All The Tropes:How to Write An Example: Difference between revisions

 

* '''State the source:''' This is ''mandatory''. You cannot assume that just because ''you'' know from context where your example comes from, everyone or ''anyone'' else will. The name of the work the example comes from ''must'' be clearly stated, ideally near the beginning of the example. The name should be either italicized or put in quotes depending on the medium (if you're not sure which to use, see what someone else did for a work in the same medium), and be marked up as a link to the work's page. '''''Examples without a work name to identify them are subject to deletion.''''' Listing a character name, episode name, or actor's name is ''not'' a substitute for the work name. (No, not even if you [[Pothole]] it -- which, by the way, ''don't do either''.) Listing a well-known quote and leaving it at that is also clumsy. Being clever is always fun but being ''clear'' is much more important. Author's names are acceptable when referring collectively to multiple series by them.

** '''State the [[Word of God]] source:''' While we don't require strict Wikipedia style citations, one ''should'' say where a [[Word of God]] statement originated from. Something as simple at "[http://www.example.com this interview]" or "''Wizard'' magazine issue 200" or "in the commentary on the DVD" is sufficient. This is because a lot of people like to [[God Never Said That|claim]] such and such is [[Word of God]] to make their claims seem more valid.

** '''Be Specific:''' There are some things that are nearly universal with a medium, [[Executive Meddling]] being one of them. But saying "An interview with person X reveals that there was a lot of [[Executive Meddling]] going on" and not explaining it is ultimately an empty example. We want to know ''what'' was screwed around with and even the ''why'', even if it doesn't make sense.