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WikiProject Amusement Parks |
Welcome to WikiProject Amusement Parks!
Proposed ideas for APARKS refurb.
[edit]GuidelinesNotability (subjective)Enduring historic significanceVerifiableNotableLikely teasers/pre-announcement/announcement not enoughConstruction, opening, reviews likely enough overtimeDistinguish between historic ride notability and contemporaryEvery coaster does not need an article, assess on case-by-case basisNon-notable article can be redirectsNotability page is not about establishing new notability criteria, but explaining status quo and guidelines towards article creation.
Reliable source listResearch guide
Collaboration and exposureWelcoming committeeDe-stub/collaborationAwards shake up
- Visual project makeover
- Start tab
- Main page
- Talk
- Participants
- Assessment (Article quality assessment)
- Article standards (Help; notability)
- Spotlight (Featured content) - Merge popular pages into (Way to limit bot pages loaded or minimize box?)
- Collaboration (welcoming, contest collab, HoF)
- Templates (rename to Resources), sub pages for template, research guide, perennial sources
- Task forces
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Research guide
[edit] | This is an information page. It is not an encyclopedic article, nor one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines; rather, its purpose is to explain certain aspects of Wikipedia's norms, customs, technicalities, or practices. It may reflect differing levels of consensus and vetting. |
Welcome to the Research Guide of WikiProject Amusement Parks (WP:APARKS).
The Research Guide department provides relevant resources for content creation of amusement park and related articles. This is not a comprehensive guide but a starting point for those unfamiliar with the extent of free resources that may be crucial for article creation and additions. If research methods are not outlined within the guide, feel free to add tips/resources/assistance that may be useful for others.
Start here
[edit]When reading amusement park-related Wikipedia articles, you may feel inclined to improve its content where you may see a lack of information. Whether you are an enthusiast browsing Wikipedia or a participant of WP:APARKS, the Research Guide may help you find new sources unknown beforehand.
As a new user, you may have been greeted by one of the many active editors on Wikipedia. Some useful tools were possibly outlined in this greeting, including but not limited to:
- Introduction and Getting started
- Contributing to Wikipedia
- The five pillars of Wikipedia
- How to edit a page and How to develop articles
- How to create your first article
- Simplified Manual of Style
The links (as provided from Template:Welcome-retro) offer a great starting point for any new user for Wikipedia's general how-to's and know how's. After reading the guides to start editing and researching, you may want to:
- Consult the Help:Directory,
- Ask for help at the Teahouse, Reference desk, or our community's talk page.
General resources
[edit]A typical start for research is by using internet search engines such as Google Search or Microsoft Bing. Google provides an array of different search engines which can assist in research, such as Google Books, Google News, and Google Images. If the web address you are attempting to access is dead or gives you an error, the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine may have an archived copy for you to access to reference with Template:Cite web. For help archiving a source, check Help:Archiving a source. The Internet Archive also has a library, television, and an image database.
You may also know about the Roller Coaster DataBase (RCDB), as seen at the bottom of roller coaster infoboxes. RCDB is considered a generally reliable source. A list of reliable amusement park sources, and stipulations of their usage, can be found at Wikipedia:WikiProject Amusement Parks/Perennial sources. Trade journals, such as Amusement Today, Funworld Magazine, and Park World regularly publish a variety of articles. Past trade journals include Amusement Business. Some may require a subscription.
The Wikipedia Library provides a range of freely accessible databases for users to research topics. Users may access the Wikipedia Library card platform for research that may be relevant or essential to an amusement park and related articles. Some databases may require an application before accessing, but the process is relatively easy by following the page instructions. Databases that are known to be useful for our project's research include:
- Newspapers.com, for local/national/international newspapers
- Newspaper Archive, for newspapers
- Gale (publisher), for local/national newspapers and journals
- ProQuest, for newspapers and journals
- EBSCOhost, for newspapers and journals
Not all information can be found on the internet. We encourage you to check your local library or other library databases, as they may have more resources. You may personally request an interlibrary loan, access local newspaper archives, or acquire relevant books. Students currently attending college or university may also obtain more information. Do not be afraid to purchase a book or two, either. You may also make a request at the Wikipedia Library's Resource Exchange, as the volunteers there can assist you in finding resources.
If you are passionate and have an amusement park nearby, visit! Visiting a park you intend to research can help you to think about aspects that can be explored and analyzed. The park may also have observable facts on plaques, signs, or other mediums to go off of and research. If an attraction or amusement park does not have images on Wikipedia or WikiCommons, take some! You will also support your local amusement park, which makes our hobby or job enjoyable.
Researching tips
[edit]- Read the Wikipedia page you intend to improve. A lot of information in an article with little-to-no sources is unreliable. However, some information may lead you to research the validity of claims on the page or find new information to confirm or deny such statements.
- Complete a precursory search on an article, and see whether it meets notability standards or if there is more information.
- Use quotation marks for specific words may narrow the search for the article you intend to add to,
- For this example, brackets [ ] indicate a search bar:
- For attractions & roller coasters, the name, type, manufacturer, and park name may be relevant search terms together (e.g. on an article for Fury 325, pertinent words that may provide fruitful information include: ["Fury 325"] ["steel roller coaster"] ["Carowinds"] ["Bolliger & Mabillard"]).
- For amusement parks, the previous or present name, park location, key historical figures, present and previous park owners/operators/managers, and present and previous popular attractions may be relevant search terms together (e.g. on an article for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, pertinent words that may provide fruitful information include: ["Busch Gardens Tampa"] ["Busch Gardens Tampa Bay"] ["Busch Gardens" "Tampa"] ["Busch Gardens: Africa"] ["Anheuser Busch Jr."] ["Anheuser-Busch"] ["Busch Entertainment"] ["SeaWorld Entertainment"] ["Montu"] ["Stairway to the Stars"]).
- A combination of different words in separate quotation may provide more information,
- As part of the previous example (brackets [ ] indicate a search bar),
- For the article Fury 325, you may combine different search terms together such as: ["Fury 325"] ["Fury 325" "Bolliger & Mabillard"], ["Fury 325" "Carowinds"], ["Fury 325" "steel roller coaster"] ["Fury 325" "coaster"].
- For the article Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, you may combine different search terms together such as: ["Busch Gardens Tampa Bay"], ["Busch Gardens Tampa"], ["Busch Gardens: Africa"], ["Busch Gardens"], ["Busch Gardens" "Tampa"], ["Busch Gardens" "August Busch Jr."], ["Busch Gardens" "Anheuser-Busch"], ["Busch Gardens" "Busch Entertainment"], ["Busch Gardens" "Montu"] ["Busch Gardens" "Stairway to the Stars"].
- Search in a specific date or location set. Limiting the timeframe or location in a search can help refine and eliminate irrelevant articles.
- For instance, on Google, you can set a date frame by selecting "Tools", then "Any time" and set a "Custom range". Databases will likely feature a sidebar where you can input a custom date range, or limit the location of data entries.
- Look into enthusiast blogs or websites. Of course, we can only cite reliable sources that can be verfied. This may seem counterproductive, as Wikipedia discounts self-published sources, and as a rule of thumb, enthusiast blogs are generally unreliable. However, blogs may provide new search terms to look into or reveal specific historical points you were unaware of.
- A blog such as BGT History has extensive information on Busch Gardens Tampa that, although cannot all be verified, can open up opportunities to look into specific details about the park, such as historical maps, events, attractions, entertainment, or reliable sources it does cite.
- A discussion forum between users on Theme Park Review can reveal information such as a print format of a historical amusement park trade publishing. In this case, the 1979 IAAPA Guide & Manual, which can help identify the historical roles of ride manufacturers, and their early products and services provided, can be further investigated.
- Think whether the information in sources is something a large audience may want to read or if it only pertains to the enthusiast's interest. If the latter, do not include it.
- Always double-check facts and statistics. Reliable and amusement-specific sources may conflict; ensure that these sources are on the same page.
- Be cautious of contemporary reporting on past attractions from amusement sources. Ensure that reliable sources of information present plausible facts and use your best judgment.
- While RCDB, Roller Coaster Philosophy, or KOB states that the New Mexico Rattler was only halfway completed when Custom Coasters International went defunct, the more reliable and timely source (Amusement Business) stated it was "95% complete". We should trust the latter rather than the former because of its accuracy, relevance, authority, and purpose (see CRAAP). Currency may be helpful in hindsight reports, but caution should be applied as multiple rumors have sprouted within the roller coaster enthusiast community.
Perennial Sources
[edit]Welcome to the amusement park perennial sources. WikiProject Amusement Parks-related articles commonly use sources across amusement-specific mediums.
This incomplete list covers amusement-specific sources whose reliability and use on Wikipedia require attention; but are not frequently discussed to warrant a prominent listing on the perennial sources catalog. If you have a question about a source's reliability, we recommend posting an inquiry to the reliable sources noticeboard. If you do not or cannot generate a response, sources may be discussed on WikiProject Amusement Park's talk page to help generate a direct response to the inquiry on reliability. This perennial source listing follows that of the perennial source tab; refer to WP:RSPUSE. The format of this list mirrors that of the WP:RSPSOURCES. Note that there are different levels of consensus that can be reached, so be sure to check the list of discussions that can assist you in deciding to use these resources.
