Technical Guidelines for Contributions – VerseDB

Overview

To maintain consistency and usability across VerseDB, all user contributions must follow specific technical guidelines for formatting, image uploads, metadata, and accessibility. These standards ensure that information is accurate, well-structured, and easy to navigate.

Data Formatting Requirements

All text and data entries should follow these guidelines:

✅ Use Proper Capitalization

• Comic book titles: The Amazing Spider-Man (not the amazing spider-man).
• Character names: Bruce Wayne (not bruce wayne).

✅ Standardized Date Format

• Use MM-DD-YEAR (e.g., 06-16-2025) for consistency.

✅ Issue Numbers & Volumes

• Use numeric values only (e.g., Volume 3, Issue 15 instead of Vol. Three, #15).

✅ Consistent Naming Conventions

• Series: Use the official title with the publication year in parentheses if needed (e.g., X-Men (1991)).
• Publishers & Imprints: Use full official names (e.g., DC Comics, not DC).

✅ Avoid Subjective Language

• Do not include personal opinions in descriptions (e.g., avoid phrases like "This is the best Batman issue ever!").

Image Submission Standards

When uploading cover images, character portraits, or other visual assets, follow these guidelines:

✅ Accepted Formats

• JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg) – Preferred for covers and character images.
• PNG (.png) – Only for transparent backgrounds.
• WebP (.webp) – Allowed for optimized compression.

✅ Recommended Image Sizes

✅ File Size Limit

• Keep images under 2MB to ensure fast loading.

✅ Quality Standards

• Use high-resolution images without pixelation.
• No watermarks or logos from external sites.
• No excessive edits (e.g., avoid filters, captions, or alterations).

🚨 Uploads that violate these standards may be removed or replaced by moderators.

Linking Between Related Entries

To maintain a well-connected database, ensure proper linking between related content:

✅ Series & Issues

• Each issue entry should be linked to its parent series.
• Example: Spider-Man (2022) Issue #5 should link to Spider-Man (2022).

✅ Character Appearances

• Character profiles should include direct links to issues they appear in.
• Example: Batman appears in Detective Comics #27 (1939).

✅ Creators & Publishers

• Every comic issue should credit writers, artists, and publishers with proper links.

✅ Crossover Events

• Issues part of a crossover storyline should reference other related issues.
• Example: Infinity Gauntlet #1 should link to Infinity Gauntlet #2-6.

Metadata Tagging Best Practices

Proper metadata tagging ensures better searchability and data organization:

✅ Genres

• Use standardized genre tags (e.g., Superhero, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror).

✅ Themes & Keywords

• Include relevant themes (e.g., Time Travel, Multiverse, Anti-Hero).

✅ First Appearances & Key Issues

• Mark first appearances of major characters with First Appearance tags.

✅ Release Status

• Use Ongoing, Completed, or Upcoming to indicate the status of a series.

✅ Canonical vs. Alternate Versions

• Label alternate universe characters properly (e.g., Ultimate Spider-Man, Earth-616).

Accessibility Considerations for Contributions

To make VerseDB content inclusive and accessible, contributors should:

✅ Use Descriptive Alt Text for Images

• Example: Instead of "Batman Cover", use "Detective Comics #27 cover featuring Batman in a dark cityscape."

✅ Ensure Readable Text

• Avoid long, unbroken paragraphs—use spacing and lists for clarity.
• Use simple language where possible, avoiding jargon.

✅ Provide Full Names Instead of Abbreviations

• Instead of "ASM #300", use "The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #300".

✅ Ensure Color Contrast for Readability

• When contributing UI or theme elements, maintain a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for accessibility.

🚨 Content that does not meet basic accessibility standards may be revised or flagged for improvement.

Conclusion

By following these technical guidelines, contributors help maintain high-quality, well-organized, and accessible content on VerseDB.

🚀 Have questions about formatting or metadata? Reach out to our support team for clarification!