WP:V
- Verifiability (WP:V) - A Beginner's Guide
This article explains the core principle of verifiability (often shortened to WP:V) on Wikipedia, a fundamental policy governing the inclusion of information. Understanding WP:V is crucial for both editors who want to contribute positively and readers who want to assess the reliability of information presented. This guide is aimed at beginners and will cover the policy in detail, including what it means, why it’s important, how to meet it, and common issues that arise.
What is Verifiability?
At its core, verifiability means that material added to Wikipedia is attributable to a reliable, published source. It *doesn't* mean the information *is* true; it means it can be *checked* for accuracy by readers. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, not a place for original research, personal opinions, or speculation. The burden of proof rests on the editor adding the information – they must provide a citation to a reliable source that supports the claim.
Think of it this way: Wikipedia aims to summarize what reliable sources *say* about a topic, not to present new information or insights. The goal is to create a compendium of knowledge already established elsewhere. If a claim is not verifiable, it is considered challenged and may be removed. This isn't a judgment on the truth of the statement, but on the ability to independently confirm it.
Why is Verifiability Important?
The importance of verifiability stems from several key principles:
- **Neutral Point of View (NPOV):** Verifiability is intrinsically linked to NPOV. By requiring sources, we avoid presenting information as fact when it's only one person's opinion. Multiple sources allow for a more balanced and representative view.
- **Accuracy:** While verifiability doesn't guarantee truth, it significantly increases the likelihood of accuracy. Reliable sources are generally subject to some form of fact-checking and editorial oversight.
- **Trustworthiness:** Without verifiability, Wikipedia would be indistinguishable from a blog or forum. The requirement for sources builds trust in the encyclopedia as a reliable source of information.
- **Avoidance of Original Research (NOR):** WP:V directly combats NOR. Without sources, editors can't add their own analyses, interpretations, or conclusions.
- **Resolving Disputes:** When disagreements arise about content, verifiable sources provide a neutral basis for resolution. Editors can refer to the sources to determine what information is supported.
- **Legal Considerations:** Unverified information can potentially lead to legal issues, such as defamation. Verifiability helps mitigate these risks.
What Constitutes a Reliable Source?
Identifying reliable sources is a critical skill for Wikipedia editors. Not all sources are created equal. Here's a breakdown of what generally qualifies as reliable:
- **Academic Journals:** Peer-reviewed academic journals are considered highly reliable, especially those indexed in databases like JSTOR, PubMed, and Scopus. These represent the gold standard for scholarly research.
- **Books Published by Reputable Publishers:** Books published by well-known university presses or established publishing houses (e.g., Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press) are generally reliable.
- **Newspapers and News Magazines:** Major national and international newspapers (e.g., *The New York Times*, *The Guardian*, *The Wall Street Journal*) and news magazines (e.g., *Time*, *Newsweek*, *The Economist*) are generally considered reliable, though be mindful of potential bias in opinion pieces. Consider the perennial sources guidelines.
- **Government Reports and Publications:** Reports and publications from government agencies (e.g., the U.S. Census Bureau, the World Health Organization) are generally reliable for factual information.
- **Reputable Organizations:** Reports and publications from established and reputable organizations (e.g., the American Medical Association, the National Geographic Society) can be reliable, depending on their expertise and methodology.
- **Expert Websites:** Websites maintained by recognized experts in their field can be reliable, but require careful evaluation. Look for credentials, transparency, and editorial oversight.
- Sources to generally avoid:**
- **Self-published sources:** This includes personal websites, blogs, social media posts, and wikis (excluding Wikipedia itself, which can be used to *find* sources, but not *as* a source).
- **User-generated content:** This includes forums, message boards, and online comments.
- **Press releases:** While press releases can be useful for identifying news events, they are inherently biased and should not be used as primary sources.
- **Unreliable websites:** Websites with a clear bias, lack of editorial oversight, or a history of inaccuracies should be avoided.