Sources
[edit]| Source | Status (Legend) |
Discussions | Uses | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| List | Last | Summary | |||
| Attractions Magazine |  |
1 2 | 2022 | Attractions Magazine is a news magazine and digital media platform that covers the amusement industry. There is consensus that Attractions Magazine is a generally reliable source. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Behind the Thrills |  |
1 | 2022 | Behind the Thrills is an online news website that covers the amusement industry. There is leaning consensus that Behind the Thrills should be used with consideration or caution. The website provides some factual reporting with objective viewpoints, especially with certain attractions. Editors have questioned inconsistent quality in blog posts, reviews, rumors, advertising slots, and unclear authors of articles throughout their content library that should be avoided. Behind the Thrills may be used for some topics that have long-term factual reporting and accurate content conclusive with reliable sources but should be used on a case-by-case basis. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| blooloop | |
1 | 2022 | blooloop is an online news platform focusing on the amusement industry. blooloop is considered a generally reliable source. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Captain Coaster |  |
1 | 2022 | Captain Coaster is a user-generated review website and is considered generally unreliable. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Coaster101 | |
1 | 2022 | Coaster101 is an online news and digital media platform covering the amusement industry. There is consensus that Coaster101 is a generally reliable source. Some editors have noted inaccuracies in opinion-based coverage but tend to be reliable, especially when versed with an industry professional. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Coasterpedia | |
1 | 2012 | Coasterpedia is an open-wiki that contains user-generated content and is considered unreliable. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Inside the Magic | |
1 2 | 2022 | Inside the Magic is an online news and digital media platform primarily reporting on topics related to the The Walt Disney Company. Inside the Magic is considered a generally unreliable source. Several editors noted its clickbait or tabloid-esk coverage of topics. Though it may have reliable coverage on certain topics, it is generally to be avoided and supplemented with more reliable sources. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Mouse Trap News | |
1 | 2022 | Mouse Trap News (or The Mouse Trap) is a satirical news website that should not be used. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| News Plus Notes | |
1 | 2022 | There is a current leaning consensus towards reliability with consideration or caution for News Plus Notes. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Roller Coaster DataBase (RCDB) | |
1 | 2022 | RCDB is a database on roller coasters. There is a consensus that RCDB is generally reliable. Several editors have noted minor discrepancies in data entries, but are corrected with submission and review by its chief editor. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Screamscape | |
1 | 2022 | Screamscape is a self-published source that is heavily based on speculation regarding amusement industry topics. Editors have upheld the website's factual reporting when given a source; however, Screamscape is generally unreliable and should be avoided. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Theme Park Insider | |
1 | 2022 | Theme Park Insider is an online news platform covering the amusement industry that should be used with consideration. There is consensus among editors that Theme Park Insider is reliable for factual reporting. However, some editors note that opinion pieces, photographic reporting without commentary, and topics outside The Walt Disney Company are questionable and should be avoided. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Theme Park Review | |
1 | 2022 | Theme Park Review is blog and discussion website that is considered to be generally unreliable for its user-generated content and not an aggregate for reliable reporting. Although the website host, Robb Alvey, is well-traveled, his opinions and general lack of professional integrity weaken Theme Park Review's reliability. An editor has noted some forum-based photo pages do contain reliable sources of content, such as Dorney Park Zephyr or an IAAPA 1979 Manuel Guide. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Theme Park Tribune | |
1 | 2022 | Theme Park Tribune is an online news website focused on the amusement industry. Previously published under Orlando Rising, the current iteration should be used with consideration. Editors have posited the news website provides professional reporting from an industry expert, but largely is a one-person operation. Though there are some contributors, such as from the Orlando Sentinel, the Theme Park Tribune should be used with consideration in comparison to more reliable sources. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Ultimate Rollercoaster | |
1 | 2022 | Ultimate Rollercoaster is an online news, discussion forum, and database website. There is mixed consensus on the reliability of the website. Ultimate Rollercoaster is generally reliable for its historical and long-term researched content of the amusement industry. Some editors have noted contemporary irregularities in the quality of articles and unverified claims made by Ultimate Rollercoaster. Its discussion forum should be avoided, database should be supplemented by RCDB, and reporting should be analyzed with other reliable sources if an editor considers using it. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| WDW News Today | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently a leaning consensus for unreliability of WDW News Today. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| YouTube | |
1 | 2022 | YouTube is a online video sharing and social media platform. YouTube is generally considered an unreliable source, with the temporary exception of "point of view" videos for "Ride experience" sections.* | — |
| [Name] | [Linked discussion] | [Date] | Notes on reliability. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links | |
Sources with no consensus
[edit]| Source | Status (Legend) |
Discussions | Uses | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| List | Last | Summary | |||
| Amusement Insider | |
1 | 2022 | There is no consensus on the reliability of Amusement Insider. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Theme Park Tourist | |
1 | 2022 | Theme Park Tourist is an online news website that has no consensus. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Coaster Nation | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Coaster Nation. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Parkz | |
1 2 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Parkz. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| OurWorlds | |
1 2 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for OurWorlds. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| CoasterForce | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for CoasterForce. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Amusement Park Warehouse | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Amusement Park Warehouse. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Coaster Buzz | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Coaster Buzz. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| InPark Magazine | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for InPark Magazine. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Theme Park Magazine | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Theme Park Magazine. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Coaster World | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Coaster World. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Johnnyupsidedown | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Johnnyupsidedown. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Coaster Critic | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Coaster Critic. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Roller Coaster Philosophy | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Roller Coaster Philosophy. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Coaster Net | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Coaster Net. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Point Buzz | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Point Buzz. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Attraction Source | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Attraction Source. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Pixels at the Park | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for Pixels at the Park. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| InterPark | |
1 | 2022 | There is currently no consensus for InterPark. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| Australasian Entertainment Management | |
1 | 2020 | There is currently no consensus for Australasian Entertainment Management. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
| The Coaster Guy | |
1 | 2013 | There is currently no consensus for The Coaster Guy. | Insource・HTTPS links・HTTP links |
Collaboration
[edit]Welcome to the Collaboration tab of WikiProject Amusement Parks! The main purpose of the collaboration page is to help WP:APARKS encourage new editors to join, retain existing members, promote each other's contributions, and recognize accomplishments that further the project's goals.
Welcoming committee
[edit]Welcome to the welcome committee! The goal of the committee is to help bring in potential new members and welcome editors that have joined our WikiProject. The committee relies on three parts:
- If you see a Wikipedian editing an article related to the amusement industry, consider posting
{{subst:AP invite}}to their talk page, - If the editor joins by adding their name to the Participation list, personally welcome them on their talk page, offer helping points and links to resources, and
- If they choose to stay, consider becoming a mentor and answering questions they ask.
If you would like to join the committee, please list your name below (in alphabetical order):
Collaboration progress
[edit]Appear on either the main page or in a collaboration tab:
| 50 featured articles: 30% complete | ||
| 200 good articles: 66.5% complete | ||
| 25% of all articles roller coaster manufacturers rated B-Class or better: 61.8% complete | ||
- 26.7% Stub-Class
- 50.5% Start-Class
- 14.9% C-Class
- 3.7% B-Class
- 3.6% GA-Class
- 0.5% FA-Class
- 0.1% remaining
Awards
[edit]Templates or collaboration:
| Image | What to type | Title and description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstar 1.0 | Barnstar 2.0 or alternate version | ||
 |
 |
{{subst:Coaster Star|1=message ~~~~}}
|
The Roller Coaster Barnstar
The Roller Coaster Barnstar, is a WikiProject Amusement Parks barnstar to be awarded for outstanding contributions to the field of amusement park-related articles. The Coaster Barnstar was introduced by IronGargoyle on July 30, 2007 "for contributions to amusement park, theme park and roller coaster related articles" (see related link). The latter design was created by Zoke by request of Themeparkgc on March 30, 2013 "for outstanding contributions to the field of amusement park-related articles." (see related link.) |
| — |  |
{{subst:This award does not have a template|1=message ~~~~}}
|
The Interlocking Loops of Excellence
The Interlocking Loops of Excellence is awarded to editors who embody the amusement spirit through de-stubbing, adding, or improving articles.* Originally added to the WikiProject Amusement Park templates page on November 28, 2012, by Themeparkgc for de-stubifying a certain amount of articles (see related link). |
* Indicates this needs to be examined by another editor or approved by the project.
Hall of Fame
[edit]Collaboration:
The WikiProject Amusement Park Hall of Fame recognizes editors overall contributions to the community by overall embodying real-life amusement park innovators through contributions to amusement park related articles, providing persistent maintenance to articles and the WikiProject, and by promoting content to GA and/or FA-status, or DYK. Established through a 2022 WikiProject Amusement Parks proposal, our community wishes to encourage and recognize editors who can and have contributed to amusement park-related articles.
Criteria: Induction into the Hall of Fame requires a nomination from a current and active WP:APARKS member, receive support from multiple editors (not including the nominator), and shown an overall impact to the WikiProject overtime through contributions, maintenance, and promotion.
List of (possible) inductees
[edit] |
 |
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|---|
Notability
[edit] | This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
Welcome to the notability guideline for WikiProject Amusement Parks. As provided by Wikipedia's notability guideline, WikiProjects can "[provide] additional guidance on [the] notability of topics within their field". As mentioned within the subject-specific notability guideline, editors should treat this guideline as an essay rather than the WikiProject establishing additional notability standards because it does not have the "broad consensus of the general and subject-specific notability guidelines in various discussions". A notability guideline proposed in 2022 and discussed further highlighted a continued need for members and non-members alike to have a reference for best judging whether articles should be created and whether certain information warrants inclusion.
The notability guideline for amusement park-related articles is a recommendation for deciding if an amusement industry-related topic should have its article and whether pertinent information warrants inclusion in an established article.
