Conworlds:Principles

The Constructed Worlds Wiki is a community which operates under principles which encompass every aspect of the wiki and the community at-large. Principles, alongside policies and guidelines, are the fundamental concepts and rules which govern the Constructed Worlds Wiki. Although it is not necessary to know the principles in order to edit, it is recommended that users familiarize themselves with the wiki's principles as a compass for wiki conduct and etiquette.

Constructed Worlds is open to all forms of worldbuilding, alternate history, and speculative fiction

The Constructed Worlds Wiki welcomes writers of all backgrounds to express their creativity through their worlds, whether their worlds are based on our world or an entirely fictional world, science fiction or fantasy, alternate history or future history, realistic or magical, etc. Our goal is to be an accommodating hub that hosts a diverse catalogue of original content and worldbuilding projects.

Constructed Worlds should imitate an encyclopedia such as Wikipedia

Writing on the Constructed Worlds Wiki is inspired by the world's largest online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. We strive to write articles that are imitative of Wikipedia's style and format in a way that immerses our readers. Articles should feel as if they may very well have been from Wikipedia. In other words, imagine if there was something exactly like Wikipedia that exists in your world, and it documents topics in your world in a similar fashion. This does not mean that the Constructed Worlds is Wikipedia or should be completely like Wikipedia. Writers are ultimately free to write however they like (with few exceptions), and in some cases, deviate from the encyclopedic format in their works.

Constructed Worlds is free content that anyone can use, edit, or distribute

Universal to nearly every wiki hosted on Miraheze and elsewhere through MediaWiki, editors freely license their work to the public. No editor can "own" an article and contributions can be subject to merciless editing and redistribution. By contributing to the wiki, editors acknowledge that any original work they submit will be freely licensed or that they are only submitting content that is freely licensed. The Constructed Worlds Wiki recognizes an important distinction between licensing and authorship (not in the legal sense). Authors, as stewards (and not owners) of their content, have discretion over who may have permission to participate in their works (both solo/independent and community projects).

Constructed Worlds is based on cooperation, collaboration, consensus, and civility

Editors should follow the Four Cs. The Constructed Worlds Wiki is all about community and bringing writers together. Cooperation is important as editors should be helpful to one another. Collaboration is the essence and foundation of the wiki's community projects. Editors should make an effort to work together on achieving common goals and interests. Consensus is what keeps the community cohesive and stable. Decisions at the community level should be decided based on consensus and discussion. Every editor is encouraged to participate in consensus-building for the betterment of the community. Civility is a virtue that keeps the community professional and orderly. Editors should treat one another with respect and dignity. Do not engage in personal attacks, bullying, or disruptive behavior. Always assume good faith and seek conflict resolution with the administration if disagreements persist.

Constructed Worlds is generally relaxed and hands-off

While Constructed Worlds does have principles, policies, and guidelines, they are by no means meant to be applied in an overtly legalistic manner. The spirit, rather than the exact wording, is more important. Exceptions always exist and all "rules" are subject to community review and consensus. At the heart of the wiki should always be the community and its common love for worldbuilding. As such, the Constructed Worlds Wiki administration enforces the wiki's guidelines and rules with restraint and leniency. This should not be confused with apathy or laziness. With certain exceptions, editors won't be punished if they happen to break a rule or convention. Mistakes and misunderstandings happen all the time. Communication should always take priority before discipline. However, serious actions and problematic behaviors which break Miraheze's content policy and/or the wiki's policies can lead to disciplinary action, which includes permanent blocking. The wiki has zero tolerance for illegal content, vandalism, spam, doxxing, and plagiarism.