Changes

*'''Precise and detailed citations are required for ''all'' text passages, images and media (i.e. for all content) used in Lexicanum articles.'''

*'''Users who repeatedly and despite warnings fail to comply with ''Lexicanum '' Citation rules will be [[Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum:Banning policy|banned]] and their work deleted.'''

'''Citations''' and '''footnotes''' (often also referred to simply as ''sources'' or ''sourcing'') are essential elements of well-sourced ''Lexicanum '' articles. Many of our readers actually consider the strict sourcing policy to be one of the ''Lexicanum'''s biggest assets that sets it apart from other wikis. It is also for this reason that the importance of proper sourcing practices cannot be overstated. This page covers and its detailed subpages cover the basic rules and formats applied to properly reference sources on the ''Lexicanum''. Should you encounter unclear wording, discover loopholes, source cases not covered yet or think you have an idea to make our sourcing rules even better please get in touch with a [[Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum:Bureaucrat|Bureaucrat]], thank you.

The correct use of the sources and the possibility for readers and editors to quickly and easily verify what was used as the basis for an article is what distinguishes the ''Lexicanum '' from many other [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki wiki-based] encyclopaedia projects. Only proper sourcing allows to weed out false or fan-made information and to maintain a high level of reliability and quality of content. Therefore the correct use of sources is vital. From a practical point of view citations help anyone editing the article after you, and prevent unnecessary reverts or long discussions about the authenticity of sources. In addition detailed referencing assists other users in their research for these or other related articles. Also generally referring to official sources only means details won't be misremembered or entered vaguely or false information based on hearsay or "urban legends" finds its way into the Lexicanum.

From a practical point of view citations help anyone editing the article after you, and prevent unnecessary reverts or long discussions about the authenticity of sources. In addition detailed referencing assists other users in their research for these or other related articles. Also generally exclusively referring to [[Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum:Accepted sources|official sources]] means details won't be misremembered or entered vaguely or that false information based on hearsay or "urban legends" finds its way into the ''Lexicanum''. '''Do explicitly note:''' The ''Lexicanum '' applies a ''very strict'' policy in this regard: '''Any article created without proper sourcing will be immediately deleted. Any changes to existing articles without proper sourcing will be immediately reverted. This includes not only the addition of text but also of images , media or any other mediacontent. Repeat offenders will be [[Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum:Banning policy|banned]]if they continue to ignore the citation rules despite having been made aware of them. So source your articles properly, and help to add references to articles without proper citations!, thank you.'''

'''All sources used for citations must be part of the [[Warhammer 40,000]] [[Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum:Accepted sources|acceptable sources]]'''. While it is impossible to cover all eventualities this includes all official print or online material. If you are unsure if a source can be legitimately used, ask your fellow users, a [[Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum:Administrators|Lexicanum Administrator]] or a [[Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum:Bureaucrats|Bureaucrat]]. We are aware that accepted sources might contradict each other, but there is no "hierarchy of sources" - i.e. no official source is considered ''more valid'' than another official source. More recent sources do however take precedence over older sources. This does however ''not'' mean that the old information is considered "wrong" and has to be deleted altogether. It is an explicit goal of the Lexicanum to also reflect outdated information - with appropriate disclaimers and explanations.

==Citation format====General requirements==In general We are aware that accepted sources must contain the exact '''title''' of the publication as it appears on the Lexicanum (pay attention to not link to [[Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum:Redirect|redirects]] might contradict each other, but to the correct target article) and the '''exact location there is no "hierarchy of the information within the source'''. This means:* For '''print''' publications '''pagenumber(s)''' (or for example a specification like "front/ back coversources"). Do note that the names of authors are ''not'' included in the citations.* For '''e-book''' formats pagenumbers are not "fixed", therefore in this case '''chapter numbers''' are acceptable. Do note that the names of authors are ''not'' included in the citations.* For '''video and audio publications''' it also has to be mentioned where exactly in the file the information is to be found, i.e. for example providing a no official source is considered ''more valid'timestamp''' and if available and applicable chapter or similar information.* In the case of '''websites''' the precise sub-link for the than another official source is absolutely required. Do note that only ''[[Wikipedia:Internet Archive|archive links]]'' are allowed to be listed as More recent sources for files or in articles. For details and practical considerations see below. Do also note that it is compulsory to provide a '''screenshot''' (for statically displayed information) or '''screen recording''' (for information that is transmitted by audio or animation). All screenshots/ screen recordings should be collected on a subpage named "Sources" of the corresponding parent article and be numbered exactly according to the do however take precedence over older sources list of the parent article. The subpage must be named according to the following naming pattern: "...Parentpage/Sources"* For This does however '''videogames''' (no matter the format or platform) it is compulsory to provide a '''screenshot''' (for statically displayed information) or '''screen recording'not'' (for information mean that is transmitted by audio). All screenshots/ screen recordings should be collected on a subpage named "Sources" of the corresponding parent article and be numbered exactly according to the sources list of the parent article. The subpage must be named according to the following naming pattern: "...Parentpage/Sources"*For physical '''Collectible card games''' and similar sources it is compulsory to upload an image of the specific source used. All screenshots/ screen recordings should be collected on a subpage named "Sources" of the corresponding parent article and be numbered exactly according to the sources list of the parent article. The subpage must be named according to the following naming pattern: "...Parentpage/Sources"*For '''flyers, event-only publications, limited edition publications and products, loose advertisements, old information taken from original packaging, references in non-[[Games Workshop]] (and subsidiaries' and license holders') magazines and generally all non-readily available sources''' it is also compulsory to upload an image of the specific source used. All screenshots/ screen recordings should be collected on a subpage named considered "Sourceswrong" of the corresponding parent article and be numbered exactly according to the sources list of the parent article. The subpage must be named according has to the following naming pattern: "...Parentpage/Sources"<br><br>Further notes:<br>*If an information "stretches" for example over several pages (or in extreme cases even chapters in for example a novel) the range of pages (or chapters) must be given in the citationdeleted altogether. An example for this would be events that stretch over a period of time and can not be pinpointed to an exact paragraph or sentence in a source. Note however that on no account this practice It is allowed to be abused to avoid the need for citations for details that can be pinpointed to an exact part explicit goal of the source. As a general rule a source can not stretch over more than a single chapter or a maximum of ten pages.*Do also note that for '''images''' the exactly corresponding source must be given, i.e. from which official source an image was taken ''as it appears'' or from which it ''was modified for use in the Lexicanum'' (the nature of the modification must to also be mentioned in the corresponding image file). It is not allowed to merely use a source that only shows a ''similar'' image (for example to cite a novel cover as the source for the image reflect outdated information - if the original artwork used for the Lexicanum is clearly larger than the one used for the novel cover). Also do note that an '''explicit source for the actual subject''' of the image is required. This means you cannot simply assume/ interprete/ extrapolate that for example a person on a novel cover actually is the title character of said novel unless it is specifically stated in an official source or undisputable elements of the picture show this (e.g. the character's name on a banner or an inscription on the armour etc.) ''or'' there is reallynecessary with appropriate disclaimers, really, really no doubt whatsoever. The latter case can normally only be argued for extremely well-known notes and depicted characters, such as the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]] or the [[Primarch]]s.<br><br>There is '''one''' exception where footnotes should ''not'' be used: For the [[:Template:Trivia|Trivia sections]] sources that are not officially recognized game or lore ressources the relevant sources should be formatted as [[Lexicanum:External Linking|direct external links to the source]] of the "Trivia" item (see also [[Warhammer_40k_-_Lexicanum:Allowed_content#References.2C_inspirations.2C_.22real_world.22_information|here]])explanations.