Principles
[edit]Editors that want to create a new article for an amusement industry-related topic need to meet the criteria set out by the general notability guideline. The associated links explain Wikipedia's standards. Wikipedia uses notability guidelines to refrain from "indiscriminate inclusion of topics". Amusement industry articles are especially prone to the latter, as new meaningful editors may not know policy. For most topics, establishing notability should follow the general notability guideline: an article should have a presumption of significant coverage from reliable secondary sources independent of the subject (WP:GNG).
Though a topic can meet the above notability criteria, editors may determine by consensus that it does not qualify for creating a stand-alone article. An article's notability should be established on a case-by-case basis. A summation of criteria are outlined in the following sections.
Background
[edit]Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia. Encyclopedias provide "summaries of knowledge" that "focus on factual information concerning the subject named in the article's title".[a] The objective of Wikipedia is to "'create and distribute a free encyclopedia of the highest possible quality'", purposing that the Wiki presents "a neutrally written summary of existing mainstream knowledge in a fair and accurate manner with a straightforward, 'just-the-facts style'. Articles should have an encyclopedic style with a formal tone, instead of essay-like, argumentative, promotional or opinionated writing".[b] The creation of articles and inclusion of content in amusement industry-related topics should foremost follow Wikipedia's goals and standards. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of creation and inclusion as they relate to reliably sourcing content from secondary sources and whether the subject and information has enduring historical significance.
- Reliability: According to Wikipedia's guideline on reliable sources, "Wikipedia articles should be based on reliable, published sources, making sure that all majority and significant minority views that have appeared in those sources are covered". Articles are required to have a list of reliable secondary sources that can help establish notability. Such mediums include local and national newspapers, amusement trade journals, and magazines. However, the amusement industry has a cult following for reporting news, rumors, and coverage that range in reliability. Often the range includes professional coverage from experts in the amusement industry to personal blogs and self-published sources. It is essential to distinguish whether a published article comes from a reliable secondary source, as many enthusiast sources can contain factual fallacies, speculation, rumors, or an author's synthesis and analysis cut in with truths. Wikipedia does not tolerate original research, meaning "materials—such as facts, allegations, and ideas—for which no reliable, published sources exist".
- Enduring Historical Significance (EHS): Per Wikipedia's policy on what Wikipedia is not, not everything should be included on Wikipedia "solely because it is true or useful. A Wikipedia article should not be a complete exposition of all possible details, but a summary of accepted knowledge regarding its subject". Amusement industry topics should not contain every detail about the subject, such as an amusement park's specific concession stands, shops, character appearances, experiences, or even a tally of every ride. Nor is it appropriate to include rumors or minute details an enthusiast might enjoy but not a wider audience. As described in the what Wikipedia is not policy, "... merely being true, or even verifiable, does not automatically make something suitable for inclusion in the encyclopedia". Wikipedia is not an indiscriminate collection of information. Therefore we should include information with a reasonable presumption of enduring historical significance to the subject or topic.
Important considerations
[edit]Regarding a sources' reliability and the enduring historical significance for including and creating content, there are several factors users should consider.
Reliable sources
[edit]As a rule of thumb, editors should treat enthusiast or amusement industry sources cautiously or as unreliable until you find evidence otherwise. The same rule applies to official park websites.
To identify a reliable source, an editor should evaluate a source's article, author, and publisher on their coverages' accuracy. The information should come from an authoritative or expert authority, and their synthesis, analysis, or reporting based on fact.[c] A verified author may write for a not-yet established secondary source or vice versa, and sources' reliability can always change overtime. Use your best judgement and evaluate sources on a case-by-case basis.
If there is no reliable source to back it up, you cannot include it. The burden of verifiability "lies with the editor who adds ... material and it is satisfied by providing an inline citation to a reliable source that directly supports the contribution.[d] Wikipedia's Verification policy further dictates that if any material lacks the above, "the material may be removed and should not be restored without an inline citation to a reliable source". The same is valid for creating an article.[e]
If you cannot accurately assess whether a source is reliable, inquire at the reliable sources noticeboard. If your query does not find an answer, consider inquiring on the WikiProject's talk page. For a list of references that have garnered a level of consensus, see Wikipedia:WikiProject Amusement Parks/Perennial sources.
Enduring historical significance
[edit]Creating articles
[edit]Amusement industry-related topics must meet our notability guideline for a standalone article: "A topic is presumed to be suitable for a standalone article or list when it has received significant coverage in reliable sources that are independent of the subject". Additionally, it is "an assumption, not a guarantee, that a subject merits its own article".[f] Articles that are likely to warrant a standalone article will have sustained significant coverage and likely enduring historical significance (EHS) to an overall topic (e.g. a major roller coaster at an amusement park). Editors should look into the notability guideline for organizations and companies for additional criteria when creating an article about an amusement industry company, manufacturer, or operator. Notability is not temporary, but it does not mean a topic needs ongoing coverage to be notable. When creating an article, editors should consider whether the subject holds significant, long-term importance to warrant a standalone article (WP:SUSTAINED).
Topics found in amusement parks (kiddie to large-scale attractions) can get significant coverage. However, subjects with notable coverage may not get any during or after they open, or for the remainder of their operation. For a newer subject to have a standalone article, it should have the presumption of long-lasting and substantial coverage by reliable sources. Topics that are probably not worthy of a standalone article are likely to be:
- Cloned roller coasters,
- Kiddie roller coasters, kiddie rides, or playgrounds,
- Explicitly named flat rides at amusement parks,
- Transportation systems or shuttles,
- Concession stands, shops, or food stalls,
- Concert venues or amphitheaters within a amusement park, or
- Animal habitats.
This is a non-exhaustive list and serves only as an example. There are exceptions, such as the Walt Disney World Monorail System or Jolly Rancher Remix. Major attractions that meet the criteria of enduring historical significance may not meet notability guideline standards and vice versa. Wikipedia is not an indiscriminate host of information, and we cannot have articles on every amusement industry-related topic that do not meet our notability standards. We are not the Roller Coaster DataBase (RCDB).
Including information
[edit]Articles that satisfy our notability standards should have content that effectively summarizes the subject. A good guide on what to include in an article can be the good article criteria: information in an article should stay on-topic and focus on the main aspects of the subject without going into unnecessary detail (points 1 and 3). Content needs to be understood by a wider audience by providing context to statements. We are not here to write about details specifically important to the knowledge of amusement park enthusiasts. A definition of what enduring historical significance can be: the presumption that the topic or statement will hold long-term importance and that its significant coverage will last into the future when backed by reliable sources, independent of the subject.
We write articles on Wikipedia with a formal, impartial, and neutral tone. However, like a storybook narrative, we write articles that should follow a narrative flow (both within a section and from section to section). Otherwise, it would look robotic. A narrative flow is essential for an article's history or biographical section, as the content needs to exemplify how "the origins, occurrence, and consequences of an event should be set forth in a way that clearly shows how each element leads into the next".[g] Information should be written in a summary-style, heeds the narrative flow, and has enduring historical significance to the overall topic that has currency. Following summary-style, narrative flow, and enduring historical significance is important because articles centered around leisurely topics are easy victim to negative recentism, where a subject "has an inflated or imbalanced focus on recent events" which can affect the "aim toward a long-term, historical view".[h] As an example of why the enduring historical significance is vital to the narrative flow:
Suppose a new feature (an attraction, a venue, animal habitat, etc.) in an amusement park gets enough attention from reliable sources to warrant initial inclusion in the main article. However, years later, the feature is quietly removed without coverage from reliable sources. Thus, it leaves the feature mentioned in the article in limbo: should it remain until a reliable source covers its disappearance, or is its mention removed entirely? — Summarized from Wikipedia:Dispute resolution noticeboard/Archive 87#Six Flags Magic Mountain
As part of the previous example, a potential compromise for amusement park articles is that instead of explicitly mentioning rides by name, give a summary of a park section's general attractions. If they are notable historically, explicitly naming them is appropriate. For attractions that are currently new, identifying what can have enduring historical significance takes a subjective assumption. Based on previous reliable sources' reporting, editors should use their best judgement on what is and is not significant for inclusion. If there is a disagreement on what has enduring historical importance for inclusion, discuss it on the article's talk page and attempt to reach a consensus. List only the notable attractions most likely to be covered by reliable sources if removed or cease operation.
Information in amusement industry-related articles can straddle the line between encyclopedic value and information better suited for a travel guide. Avoid listing or citing features that are promotional and serve little importance to the overall history, such as character meet-and-greets, food stalls, merchandise, photo opportunities, park extras or add-ons, or upcoming and recent events. Breaking news reporting can impact the quality of content in an article. As quoted from the negative aspects of recentism: "Wikipedia is not a newspaper. When dealing with contemporary subjects, editors should consider whether they are simply regurgitating media coverage of an issue or actually adding well-sourced information that will remain notable over time". As an example: a roller coaster's history section can benefit when a general overview of its construction, but it is not essential to mention frequent changes between construction updates, such as new signs, markers, pace of construction, or status of operation. Editors should avoid non-essential information, especially when it comes from from enthusiast sources. If an established reliable source covers it, it may be more worthy of inclusion but not guaranteed.
Future amusement parks, attractions, and roller coasters
[edit]Amusement parks, attractions, or roller coasters not confirmed by multiple reliable sources in their construction phase should not have a standalone article because plans actively change, are scrapped, or can stall. Projects under development, in pre-announcement, or at the announcement phase need to be well-established by reliable sources to warrant a standalone article. Projects in development are also subject to rampant rumors and speculation, neither of which are acceptable for inclusion. Until construction starts, information about developments is better suited for a main article (roller coaster(s) or attraction(s) → amusement park or manufacturer / amusement park → operator or owner).
