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{{Short description|Misplaced Pages content guideline}}
:''For software, see ] (]); for Spoken Misplaced Pages, see ] (]). For Misplaced Pages guidelines regarding non-spoiler warnings, see ] (]).''
{{Hatnote|"WP:SW" redirects here. You may also be looking for ], ], ], or ].}}
{{redirects here|WP:PREVIEWS|previewing edits before publishing|H:PREVIEW
|page previews|mw:Page Previews}}
{{subcat guideline|content guideline|Spoiler|WP:PREVIEWS|WP:SPOIL|WP:SPOILER|WP:SPOILERS|WP:SPOILERALERT|WP:SW}}
{{nutshell|Spoilers are no different from any other content and should not be deleted solely because they are spoilers.}}


Misplaced Pages articles may include ''']''' and no spoiler warnings. A spoiler is a piece of information about a narrative work (such as a book, film, television series, or a video game) that reveals ] points or ]. Articles on the Internet sometimes feature a spoiler warning to alert readers to spoilers in the text, which they may then choose to avoid reading. Misplaced Pages previously included such warnings in some articles, but no longer does so, except for the ] and section headings (such as "Plot" or "Ending"), which imply the presence of spoilers. The "]" guideline explains why spoiler warnings are no longer used on Misplaced Pages.
{{style-guideline|]|WP:SPOIL|WP:SW}}


It is {{strong|not acceptable}} to add "spoiler warning" notices or to delete information from (or ] it within) an article because you think it spoils the plot. Such concerns must not interfere with ], encyclopedic tone, completeness, or any other element of article quality (e.g., the ]). When including spoilers, editors should make sure that an {{em|encyclopedic purpose}} is being served. Articles on a work of fiction should primarily describe it from a ], discussing its reception, impact, and significance.
A ''']''' is a piece of information in an article about a narrative work (such as a book, feature film, television show or video game) that may reduce one's enjoyment of reading, viewing, or playing the work by revealing certain ] ]s or ]s. If someone hasn't read, watched or played the material to which the warning refers, they might wish to avoid reading the spoiler before fully experiencing the work.


This guidance also applies to other relevant information beyond simple plot elements, such as "surprise" casting information for a publicly released film. Other aspects beyond prose, such as infobox materials and categories, are also considered to be within this guidance; it is not acceptable to remove a category that is otherwise well-defining for the work's plot that could be considered to spoil the plot.
Although Misplaced Pages strives first to inform and so may include spoilers, not all visitors will recognize this function, so some people will appreciate a spoiler notice. An article may contain analyses and background detail not available or at least not obvious in the work described. Where this is the case, some people feel a spoiler notice should be made prominent as a simple courtesy. Some WikiProjects, such as ], have decided to limit use of this guideline.


== Other types of spoilers ==
It is also recommended that editors avoid placing spoilers in ] or section headers (unless the spoiler warning is before the ]) and avoid ] from another article to a section inside the spoiler area. Information that may be a spoiler for a narrative work may sometimes be relevant in articles about other subjects than the narrative in question, for example in the article about another fictional work, an ], or an ]; in these cases, spoilers can still be preceded by a spoiler warning.
The same reasoning for including spoilers when appropriate in articles on works of fiction applies to other types of "spoilers" as well; for example, the optimal strategy for games such as ], the workings of ]s, the solutions to ]s, the answers to ]s, the results of ] programs, and live radio and television events ] in certain areas of the world such as the ] and the ].
==Suggested templates==
One standard way to warn is to insert {{tl|spoiler}} before the revealing text. On the real article this will appear as this:


But note that this does not mean such information {{em|must}} be included, either. ]; it should contain information appropriate to an encyclopedia article on the subject.
{{spoiler}}


== Why spoiler warnings are no longer used ==
If you wish to specify the spoiler's nature (particularly if this isn't clear from the article's / section's title), you may use {{tl|spoiler-about}} before the revealing text. <nowiki>{{spoiler-about|(a particular element)}}</nowiki> appears as:
Until late 2007, spoiler warnings, also known as spoiler disclaimers, were a frequent occurrence in Misplaced Pages articles about works of fiction. However, by 2007, some editors were also including spoiler warnings in articles about myths, folklore, fairy tales, and even biblical stories. After such a warning was ] to the article about '']'', other editors took notice and began questioning the prolific and unrestricted use of the disclaimers. After a series of long, contentious discussions,{{efn|For the main discussions, see:
* {{section link|Misplaced Pages:Templates for deletion/Log/2007 November 8#Template:Spoiler}}
* ] (and many talk archives listed there), 2007
* ] (formerly Template talk:Spoiler), 2007
* ], 2003–2004
}} several issues with spoiler warnings were identified:


# There was no strong basis to exclude disclaimers for potential spoilers from the "]" guideline when many other disclaimers—such as warnings about offensive images or content and medical and legal disclaimers—would be of greater benefit to the reader.
{{spoiler-about|(a particular element)}}
# No other academic, scholarly, or other professional publications that describe or analyze works of fiction, such as other encyclopedias, include disclaimers about spoilers when discussing said works.
# Sections that frequently contain spoiler warnings—such as plot summaries, episode lists, character descriptions, etc.—were already clearly named to indicate that they contain plot details. Therefore, further disclaimers would be redundant and unnecessary.
# Labeling a plot detail as a spoiler would require editors to use their own subjective opinions to interpret the significance of a plot detail and its likelihood of altering the enjoyment of the work of fiction. This would be a violation of Misplaced Pages's core policies of ], ], and ].