==Abbreviations to use in the Sources sectionGeneral remarks==*In general sources must contain the exact '''title''' of the source as it appears on the ''Lexicanum'' (pay attention to not link to [[Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum:Redirect|redirects]] but to the correct target article) and the ''pg.'exact location of the information within the source''' . What this means in practice depends on the source type and is explained in the respective subpage of this article.*The format described for single pageseach source type has to be followed to the letter (including structure, date formats, stylistic elements etc.). It does not matter what preferences, habits or background an editor might have, only the standardized and uniform format is allowed.*There is basically only '''one'''pgs.exception where '''footnotes''' for multiple pages*should ''ch.not'' for single chapters (followed by be used: For the [[:Template:Trivia|Trivia sections]] sources that are not officially recognized game or lore ressources the chapter title/ number relevant sources should be formatted as given in [[Lexicanum:External Linking|direct external links to the source]] of the "Trivia" item (see also [[Warhammer_40k_-_Lexicanum:Allowed_content#References.2C_inspirations.2C_.22real_world.22_information|here]]).

Citations must at least be added (as a minimum) at the end of ''each'' '''paragraph''' (including the introductory one!) - even if there is only one single source to an for the whole article. In other words: It is is compulsory to include a at least one citation in any and all paragraphs. This also explicitly applies to the '''introductory sentence or paragraph ''' at the beginning of an article. Any and , all images used entries in an article must also be sourced with a citation at the end of the corresponding caption. The reason behind this is that when information from another source is edited or added at a later date it will still be clear where which information is from. If multiple sources are used within the for example ''same'tables' paragraph the correct footnotes must be added at the end of the corresponding ''and also to each elements of 'sentence''lists' - ''not'' . And no, just because a subject that is in a "collective" citation at the end of the paragraph. If a specific information list is found peoperly sourced in different sources, multiple footnotes are to be inserted accordingly at the end of the sentence or paragraph. It its own articles this does however not make a lot of sense mean you don't have to add put a huge number of different sources saying exactly footnote in the same - common sense list, too. However due to space restrictions and because each item in a policy list also has its own article '''one''' source only is permitted per entry - as the complete list of "not overdoing it" should sources can be applied found in these casesthe article proper. If one sentence contains information from different sources it is best to place the Any and all '''images''' used in an article must also be sourced with a citation directly behind at the information it is end of the source forcorresponding caption.

===Citations in tables===Entries into tables (for example about details If multiple sources are used within the ''same'' paragraph the correct footnotes must be added at the end of a unit) also require citations. ===Citations in lists===Entries into lists (for example about members of an organization) also require citations. However due to space restrictions and because each item in a list also has its own article corresponding '''sentence'''- 'one'not'' source only in a "collective" citation at the end of the paragraph. If a specific information is permitted per entry - found in different sources, multiple footnotes are to be inserted accordingly at the end of the complete list sentence or paragraph. It does however not make a lot of sense to add a huge number of different sources can saying exactly the same - common sense and a policy of "not overdoing it" should be found applied in these cases (while of course observing the article strict need for propersourcing). If one sentence contains information from different sources it is best to place the citation directly behind the information it is the source for.

In the Lexicanum the ''footnote template'' is used to link the in-line citation number with the matching footnote (click the number to see this in action).{{Fn|0}} We use '''<nowiki>{{Fn|#}}</nowiki>''' for the in-line citation number, and '''<nowiki>{{Endn|#}}</nowiki>''' to link to the footnote at the bottom of the page ('''#''' is replaced with the footnote number, starting at '''1''' and running 'til you run out of references). For example(here for a clasical text source, see respective subpages for specific rules depending on the source type):

This footnote is then referenced as an ''internal'' (most cases) or ''external'' link (for web sites, check relevant subpage for more details) under the level two "Sources" heading (i.e. <nowiki>==Sources==</nowiki>) at the end of the article:

===Sources===