In addition, amusement parks, attractions, or roller coasters that are in construction but the park has yet to confirm it publicly should only have a standalone article if it garnered significant coverage from independent reliable sources per the notability guidelines. Suppose an amusement park, attraction, or roller coaster's plans stalled or are canceled. In that case, it should only have a standalone article if it received significant coverage from reliable, independent sources for its potential enduring historical significance and per the notability guideline, such as the Skyscraper (roller coaster).
Resources
[edit]Researching to either create or add information to amusement industry-related articles, consider widely available online resources such as:
- Local television or news station, local newspapers, regional newspapers, state newspapers, or national newspapers, or similar resources of information as they are the frontrunners for providing reliable, secondary sources for Wikipedia articles.
- Trade magazines or journals in the amusement industry, such as Amusement Today, Funworld Magazine, or Park World, as they provide in-depth reports about industry news, including amusement park operators, companies, and specific attractions.
- The Roller Coaster DataBase (RCDB), as it provides a generally reliable reel of statistics and data information for roller coasters.
If you are looking for additional resources, consider looking at the WikiProject's research guide for further tips for gathering resources. For what sources are considered generally dependable, consider looking at the WikiProject's perennial sources page. New editors needing further guidance should pose a question to the WikiProject's talk page, or message any editor from our participation list, as we are happy to help.
Notes
[edit]- ^ Quoted from encyclopedia Wikipedia article.
- ^ Quoted from Wikipedia:Prime objective essay & Wikipedia:Purpose information page.
- ^ A possible evaluative guide can be the CRAAP test.
- ^ Quotation from Wikipedia:Verifiability policy.
- ^ Given a lack of sources, the reliable sources guideline states: "if no reliable sources can be found on a topic, Wikipedia should not have an article on it".
- ^ Quoted from Wikipedia:Notability guideline.
- ^ Quotation from the Wikipedia:Narrative flow essay.
- ^ Quotation from Wikipedia:Recentism explanatory essay.
Manual of Style/Roller coasters
[edit]Roller coasters are an imperative topic for WikiProject Amusement Parks. However, not all roller coasters are notable to have their own article. As we are not the Roller Coaster DataBase, consider whether a roller coaster should have a standalone article; which is determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally, an article can be created when a roller coaster is covered by reliable sources over an extended period of time, has significant construction progress, and it meets Wikipedia's general notability guideline. For further information, check Wikipedia:APARKS/N.
Article name and infobox
[edit]The name of the article should be a roller coaster's current, official name. Previous or other names used can be indicated in the infobox and in the lead paragraph. If the roller coaster has two distinct tracks, then the overall name for the roller coaster should be used rather than the nickname or titles of each individual track. If a roller coaster has a common name with another notable attraction or another topic, a distinction in the article's title should be made based on its location within its operating park (e.g. Name (amusement park). If a roller coaster is converted or portions of its existing layout are reused in a new attraction, the article's title should simply be renamed to reflect the current version of the attraction rather than creating a new standalone article.
The common infobox for roller coasters are: {{Infobox roller coaster}} and {{Infobox dual roller coaster}}. Editors should note that infoboxes have parameters for both the imperial and metric system. Preferentially, articles pertaining to roller coasters in the United States should use the imperial units as reliable sources will most likely cite statistics using that unit of measurement. Elsewhere, the infobox should contain the metric system statistics. For roller coasters in the United Kingdom or Canada, cite the unit of measurement that is most-used in reliable sources. The infobox will automatically process statistics for both units.
