 | This page documents one of Memory Alpha's guidelines. |
Editors should generally follow it, though exceptions may apply. Substantive edits to this page should reflect consensus. |
On Memory Alpha, we like quotes. We especially like quotes that add context or entertainment to our articles. These are the kind of quotes that instantly bring the scene to mind when read.
Quotes can be used to enhance episode summaries and articles. The beginning of an article or section, the description of an image, or in a dedicated "Quotes" section are the best places to add a quote. They should be used to inform and entertain, or emphasize character traits about various people and species, good or bad.
Quote guidelines
Quotes should be:
- Concise: Keep quotes short and sweet. If it needs to be a full scene, or you feel the quote needs context, the quote is not a good choice.
- Carefully chosen: "Quotes" sections of articles should preferably contain no more than six quotes, but that number is not written on an optolythic data rod and more quotes may be added if that article calls for it. Keep in mind: the more participants involved in a series of quotes, the harder they are to follow.
- Chronological: Quotes in "Quotes" sections should be placed in chronological order.
- Appropriate: If a quote is to be used at the top of a page, it should be one that sums up the page's subject or describes a major quality thereof.
- Relevant: Quotes used in the "Quotes" section of character pages should only include quotes by or about the character, without superfluous supporting quotes.
- Necessary: Quotes are not substitutes for fleshed-out content. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Not all character articles need a quote; not all deserve a quote. Discuss it on the article's talk page first if in doubt.
Keep in mind that not every quote strikes everyone the same way. If you come across a quote you think should be removed or replaced, do not simply change it, but copy it to the article's talk page and discuss it there.