Supporters of spoiler warnings pointed out that it had become common practice on the Internet to give a warning about potential spoilers any time plot details were discussed—especially details about how a work of fiction ends—and that readers had come to expect such warnings as a form of courtesy even when most readers will ignore the disclaimers. Because of this, they argued that Misplaced Pages's policies and guidelines ]. However, editors could not reach a consensus about whether the presence of spoiler warnings in articles was an improvement to Misplaced Pages.
This template also can be used to specify that spoilers affect multiple works, as the ''phrase'' can be a list or description of several works that are spoiled by the article involved.


== See also ==
If an article contains spoilers pertaining to both the titular subject '''and''' a subject or subjects other than the one indicated in the title, you may use {{tl|spoiler-other}} before the revealing text. <nowiki>{{spoiler-other|(other subjects)}}</nowiki> expands to:
* ]
* {{section link|Misplaced Pages:What Misplaced Pages is not#Misplaced Pages is not censored}}
* ]


== Notes ==
{{spoiler-other|(other subjects)}}
{{notelist}}


]

Unlike the {{tl|spoiler-about}} template, {{tl|spoiler-other}} emphasizes the distinction between the article's titular subject and the other subject(s) potentially "spoiled," and should be used ''only'' in an applicable situation.

Note that some editors encourage the use of {{tl|spoiler-about}} instead of {{tl|spoiler-other}}, especially if you're unsure of which to use. The former can be applied to any situation that calls for the latter (albeit with less than ideal results), but the reverse is ''not'' true. Therefore, whenever in doubt, it's best to use {{tl|spoiler-about}}.

If an article contains spoilers regarding any other subject not covered by the previous templates, you may use {{tl|spoiler-blank}} before the revealing text. <nowiki>{{spoiler-blank|(subject)}}</nowiki> expands to:

{{spoiler-blank|(subject)}}


If only part of the article contains spoilers, and you wish to indicate where these end (so that a reader can skip the spoilers and read the parts below), you can insert {{tl|endspoiler}}. This expands to:

{{endspoiler}}

===Specialized templates===
If these general-purpose ]s are not suitable for the particular article you are working on, feel free to custom-design your own warning template, but please link back to this page.

The following spoiler templates are for specialized uses.

====Secrets of magic tricks====
{{tl|magic-spoiler}}

{{magic-spoiler}}

====Puzzle solutions====
When a puzzle, word problem or similar question is presented, you may wish to insert {{tl|Solution}} before giving the solution. This expands to:{{Solution}}

==Unacceptable alternatives==
The following methods should never be used to obscure spoilers:
* Making "spoiler free" parallel versions (]) of an article. (Since Misplaced Pages content is available under the ], creating parallel versions ''outside'' of Misplaced Pages is generally acceptable.)

* Deleting relevant, ] and ] information about a narrative work from Misplaced Pages "because it's a spoiler" instead of properly applying spoiler templates.

* In various ] discussion forums, a widespread convention is the insertion of blank (or virtually blank) lines before a spoiler (which removes the offending text from the reader's view, until he/she scrolls to the next page). Obviously, this is unacceptable in a general-purpose encyclopedia.

* On the ] ], a popular method of concealing spoilers (and sometimes, offensive material) is ]. Again, this is unacceptable in a general-purpose encyclopedia.

* Another common method of hiding spoilers from readers is to change the color of the text to match that of the page background, thus rendering the text unreadable until highlighted by the reader in a selection. ] in this manner is unacceptable here because it requires explanation to readers unfamiliar with the practice, and because it may be incompatible with ] devices such as ]s. Also, some web browsers highlight text by inverting the colors of the text and background. In these browsers, for white text on a white background, highlighting produces black text on a black background. Also, it is possible for a user to set their browser to refuse to change text color (just as they can refuse to display images); text-only browsers (such as ]) may likewise disregard requests to change text color. In addition, it renders the text unprintable.

==Turning spoiler tags off==
Those who wish to not see spoiler warnings could use the following ] rule:
.spoiler { display: none; }
Any web browser which supports CSS (as almost all do) will then hide the spoiler warnings. (You will still see them in the Wikitext when editing.)

There are lots of ways of doing this, especially for users of ] or ]. Doing it locally on the computer you are using will work both for anonymous and logged-in users.

An alternative method is available to users with a ]; this will work without changing browser settings:

#Go to your ] page
#:(This is the default skin/style. If you are using another skin, substitute the name of your preferred style for monobook, for example ].)
#Click on the link to create the page, or click ''edit this page''.
#Enter <code>.spoiler { display: none; }</code>
#Save the page.
#Follow the instructions in ].
:Spoiler warnings are now hidden as long as you are logged in, no matter what computer you are using. (Applies to CSS compliant browsers.)
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Latest revision as of 22:53, 27 December 2024

Misplaced Pages content guideline "WP:SW" redirects here. You may also be looking for WikiProject Spoken Misplaced Pages, WikiProject Software, WikiProject Star Wars, or SWViewer. "WP:PREVIEWS" redirects here. For previewing edits before publishing, see H:PREVIEW. For page previews, see mw:Page Previews.
Blue tickThis page documents an English Misplaced Pages content guideline.
Editors should generally follow it, though exceptions may apply. Substantive edits to this page should reflect consensus. When in doubt, discuss first on this guideline's talk page.		Shortcuts
This page in a nutshell: Spoilers are no different from any other content and should not be deleted solely because they are spoilers.

Misplaced Pages articles may include spoilers and no spoiler warnings. A spoiler is a piece of information about a narrative work (such as a book, film, television series, or a video game) that reveals plot points or twists. Articles on the Internet sometimes feature a spoiler warning to alert readers to spoilers in the text, which they may then choose to avoid reading. Misplaced Pages previously included such warnings in some articles, but no longer does so, except for the content disclaimer and section headings (such as "Plot" or "Ending"), which imply the presence of spoilers. The "No disclaimers in articles" guideline explains why spoiler warnings are no longer used on Misplaced Pages.

It is not acceptable to add "spoiler warning" notices or to delete information from (or hide it within) an article because you think it spoils the plot. Such concerns must not interfere with neutral point of view, encyclopedic tone, completeness, or any other element of article quality (e.g., the lead section). When including spoilers, editors should make sure that an encyclopedic purpose is being served. Articles on a work of fiction should primarily describe it from a real-world perspective, discussing its reception, impact, and significance.

This guidance also applies to other relevant information beyond simple plot elements, such as "surprise" casting information for a publicly released film. Other aspects beyond prose, such as infobox materials and categories, are also considered to be within this guidance; it is not acceptable to remove a category that is otherwise well-defining for the work's plot that could be considered to spoil the plot.

Other types of spoilers

The same reasoning for including spoilers when appropriate in articles on works of fiction applies to other types of "spoilers" as well; for example, the optimal strategy for games such as tic-tac-toe, the workings of magic tricks, the solutions to logic puzzles, the answers to riddles, the results of reality television programs, and live radio and television events broadcast on a delay in certain areas of the world such as the Eurovision Song Contest and the Olympics.

But note that this does not mean such information must be included, either. Misplaced Pages is not a textbook, instruction manual, or video game guide; it should contain information appropriate to an encyclopedia article on the subject.

Why spoiler warnings are no longer used

Until late 2007, spoiler warnings, also known as spoiler disclaimers, were a frequent occurrence in Misplaced Pages articles about works of fiction. However, by 2007, some editors were also including spoiler warnings in articles about myths, folklore, fairy tales, and even biblical stories. After such a warning was added to the article about The Three Little Pigs, other editors took notice and began questioning the prolific and unrestricted use of the disclaimers. After a series of long, contentious discussions, several issues with spoiler warnings were identified:

  1. There was no strong basis to exclude disclaimers for potential spoilers from the "No disclaimers in articles" guideline when many other disclaimers—such as warnings about offensive images or content and medical and legal disclaimers—would be of greater benefit to the reader.
  2. No other academic, scholarly, or other professional publications that describe or analyze works of fiction, such as other encyclopedias, include disclaimers about spoilers when discussing said works.
  3. Sections that frequently contain spoiler warnings—such as plot summaries, episode lists, character descriptions, etc.—were already clearly named to indicate that they contain plot details. Therefore, further disclaimers would be redundant and unnecessary.
  4. Labeling a plot detail as a spoiler would require editors to use their own subjective opinions to interpret the significance of a plot detail and its likelihood of altering the enjoyment of the work of fiction. This would be a violation of Misplaced Pages's core policies of no original research, verifiability, and neutral point of view.

Supporters of spoiler warnings pointed out that it had become common practice on the Internet to give a warning about potential spoilers any time plot details were discussed—especially details about how a work of fiction ends—and that readers had come to expect such warnings as a form of courtesy even when most readers will ignore the disclaimers. Because of this, they argued that Misplaced Pages's policies and guidelines should not apply. However, editors could not reach a consensus about whether the presence of spoiler warnings in articles was an improvement to Misplaced Pages.

See also

Notes

  1. For the main discussions, see:
Categories: