Help:Contents/Rules & Guidelines

Please read these guidelines before you start editing.

What information can I add?

Add This Stuff

1. Unused content still present in the game.

   • Example: Unused characters, levels, items, objects, cutscenes, audio, text, textures, functions, and code.

2. Debug functions.

   • Example: Debug menus, audio debuggers, and level selects.

3. Differences between versions.

   • Example: Documenting the differences between the Japanese and American releases of a game.

4. Leaked prototype games.

   • Example: The Half-Life 2 Prototype and the Ocarina of Time Debug ROM.

Don't Add This Stuff

1. Glitches.

   • Exceptions:
   • A glitch that has been fixed or introduced in a different version of a game.
   • A glitch that grants players access to unused or debug content.

2. Cheat codes.

   • Exceptions:
   • A code that grants players access to unused or debug content.
   • Level select or sound test codes.

3. Common SDK and compiler strings.

   • Exceptions:
   • Strings that contain unique comments, developer credits, or other noteworthy information.
   • However, if the information you want to add can be found in many other games on the same platform, it likely doesn't need to be documented here.

4. Fan games.

   • Please don't add information about amateur games created by you or others. If you're not sure, ask an admin.

5. User-generated content.

   • TCRF is not a place to advertise your own content. This includes videos and sites not directly related to the material covered here.

Who owns the information?

Nobody owns the information written here. TCRF is a community-based wiki. Anyone can write, fix, change, or contribute to articles. Don't be surprised when other users edit an article you've written to improve its accuracy and clarity, fix grammar, spelling, or formatting issues, or add more information.

If you want to start work on an article, but you aren't ready for other people to edit it, you can put it on a sub-page. Visit User Sub-Pages for more information.

Editing Guidelines

Grammar/Spelling

Endeavor to use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation at all times. Some mistakes are forgivable, especially if English is not your first language, but please do your best to check over your writing before you save the page!

Speculation

Avoid speculation in the articles. Ensure that there is evidence for your assertions.

Editorializing

Don't harshly criticize a game just because you don't like it. Other readers might disagree.

Humor

You are welcome to use a bit of humor in your writing. However...

• Don't edit an article or image caption just to add humor.
• Don't overdo it. The focus of TCRF is information, not wit.
• Don't be offensive. Do be politically correct.

"Alpha" & "Beta"

The terms "alpha" and "beta" are often misused, so we discourage their use on the wiki. Use "early", "prototype", or "unused" instead.

• The only exception to this rule is when a game is specifically labeled an "alpha" or "beta" by the developer/publisher. For example, a public beta test of a PC game like Minecraft. If the game is actually an alpha or beta version, please add a note on the game's Talk page and in the Edit Summary box so your edits are not mistakenly corrected.

Edit Wars

Please don't undo other people's edits unless you feel that they have made a clear mistake. This includes edits that make the text of a page ambiguous or misleading or remove technical details. If you encounter this situation...

1. Undo the edit.
   • ...But never undo changes made by an admin.
2. Write your reason for undoing the edit in the article's Edit Summary box.
   • This box can be found underneath the main Edit box.
   • Be polite in your explanation.

Handling Disputes

If you have continuing problems with another user, or you want to discuss an edit, write a civil message on an admin's Talk page explaining the issue. If you don't understand how Talk pages work, visit User Talk Pages for more information.

Getting Banned

If you break the rules, make too many irrelevant edits, or have a nasty attitude, you may find yourself facing a ban. Remember, this wiki is privately run, and it's a privilege to be here, not a right.

Temporary Bans

Sometimes, bans are temporary. That means that they will expire after a set time, and you will be able to edit the wiki again. Think of the ban as a warning, try to understand what you did wrong, and change your behavior, or you may not be so lucky next time.

Permanent Bans

If your ban is permanent, that means you've done something very wrong, or you've been warned in the past but haven't changed your behavior. It's unlikely that a permanent ban will be overturned, but you can try waiting a few months and request a second chance if you can prove that you understand what you did wrong and that you will not make the same mistakes again.

Ban Evasion

Creating new accounts to circumvent a ban is prohibited. This will often result in your IP getting banned. That means you will never be welcome to participate at TCRF again. Don't do this.