Help talk:Sources

Citing Graphic Novels

With the introduction of Wireless, Part 1, I am feeling like we need to set some guidelines for using the graphic novels as a source. Up to now, we've generally citing the GNs in the notes section, unless it's something so big that we'll put it in the main article space (read: "Character History" or "About") with a clear note that this is info from the GN. With Hana (and related characters), there's no way to do this. I put "Wireless, Part 1" as a subheading under "Character History", which sort of breaks tradition. My question is: how should we cite graphic novels? Personally, I think the articles (with a few exceptions) that already cite the GNs in the "Notes" section should remain as they are. But I think that if an important piece of history is revealed, the graphic novel should receive its own subheading. For instance, I think Eden's article should have a subheading called ===Life Before Eden===.

Thoughts? - RyanGibsonStewart (talk) 22:32, 26 December 2006 (EST)

One thing I want to toss in. If we treat the graphic novels as canon then we may need to be careful. I suspect the comics exaggerate certain things. Like in Wireless, Part 1 I doubt Mr. Bennet actually kicked her down despite it being that way in the comic. Facts are easier to take, but actions could potentially get tricky. (Admin 23:19, 26 December 2006 (EST))

Or perhaps the disparity between a character's in an episode and in a graphic novel isn't really that important... maybe it's ok that they act differently in each medium... not sure what would be best in terms of documenting things here. (Admin 23:23, 26 December 2006 (EST))

I'd also say that the policy of clearly stating when information comes from a graphic novel serves the additional function of making things clearer for fans who don't read the comics. Rather than going "OMG I MISSED AN EPISODE", they can see right away that the info is from a comic. It's kind of awkward, true, but it's a big benefit. I'd say section headings are fine, but maybe we should make sure the section heading includes "(Graphic Novel)".--Hardvice (talk) 23:48, 26 December 2006 (EST)

I don't think the graphic novels should be treated as canon - I like the distinction of "near-canon". So far, the only cites on the site (heh) say the name of the GN, but most don't actually say "Graphic Novel". I think that's fine in the Notes. You're right, Hardvice, if a piece of info is so important that it is included in a subheading, the subheading should somehow distinguish itself by saying "Graphic Novel". I'll go ahead and change the few for Hana-related characters. - RyanGibsonStewart (talk) 00:31, 27 December 2006 (EST)