Wikipedia:Linking to other wikis

For linking to other Wikimedia projects, see Help:Interwikimedia links
For the original proposal on linking to other wikis, see Wikipedia:Linking to other wikis/old proposal

This page is currently inactive and is retained for historical reference.
Either the page is no longer relevant or consensus on its purpose has become unclear. To revive discussion, seek broader input via a forum such as the village pump.

This is a proposal for an optional style (formatting) that can be used when linking to wikis not hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation. Such links would still have to comply with the usual guidelines for external links, especially the rule about open wikis.

A normal link to an external wiki looks like any other external link. Some editors believe that there should be an available option to distinguish such links.

Proposed rationale

To assist in connecting Wikipedia with external wikis that share our free content goals. There are many reasons for doing this, depending on the subject, utility of the wiki, etc.

One example for fiction is when many editors wish to expand on details on works of fiction that might not be notable. With the strong desire to generate this content, an outlet for these editors (and readers) is desired.

The same example for fiction can be said for other topics, such as articles relating to locations and traveling readers. Travel-guide-like advice is normally avoided on Wikipedia, but many editors don't know this right away, and readers will wonder where such information is. Providing an outlet for this information can also be seen as showing readers and editors that everything has a place, it just might not be here on Wikipedia (in the same way we direct people to Wiktionary for dictionary entries within the Wikimedia family).

Many links that are particularly useful have been placed for easy/noticeable access, such as IMDb links in infoboxes, official websites, technical help, ratings in the album infobox, etc. The nature of a link, how it relates to the topic of the article, and the benefit it has for the readers, can justify a distinction for a link.

Related discussions

Proposed styles

Everyone is strongly encouraged to add to these proposals.

FreeContentMeta

The Template:FreeContentMeta method. Uses a box similar to the one used for Wikimedia sister projects, but has a different background color. Example:

Linking to other wikis on Tardis Wiki, the Doctor Who Wiki

Modified FreeContentMeta

A modified version of FreeContentMeta that would allow more than one wiki to be linked within the box, and notes there is no official relation with Wikipedia. Example:

This topic on third-party wikis: