w15.2 TIANXIAOYU
From my review of the Wikipedia Manual of Style (MoS), I've learned several key principles that are essential for maintaining the quality and consistency of articles:
1. Consistency:It is crucial to keep the style and formatting uniform within a single article and as consistent as possible across different articles. This helps create a seamless reading experience for users.
2. Stability:We should avoid making changes to an article’s style just for the sake of change. Any modifications from one guideline-defined style to another should have a compelling reason, ensuring that articles remain stable over time.
3. Clarity:The primary goal is to enhance the readability of the encyclopedia. This involves careful attention to wording, layout, formatting, and the inclusion of clear diagrams, making it easier for readers to understand the content.
4. Referencing:It’s important to provide reliable sources for the information presented. This allows readers to verify the content and trace it back to credible references, enhancing the encyclopedia's trustworthiness.
The MoS also includes detailed advice on various topics, such as punctuation, units of measurement, and handling trivia. When facing specific issues, users can utilize the MoS search box for guidance. In situations of uncertainty, replicating the formatting of a well-structured existing article, particularly a featured one, can be very helpful. While adherence to the MoS is significant, the verifiability of the content should always take precedence over perfect formatting.
Question:
Given the emphasis on consistency and stability, how should editors handle situations where there is a conflict between the MoS guidelines and the existing style of a widely referenced article? Should the article be updated to conform to the MoS, or should the existing style be maintained to preserve stability?
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