Wikipedia:Manuel of Style
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Welcome to the "Wikipedia: Manuel of Style"! If you’ve found yourself here, it’s likely because your fingers betrayed you and turned "Manual" into "Manuel". Fret not, fellow Wikipedian, for Manuel is here to guide you with a wink and a nudge through the labyrinthine paths of Wikipedia editing with a uniquely humorous flair.
Who is Manuel?
[edit]Manuel is not just a typo; he’s a state of mind. Picture a suave, well-dressed gentleman who knows the finer points of style but also enjoys a good laugh. He’s the kind of fellow who can debate the Oxford comma’s merits while making a killer paella. Manuel, our accidental mascot, embodies the playful spirit that can sometimes get lost in the serious world of encyclopedic writing.
Manuel’s Top Style Tips
[edit]The Art of the Typo
[edit]Manuel believes that a good typo is like a happy little accident in the world of editing. Did you mean to write "lead" but ended up with "leed"? Embrace it! (But, you know, fix it eventually). Typos are the sprinkles of the editing world—unintentionally delightful but best not left unattended.
Edit Wars: The Matador’s Dance
[edit]Engaging in an edit war? Think of it as a passionate flamenco, where each editor’s steps are as crucial as they are flamboyant. Manuel suggests resolving disputes with grace, a touch of humor, and, if all else fails, a well-placed "olé!"
Punctuation: The Fiesta of the Sentence
[edit]Periods, commas, and semicolons are the piñatas of writing—they need to be hit just right to make the content spill out beautifully. But beware! Overzealous punctuation can lead to a fiesta that’s more confusing than fun. Less is often more, unless it’s a semicolon; semicolons are always classy.
The Discreet Charm of the Hyperlink
[edit]Links are like Manuel’s subtle winks across a crowded room—they should be meaningful, relevant, and never overdone. A well-placed link can elevate your article, but too many can make it feel like a chaotic street market.
Be Bold, but not Reckless
[edit]Manuel loves a bold move, whether it’s editing a high-profile article or adding a bit of flair to a bland sentence. However, there’s a fine line between boldness and recklessness. Strive for the former, and if you cross into the latter, remember: every mistake is just another step in the dance.
Manuel’s Editing Etiquette
[edit]- Patience and Politeness: Approach every talk page like a cordial debate over tapas—engage with patience and politeness, even when disagreeing.
- Assume Good Faith: Just as Manuel always sees the best in people (unless they overcook the chorizo), assume that your fellow editors are here to improve Wikipedia, not to sabotage it.
- Humor and Humility: A well-timed joke can defuse tension, and a bit of humility goes a long way. If you make an error, laugh it off and fix it. Manuel certainly would.
The Legend of Manuel
[edit]Manuel may have started as a simple typo, but he has grown into a legend—a guiding light for those who find themselves lost in the seriousness of style guides. Remember, while it’s important to maintain Wikipedia’s standards, it’s equally important to enjoy the process. After all, even the grandest encyclopedias can benefit from a touch of whimsy.
So, next time you find yourself typing "Manual of Style" and ending up with "Manuel of Style", take a moment to smile and think of our dear Manuel. Edit boldly, laugh often, and may your contributions be as impeccable as Manuel’s mustache.
¡Viva Manuel!