View source for Contributor Guide

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<div class="panel-header" style="border:none;">Contributor Guide</div>
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This guide explains how to create and improve pages on Nu-Metal Preservation. It is intended for contributors who are adding band pages, release pages, scans, rip logs, source details, corrections, or other archival information.
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<div class="panel-header" style="border:none;">General Editing Standards</div>
Nu-Metal Preservation is an archive, not a fan blog. Public pages should be neutral, factual, organized, and verifiable.

Use clear language, avoid personal opinion, and keep formatting consistent across the site.

Good contributions usually include:

* Accurate names, titles, dates, labels, catalog numbers, and source details.
* Clear distinction between confirmed information and uncertain information.
* Source links or notes when available.
* Proper page naming.
* Proper file naming.
* Correct use of templates and categories.
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<div class="panel-header" style="border:none;">Archive Index</div>
The [[Artists|Artist index]] reflects the project’s archive holdings and documented materials.

The index is maintained by project administrators to keep it consistent with the current archive. If you notice a missing artist, incorrect listing, duplicate entry, or naming issue, report the correction instead of changing the index directly unless you have permission to maintain it.
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<div class="panel-header" style="text-align:center;">Release Page Naming</div>
Release pages should use this format:

<blockquote>
'''Artist Name - Release Title'''
</blockquote>

Example:

<blockquote>
<nowiki>https://nu-metal-preservation.com/index.php/Cool Band - Awesome Release</nowiki>
</blockquote>

Spaces will automatically convert to underscores in the URL.

Use consistent capitalization based on the actual release title whenever possible.
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<div class="panel-header" style="text-align:center;">Creating a Release Page</div>
Use the '''Version''' template to document each archived version of a release.

A release page may contain more than one version if the archive has multiple sources, formats, editions, or variants of the same release.

Basic structure:

<pre>
{{Version
| Country =
| Front =
| Source =
| Format =
| Date =
| Label(s) =
| Catalog =
| Barcode =
| Matrix =
| Equipment =
| AccurateRip =
| Log =
| Ripped By =
| Scanned By =
| Notes =
}}
</pre>

Use only fields that apply. Do not fill fields with unnecessary visual clutter. If a value is unknown or not applicable, it is usually better to leave the field blank unless the missing value is important to document.
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<div class="panel-header" style="border:none;">Version Template Field Guide</div>
Use these fields consistently:

* '''Country''' - Country or region of the release. Examples: <code>us</code>, <code>uk</code>, <code>ca</code>, <code>ww</code>.
* '''Front''' - Front cover image file.
* '''Source''' - Source media or origin. Examples: <code>CD</code>, <code>Cassette</code>, <code>Vinyl</code>, <code>WEB (Deezer)</code>, <code>WEB (Qobuz)</code>.
* '''Format''' - Archived audio format. Examples: <code>FLAC</code>, <code>MP3</code>, <code>WAV</code>, <code>M4A</code>.
* '''Date''' - Release date when known.
* '''Label(s)''' - Label name exactly as credited.
* '''Catalog''' - Catalog number.
* '''Barcode''' - Barcode or UPC.
* '''Matrix''' - Matrix or runout information from physical media.
* '''Equipment''' - Rip setup, drive, software, scanner, or relevant capture details.
* '''AccurateRip''' - AccurateRip status if verified.
* '''Log''' - Link to the uploaded rip log file. Leave blank if no log is available.
* '''Ripped By''' - Contributor or source of the rip.
* '''Scanned By''' - Contributor or source of the scans.
* '''Notes''' - Short notes that clarify the version, uncertainty, source, or known issue.
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<div class="panel-header" style="border:none;">Rip Logs</div>
The '''Log''' field is for an uploaded or linked rip log.

Use:

<pre>
| Log = [[File:Band Name - Release Title.log|View rip log]]
</pre>

If no log is available, leave the field blank:

<pre>
| Log =
</pre>

Do not create a separate log section. Do not write “N/A” unless there is a specific reason to document that the log is unavailable.
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<div class="panel-header" style="text-align:center;">Release Artwork & Scan Files</div>
Cover images should come from the exact version being documented whenever possible.

Recommended image standards:

* Maximum preferred resolution: '''1000 × 1000''' for front covers.
* Use clear, uncropped images when available.
* Use the exact release version whenever possible.
* Avoid low-quality web images if a scan is available.

Recommended front cover file name:

<blockquote>
'''Artwork-BandName-ReleaseTitle.png'''
</blockquote>

If needed, add distinction notes:

<blockquote>
'''Artwork-BandName-ReleaseTitle-Promo.png'''
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
'''Artwork-BandName-ReleaseTitle-CatalogNumber.png'''
</blockquote>
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<div class="panel-header" style="text-align:center;">Release Page Categories</div>
The '''Version''' template automatically adds many technical categories based on the fields used.

Examples include:

* WEB Rip
* CD Rips
* Cassette Rips
* Vinyl Rips
* FLAC Rips
* MP3 Rips
* AccurateRip Verified
* Needs Rip Verification
* Needs Format Verification

Do not manually add categories that the template already handles.

Only add manual categories when the page has a broader issue that is not already handled by the template.
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<div class="panel-header" style="border:none;">Band Page Naming</div>
Band pages should normally use the band’s common name as the page title.

Use the '''BandInfo''' template at the top of the page.

Basic structure:

<pre>
{{BandInfo
| Band Name =
| Image =
| Image size =
| Caption =
| AKA =
| Status =
| Active Years =
| Origin =
| Country =
| State =
| Related Bands =
}}
</pre>

Use '''Origin''' instead of '''Location''' on new pages.
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<div class="panel-header" style="border:none;">Band Page Sections</div>
Band pages should generally use these main sections:

<pre>
== Biography ==
== Members ==
== Discography ==
== Links ==
</pre>

Additional sections may be added when useful, such as:

* Videography
* Demos
* Related projects
* Sources
* Trivia

Only add extra sections when they improve documentation.
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<div class="panel-header" style="text-align:center;">Band Biography Standards</div>
Biography sections should be neutral and factual.

Good biography content may include:

* Formation year.
* Origin city, state, province, or country.
* Main genre or scene connection.
* Important releases.
* Lineup changes.
* Label history.
* Known active years.
* Verified historical context.

Avoid opinion-based wording.

Do not write:

<blockquote>
They released an amazing album.
</blockquote>

Use:

<blockquote>
The band released the album in 2002.
</blockquote>
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<div class="panel-header" style="text-align:center;">Members Section Format</div>
Use clear member lists.

Recommended order:

* Vocals
* Guitar
* Bass
* Drums
* Keyboards
* DJ / samples
* Other roles

Example:

<pre>
== Members ==

=== Current ===
* Name - vocals
* Name - guitar

=== Former ===
* Name - bass
* Name - drums
</pre>

Use current and former sections when the information is known.
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<div class="panel-header" style="border:none;">Discography Section Format</div>
Discography entries should link to release pages using this format:

<pre>
* [[Band Name - Release Title|Release Title]]
</pre>

Example:

<pre>
* [[40 Below Summer - Invitation to the Dance|Invitation to the Dance]]
</pre>

Do not list every format or version on the band page. Version details belong on the individual release page.
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<div class="panel-header" style="border:none;">Links & Sources</div>
The Links section should include useful public references.

Examples:

* Official website.
* Bandcamp.
* Discogs.
* MusicBrainz.
* archived official pages.
* interviews.
* label pages.
* social media pages.
* reliable articles.

When possible, use citations or source notes for claims that are specific, disputed, obscure, or likely to be corrected later.
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<div class="panel-header" style="text-align:center;">Band Logo Files</div>
Recommended band logo file name:

<blockquote>
'''BandLogo-BandName.png'''
</blockquote>

Preferred standards:

* Transparent background when possible.
* Under '''1000 × 1000''' unless higher quality is needed.
* Use clean source artwork when available.
* Avoid blurry, stretched, or heavily compressed images.
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<div class="panel-header" style="text-align:center;">Wanted Releases</div>
The [[Wanted]] page is used for releases the archive is actively looking for.

A release may belong there if:

* It fits the scope of the project.
* It is not currently documented in the archive.
* The archive only has an incomplete or poor-quality version.
* The release is difficult to locate, obscure, regional, rare, or out of print.

When adding to Wanted, keep entries organized and provide as much detail as possible, including artist, title, year, format, label, country, and notes.
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<div class="panel-header" style="text-align:center;">Final Review Before Saving</div>
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Before saving a new or edited page, check for accuracy, formatting, categories, source clarity, and unnecessary clutter.
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* Page title follows the correct format.
* Template fields are filled only when useful.
* Images and files use consistent names.
* Band and release names are spelled correctly.
* Manual categories are not duplicating template categories.
* Notes are factual and concise.
* Public wording is neutral and archive-appropriate.
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