Instructions for using this page
This page is designed as a general template to be used when creating a USA state or territory page. Global templates are used as much as possible to make maintenance much easier due to the 50+ pages that are used in the USA. Be sure not to remove any templates unless absolutely necessary and then it should only be done after review with the Wiki experts in the forums.
Templates serve two general purposes. They typically allow common code to be used in multiple places with parameters passed to them changing their outcome. They are also used to hold text which is common to multiple pages that may change in the future.
Templates appear in edit mode with double braces like {{RC/Data}}. To view the actual page you would go to Template:RC/Data. In some cases the template will include a ":" like {{:USA/CommonState/Overview}}. The colon indicates the template code is in the Main: namespace and not the Template: namespace.
The instructions are broken into two parts: 1) First time setup, and 2) Maintenance.
First time setup
The following instructions are directed to the editor who is first setting up this template for a state.
1. Copy the entire content of this page (the main page, not this discussion/talk page) under edit mode. Do not use the "move" page option.
2. If the state page currently exists, paste this content on a temporary page, otherwise paste it on the pagename of the state. The automated code will only work on pages that use a valid state name as the root page name (or USA/CommonState). Direct pages (Arizona) and subpages (Arizona/Test or Arizona/Test/Review) to any level are all valid during the setup process, but the final page is designed to be on a root page name with the state or territory, like Arizona.
These next steps are all to be carried out on the state page created in the first steps above.
3. Review the editor notes in each section while in edit mode and make the appropriate changes noted. Some instructions ask for some comments to be removed after the step is complete, but all other notes should be left in for future editors to see the comments.
{{:USA/CommonState/Overview}}<!-- Keep this common template.
Add additional overivew information below. Most state unique content should
go into the Introduction section below.-->
{{clear}}{{TOC left}}{{:USA/CommonState/Notice}}{{clear}}<!-- Keep as is -->
4. Ensure there is a file with the name USA_STATENAME.png where STATENAME is the name of the state or territory as it appears in the pagename.
5. Integrate any content from a current state page as needed. Be sure to add the content in the appropriate sections already created.
6. Keep the section templates at the top of each section for the generic information to simplify generic messages for each section across all states. Do not change the templates at the top of each section. They are generic for all states and territories as much as possible. If the state or territory for which this template is being used has a conflict with the content of one of the templates, please bring that to the attention of the Wiki experts in the forums.
7. Resist moving sections around in this template because all states are being set up this same way. If necessary add subsections to current sections. New sections should be reviewed with other state editors to keep the template as similar as possible.
8. Review the final proposed page with other editors in your state.
9. Once you have consensus with the other editors, if the page was created on a temporary page, copy the entire contents in edit mode and paste it over the current contents of the state or territory page. The Wiki will keep track of all past content if there is need to look up anything in the prior version of the page.
10. Remove the construction message box at the top of the page if all the content is completed and ready for use by other editors.
Maintenance after initial creation
This overall template uses many subtemplates to make maintenance easy for future changes across all the 50+ pages. That is why it is important to keep them in the template.
Most ...
To do list
This list being managed by « kentsmith9 » (talk) 23:01, 3 July 2014 (UTC)
Etiquette
Include link to etiquette section of Wiki. http://wiki.waze.com/wiki/Waze_etiquette
Area Manager table
- Inform editors that the table is only for Rank 3 Area Managers and above.
- Confirm from forum that less than Rank 3 is desired.
Done « kentsmith9 » (talk) 08:41, 9 July 2014 (UTC)
- Automate RC icons from Template:RC/Data so users need not manage them.
- Done « kentsmith9 » (talk) 08:41, 9 July 2014 (UTC)
- Template:AM/Editor need to determine RC status first; if true for current state then shift badges down 2>3, 1>2, RC>1 and then continue as before.
- Done Solved differently by placing the RC at the table head.
- Proposal to reduce grouping to AM and CM without rank.
Required heading sections
Each section must include a common template to enable single updates to display on all state pages.
Subpages
Most of these subpages are used as common templates for each section of the state page to increase consistency between states.
In this Talkspace: