Welcome to the Maria Valtorta Wiki! This guide is designed to help new contributors understand how to create and edit articles effectively while adhering to the wiki’s standards. Here, you will find detailed instructions on using the visual editor, the wiki’s structure, the importance of sources, inserting images, and much more.

Creating an Article: Addressing an Information Need

Before you start writing, it is important to consider the usefulness and relevance of your article. Check if the topic already exists by using the search bar. Ensure that the subject is relevant to the wiki, meaning it relates to Maria Valtorta, her life, her work, etc. The article should provide valuable information that readers are seeking.

Using the Visual Editor

When creating or editing an article, you will notice two editing options:

Create/Edit : This option opens the visual editor, a user-friendly tool similar to a standard word processor. It allows you to see your modifications in real-time without needing to know wiki markup language. Create/Edit Wikicode : This option opens the source editor, where you can see and modify the raw wiki code. This requires knowledge of MediaWiki’s markup language.

Using the visual editor is highly recommended for all wiki contributors, regardless of their experience level. It is ideal for beginners or those unfamiliar with wiki code. With its instant preview feature, you can see how your article will look once published. Additionally, it offers intuitive features for inserting links, images, tables, and categories via simple menus and buttons.

Avoid Definite Articles in Titles (The, A, An)

The wiki’s search engine in "automated suggestions" mode does not detect pages if the first letters do not exactly match the user’s query. By removing definite articles at the beginning of your article titles, you will improve internal search and facilitate alphabetical sorting, making titles more readable.

Here are some examples:

Instead of "The Passion of Jesus-Christ", choose "Passion of Jesus-Christ".
Instead of "The Paradise", choose "Paradise".

Be direct by using the main name or term as the title. Apply this rule systematically for consistency in the wiki.

Assigning Categories When Creating an Article

Every wiki article must be assigned at least one category from the category tree. Make it a habit, when starting any new article, to first assign it a category.Categories are essential for organizing wiki content and facilitating reader navigation. They group similar articles, helping readers explore related topics. A well-categorized article is more likely to be found and read.

To add a category to your article:

Open the article in Create/Edit mode (visual editor) by clicking the button at the top of the page.
In the top toolbar, click the hamburger menu (represented by three horizontal lines).
Select Categories from the dropdown menu.
Click on Add a category, then start typing the appropriate category name. A dropdown list will suggest options.
Select the relevant category from the list.
You can now continue writing the article.
Once finished, click on Save changes at the top right.

Generally, one category is sufficient for classifying your article. If your article covers multiple fields, you may occasionally add one or two additional categories. Keep it simple and only add extra categories if they are truly relevant.

Respecting the Category Structure

Category structure of the Maria Valtorta Wiki

Respecting the category structure ensures a coherent organization of the wiki. Final categories are the leaves of the tree and are designed to contain articles. Intermediate categories group other categories rather than articles directly. They are marked with a red "X" in the category tree.

A well-structured classification makes navigation easier for readers. For contributors, it simplifies content management and updates. Adhering to the hierarchy prevents confusion and duplication of efforts.

To find the right category for your article, consult the category tree below:

Authenticity of the Work

Explore the Work

Introduction to the Work

Life and Spirituality of Maria Valtorta

Valtortian Initiatives and Works

To expand the tree, click on a small arrow (►). To view a category’s description, simply click on it.

Select the category that best corresponds to your article’s topic. Make sure not to add articles to intermediate categories; place your article in a final category.

Starting an Article with an Introductory Paragraph

Preview boxes ("pop-ups") that appear when hovering over an internal link display the beginning of the article. If the article starts with a title or subtitle, the preview will not function correctly. Therefore, it is necessary to begin each article with a more or less lengthy introductory paragraph that introduces the topic.

Neutrality Principle in Encyclopedic Writing

Neutrality is a fundamental principle in encyclopedic writing. It ensures that articles present objective and factual information, allowing readers to form their own opinions without influence. Neutral content builds reader trust, respects diverse viewpoints, and remains relevant over time.

