Creating new story arcs requires:

• Complete information (all fields)
• Verified issue list
• Proper relationship data
• Clear description
• Higher approval standards

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Source Verification

Reliable Sources (Preferred)

Primary Sources (Best)

• ✅ Official publisher websites
• ✅ Printed comic books (credits, indica)
• ✅ Official press releases
• ✅ Creator statements (verified)
• ✅ Publisher databases (Marvel.com, DC.com)

Secondary Sources (Good)

• ✅ Grand Comics Database (GCD)
• ✅ ComicBookDB
• ✅ League of Comic Geeks
• ✅ Established comic news sites
• ✅ Published reference books

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Unreliable Sources (Avoid)

Never Use as Primary Source

• ❌ Wikipedia (use for leads, verify elsewhere)
• ❌ Fan wikis (often contain errors)
• ❌ Social media posts (unless from official accounts)
• ❌ Unverified forums
• ❌ Personal blogs

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Citing Sources

While VerseDB doesn't require formal citations for every edit:

• Provide source links for controversial changes
• Reference specific issues for character/creator data
• Mention sources in edit notes when helpful
• Keep sources for your own verification

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Relationship Management

Adding Relationships

Before Adding:

1. Verify the relationship exists in official content
2. Search for the entity in VerseDB first
3. Check for duplicates (e.g., multiple entries for same character)
4. Confirm accuracy of relationship type

When Adding Creators:

• Select correct role (Writer, Artist, etc.)
• Only add credited creators
• Check printed comic credits
• Verify spelling of creator names

When Adding Characters:

• Only add characters who actually appear
• Distinguish between cameos and major appearances
• Don't add characters mentioned but not shown
• Verify character identity (avoid duplicate entries)

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Removing Relationships

Valid Reasons to Remove:

• ✅ Relationship added in error
• ✅ Duplicate entry
• ✅ Character doesn't actually appear
• ✅ Creator not actually credited

Before Removing:

• Double-check your verification
• Provide justification in edit notes
• Consider if it's a variant/retcon before removing
• Don't remove canonical information

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Guessing Information

❌ Don't:

• Fill in dates without verification
• Estimate page counts
• Assume creator credits
• Add unconfirmed relationships

✅ Do:

• Leave fields blank if unknown
• Research before submitting
• Note when information is unverified
• Ask for help finding sources

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2. Copying Content

❌ Don't:

• Copy text from Wikipedia
• Paste descriptions from other sites
• Use official publisher copy verbatim
• Duplicate other database entries

✅ Do:

• Paraphrase in your own words
• Synthesize information from multiple sources
• Write original descriptions
• Give credit where appropriate

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3. Opinion-Based Edits

❌ Don't:

• "This is the best Spider-Man run ever"
• "Poorly written and boring"
• "Underrated masterpiece"
• "Controversial and divisive"

✅ Do:

• "Written by Dan Slott from 2010-2018"
• "Features the Superior Spider-Man storyline"
• "Critically acclaimed, winning multiple awards"
• "Generated discussion among fans and critics"

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4. Ignoring Existing Content

❌ Don't:

• Completely rewrite good descriptions
• Remove accurate information
• Ignore related content
• Submit duplicate edits

✅ Do:

• Build on existing descriptions
• Fix errors while preserving good info
• Check related entries for consistency
• Coordinate with pending submissions

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Tips for Successful Contributions

For New Contributors

Week 1-2: Build Foundation

• Start with simple typo fixes
• Learn the interface
• Study formatting guidelines
• Submit 5-10 easy edits
• Aim for 100% approval rate

Week 3-4: Expand Skills

• Try description edits
• Add missing dates and details
• Practice relationship management
• Submit 10-15 edits per week
• Maintain high approval rate

Month 2-3: Advanced Edits

• Create comprehensive descriptions
• Manage complex relationships
• Contribute to multiple content types
• Increase submission volume
• Focus on quality over quantity

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For Experienced Contributors

Maintain Quality

• Don't let speed compromise accuracy
• Review your own edits before submitting
• Stay updated on guideline changes
• Mentor newer contributors
• Set an example for the community

Specialize

Consider focusing on:

• Specific publishers (Marvel, DC, Image)
• Specific eras (Golden Age, Modern Age)
• Specific creators or characters
• Filling gaps in database coverage
• Error correction projects

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For Auto-Approval Users (Level 50+)

Extra Responsibilities

With great power comes great responsibility:

• Double-check everything – No moderator safety net
• Follow all guidelines – No shortcuts
• Be conservative – When in doubt, don't auto-approve
• Set high standards – You're a role model

Self-Moderation

• Review your own edits critically
• Verify sources even more carefully
• Consider impact of instant approval
• Maintain trust score above 80

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Ethical Considerations

Diversity and Representation

• Use official character identities (race, gender, orientation)
• Avoid assumptions about creators or characters
• Include proper creator credits for diverse contributors
• Represent all characters fairly and accurately

Sensitive Content

• Mark NSFW content appropriately
• Use content warnings for mature themes
• Avoid sensationalizing controversial topics
• Present historical content with context

Respectful Editing

• Respect other contributors' work
• Don't vandalize or sabotage entries
• Be constructive, not destructive
• Collaborate, don't compete

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Getting Help

When You're Stuck

• Read documentation – Check guides and FAQs
• Search examples – Look at well-edited content
• Ask moderators – Use support channels
• Community forums – Seek advice from experienced users

Continuous Learning

• Stay updated on guideline changes
• Learn from rejection feedback
• Study approved edits to see what works
• Share knowledge with other contributors

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Final Checklist

Before submitting any edit, ask yourself:

✅ Is the information accurate? ✅ Did I verify it with reliable sources? ✅ Does it follow formatting guidelines? ✅ Is the language neutral and factual? ✅ Did I check for typos and errors? ✅ Is this edit necessary and valuable? ✅ Would I trust this edit if someone else submitted it?

If you can answer "yes" to all these questions, submit with confidence!

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Conclusion

Great contributions make VerseDB better for everyone. By following these guidelines, you'll:

• Earn higher approval rates
• Build trust in the community
• Progress faster through levels
• Unlock auto-approval privileges
• Help create the best comic book database

Thank you for being part of the VerseDB community. Your contributions matter!

Ready to contribute? Start editing and make your mark on VerseDB today!