Infobox roller coaster
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{{Infobox roller coaster
| name =
| previousnames =
| logo = <!--Use ONLY the filename, not a full [[File:]] link-->
| logo_alt = <!--Alt text. [[MOS:ALT]]-->
| logodimensions = <!--Must be expressed in pixels (px); default is 250px. You can also use a scaling factor in logo_upright.-->
| image = <!--Use ONLY the filename, not a full [[File:]] link-->
| image_alt = <!--Alt text. [[MOS:ALT]]-->
| imagedimensions = <!--Must be expressed in pixels (px); default is 250px. You can also use a scaling factor in logo_upright.-->
| caption =
| location = <!--Must not be linked.-->
| locationarticle = <!--For specifying an alternate link to the location article. Must not be linked.-->
| section = <!--Must not be linked.-->
| subsection = <!--Should be linked.-->
| coordinates = <!--Use {{Coord|LAT|LON|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} -->
| status = <!--Operating, Closed, Under construction, Removed-->
| opened = <!--Use {{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| soft_opened = <!--Use {{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| year = <!--If specified will override opened date and auto-categorize the coaster.-->
| closed = <!--Use {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| cost =
| previousattraction =
| replacement =
| type = <!--Must be "Steel" or "Wood", nothing else. Must not be linked.-->
| type2 = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
| type3 = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
| manufacturer = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
| manufacturerarticle = <!--Must not be linked.-->
| designer =
| model =
| track =
| lift =
| height_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| height_m = <!--Must be expressed in metres and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| drop_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| drop_m = <!--Must be expressed in metres and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| length_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| length_m = <!--Must be expressed in metres and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| speed_mph = <!--Must be expressed in miles per hour and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| speed_km/h = <!--Must be expressed in kilometres per hour and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| inversions =
| duration =
| angle = <!--Do not include "degrees", it is added automatically.-->
| capacity =
| acceleration = <!--Expression in full form e.g. "X to Y mph (χ to ψ km/h) in Z seconds". -->
| acceleration_from = <!--Initial speed in mph or km/h defaults to zero, only numeric characters-->
| acceleration_mph = <!--Final speed in mph may contain only numeric characters-->
| acceleration_km/h = <!--Final speed in km/h may contain only numeric characters-->
| acceleration_in = <!--Number of seconds may contain words -->
| gforce =
| restriction_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| restriction_in = <!--Must be expressed in inches and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| restriction_cm = <!--Must be expressed in centimetres and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| trains = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.-->
| carspertrain = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.-->
| rowspercar = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.-->
| ridersperrow = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.-->
| virtual_queue_name =
| virtual_queue_image = <!--Use ONLY the filename, not a full [[File:]] link-->
| virtual_queue_status = <!--should be available if above fields are used-->
| single_rider = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| accessible = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| transfer_accessible = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| assistive_listening = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| cc = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| theme =
| website = <!--Use {{Official website|http://www.example.org/}} -->
| rcdb_number = <!--The number in the URL of the coaster's RCDB page. Number will be pulled from Wikidata, if available-->
| custom_label_1 =
| custom_value_1 =
| video = <!--Use ONLY the filename, not a full [[File:]] link-->
| videosize = <!--Must be expressed in pixels (px); default is 250px-->
| videocaption =
}}
|
Infobox dual roller coaster
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|---|
{{Infobox dual roller coaster
| name = <!--The name of the entire coaster.-->
| logo =
| logo_width = <!--Default is 250px-->
| image = <!--Use ONLY the filename, not a full [[File:]] link-->
| image_width = <!--Default is 250px-->
| caption =
| previousnames =
| location = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
| locationarticle =
| section = <!--Must not be linked.-->
| subsection =
| coordinates = <!--Use {{coord}}-->
| status =
| soft_opened =
| opened = <!--Use {{Start date}}-->
| year = <!--To be used in addition to opened, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
| closed = <!--Use {{End date}}-->
| cost =
| previousattraction =
| replacement =
| extend = <!--To add an additional location using Template:Infobox roller coaster/extend
| type = <!--Must be "Steel" or "Wood", nothing else. Must not be linked.-->
| type2 = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
| type3 = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
| manufacturer = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
| designer =
| model =
| track =
| lift =
| name1 = <!--Name of the left track.-->
| name2 = <!--Name of the right track.-->
| height1_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| height2_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| drop1_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| drop2_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| length1_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| length2_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| speed1_mph = <!--Must be expressed in miles per hour and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| speed2_mph = <!--Must be expressed in miles per hour and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| inversions1 =
| inversions2 =
| duration1 =
| duration2 =
| angle1 = <!--Do not include "degrees", it is added automatically.-->
| angle2 = <!--Do not include "degrees", it is added automatically.-->
| acceleration1 =
| acceleration2 =
| gforce1 =
| gforce2 =
| sitearea_sqft = <!--Must be expressed in square feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| capacity = <!--Total capacity of both sides-->
| restraint =
| restriction_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| restriction_in = <!--Must be expressed in inches and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| trains = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.-->
| carspertrain = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.-->
| rowspercar = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.-->
| ridersperrow = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.-->
| custom_label_1 =
| custom_value_1 =
| custom_label_2 =
| custom_value_2 =
| virtual_queue_name =
| virtual_queue_image = <!--Use ONLY the filename, not a full [[File:]] link-->
| virtual_queue_status = <!--should be available if above fields are used-->
| single_rider = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| pay_per_use =
| accessible = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| transfer_accessible = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| assistive_listening =
| cc =
| rcdb_number = <!--The number in the URL of the coaster's RCDB page-->
}}
|
Further information on adding parameters regarding additional or multiple locations, parameter definitions, measurement conversion considerations, visible article and tracking categories, micro formatting, and upright scaling can be found on each respective Template page.
Lead
[edit]The lead section should contain a summarization of the article's contents and introduce readers to the topic.