To write neutrally, avoid personal opinions and first-person formulations such as "I think that..." Use factual language, prioritizing objective descriptions based on verifiable facts. Avoid subjective or value-laden adjectives like "incredible," "magnificent," or "terrible."

It is also important to present multiple perspectives, especially if the topic is controversial. Display different viewpoints without favoring one over another and support each perspective with reliable references.

Examples

Example 1: Subjective Adjectives

To avoid: "This discovery is revolutionary and changes the world."
Neutral: "This discovery has had a significant impact in its field."

Example 2: Promotional Language

To avoid: "This book is a must-read masterpiece."
Neutral: "This book is considered by some critics as a major work."

Example 3: Generalizations

To avoid: "Everyone knows this theory is false."
Neutral: "Several experts question the validity of this theory."

Review your sentences to ensure they are free of personal judgment. Rely on verifiable sources and avoid emotional language. Favor concrete facts over generalizations to maintain an informative and impartial tone.

Multiplying Internal Links

Internal links are the foundation of wiki navigation and interactivity. They allow readers to easily move from one article to another to deepen a subject or explore related themes. Connecting concepts and information provides a more comprehensive view of the topic, helping readers understand the context and relationships between different aspects.

To insert an internal link:

Select the text you want to turn into a link by highlighting it.
Click on the Link icon (represented by a chain) in the toolbar, or use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + K (or CMD + K on Mac).
A window will open with a search bar. Type the title of the article you want to link to.
Select the article from the list of suggestions.
Click on Done to insert the link.

Cite the Sources: "References" Section

References strengthen the reliability of the presented information and allow readers to consult the original sources. Proper citation also helps avoid plagiarism issues and respects copyright.

To add a reference:

Place your cursor at the point where you want to insert the reference.
Click on the Cite icon (often represented by quotation marks).
Choose Basic Reference or a preformatted template.
Enter the information for your source: author, title, date, URL, etc.
Click Insert to add the reference.

Once a reference is present in your article, it is necessary to include the "References" section at the end of the article. To add this section:

Click on Paragraph in the toolbar, then select Section Heading.
Type "References" as the section title.

Use reliable sources such as reputable publications, academic articles, or official websites. Provide all the necessary information to make the source identifiable and ensure that the URL links are correct and functional.

Respect for Copyright and Licensing

Do not copy content protected by copyright without permission. When using information from other works, cite them correctly. All added content must be compatible with the wiki's CC BY-SA license.

Use of Royalty-Free Images

It is essential to respect copyright when inserting images into articles.

The wiki has a media library that includes images under permissive licenses such as Public Domain or CC BY-SA. External resources, such as Wikimedia Commons, also offer a vast collection of royalty-free images that are compatible.

To insert an image:

Place your cursor at the desired location in the article.
In the toolbar, click on Insert, then on Images and Media.
A search window will open. Enter keywords to find a suitable image from the internal media library.
Click on the desired image.
Click Insert to add the image to your article.
Click on the inserted image to open the options. You can add a descriptive caption if you wish, and adjust the size, alignment, etc.
Don’t forget to Save Changes once you are done.

Ensuring the Article’s Connectivity

An isolated article is less likely to be read. Incoming links allow readers to access the article from other pages, thereby increasing its visibility.

Edit other articles by adding an internal link to your new article when relevant. Use appropriate categories to help readers find your article via category listings. If the wiki has summary pages or indexes, make sure your article is included there.

The "Wiki Maria Valtorta:Tasks" Page

The page Wiki Maria Valtorta:Tasks serves as a to-do list for improving the wiki. It helps coordinate efforts among contributors, avoiding duplicates and facilitating collaboration.

You can add pages to be created or completed by specifying the titles of missing articles or those needing additions. Propose relevant topic ideas. Check the existing tasks to find articles to improve if you are looking for ways to contribute. Once an article is created or updated, mark it accordingly to keep the list up to date.

Communicating with Other Editors

Regularly check the Wiki Maria Valtorta Contributors' Discord server to coordinate your efforts with the group, ask questions, obtain technical support, etc. You can also contact Stephen from the Maria Valtorta Readers' Group at stephen@valtorta.com.au.

Happy writing!