How to Verify Information and Provide Citations
Verifying information involves locating a reliable source that directly supports the claim being made. Here's a step-by-step process:
1. **Identify the Claim:** Clearly articulate the statement you are verifying. 2. **Search for Sources:** Use search engines like Google Scholar, JSTOR, and library databases to find relevant sources. 3. **Evaluate the Source:** Assess the source's reliability based on the criteria outlined above. 4. **Locate Supporting Evidence:** Find the specific passage in the source that supports the claim. 5. **Cite the Source:** Use Wikipedia's citation tools to properly cite the source. This typically involves using `<ref>` tags and a consistent citation style (e.g.,
- Template:Cite web
Template:Cite web is a fundamental citation template used on Wikipedia and other MediaWiki-based wikis, including this one, to consistently format citations for web pages. It’s a crucial tool for maintaining the credibility and verifiability of information presented within articles. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the template, covering its parameters, best practices, and troubleshooting tips for beginners. Understanding and utilizing this template effectively is a cornerstone of responsible content creation.
What is a Citation and Why is it Important?
Before diving into the specifics of `Template:Cite web`, it's essential to understand *why* we cite sources. Citations serve several critical purposes:
- **Verifiability:** They allow readers to independently verify the information presented in an article. Readers can follow the links and assess the source themselves.
- **Credibility:** Citing reputable sources enhances the credibility of the article and the editor who wrote it.
- **Avoiding Plagiarism:** Properly citing sources avoids plagiarism, which is a serious ethical violation.
- **Context & Further Research:** Citations provide context and allow readers to explore the topic in greater depth.
- **Maintaining Neutrality:** Relying on cited sources helps ensure that information presented is based on evidence rather than personal opinion. This is particularly important when discussing Technical Analysis or interpreting Market Trends.
The Basics of Template:Cite web
`Template:Cite web` is designed to streamline the process of creating citations for online resources. Instead of manually formatting each citation, the template automatically generates a standardized citation format based on the information you provide.
To use the template, you simply insert it into your article text, filling in the relevant parameters. The basic syntax is:
```wiki <ref>Template loop detected: Template:Cite web</ref> ```
Let's break down each parameter:
- **`author`**: The author of the web page. If no individual author is identified, use the organization or website responsible for the content. For example, "Reuters" or "Investopedia". Consider how authorship impacts the reliability of a source when analyzing Trading Signals.
- **`url`**: The direct URL (web address) of the page. This is *essential*. Without a valid URL, the citation is effectively useless. Ensure the URL is stable and unlikely to change.
- **`title`**: The title of the web page. This should be enclosed in quotation marks if it's the title of an article or webpage.
- **`publisher`**: The name of the website or organization that publishes the web page. This is often different from the author. For instance, the author might be a journalist writing for a news website.
- **`date`**: The date the web page was published or last updated. Use the format YYYY-MM-DD (e.g., 2023-10-27). The date is crucial for assessing the timeliness of information, especially when discussing volatile Financial Instruments.
- **`accessdate`**: The date you accessed the web page. This is important because web pages can change over time. Use the format YYYY-MM-DD. This demonstrates the information was available at the time of writing.
- **`archiveurl`**: The URL of an archived version of the web page (e.g., from the Wayback Machine – [1]). Archiving is *highly recommended* as websites can disappear or change their content.
- **`archivedate`**: The date the page was archived. Use the format YYYY-MM-DD.
- **`quote`**: A short, relevant quote from the web page. Use sparingly; it's not always necessary.
- **`pages`**: If the information comes from a specific page or section within a longer web document, indicate the page number or section title here.
Example Usage
Let's illustrate with an example. Suppose you want to cite an article on Investopedia about the Moving Average indicator:
```wiki <ref>Template loop detected: Template:Cite web</ref> ```
This will generate a citation that looks something like this:
"Moving Average." Investopedia. Accessed October 27, 2023. [2](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/movingaverage.asp). Archived October 27, 2023, at the Wayback Machine.
Common Parameters and Advanced Options
Beyond the basic parameters, `Template:Cite web` offers several other useful options:
- **`format`**: Specifies the format of the source (e.g., HTML, PDF, EPUB). Useful when citing downloadable reports or documents.
- **`language`**: The language of the web page. Use the two-letter ISO 639-1 code (e.g., "en" for English, "es" for Spanish).
- **`trans_title`**: A translation of the title into the article's language. Use this if the original title is in a different language.
- **`work`**: The name of the overall work or website that contains the page (e.g., the name of a newspaper if the page is an article from that newspaper).
- **`loc`**: Location within the work (e.g., section title).
- **`first`**: The first name of the author.
- **`last`**: The last name of the author. Using `first` and `last` allows for more consistent author formatting.
- **`authorlink`**: A link to the author's Wikipedia page (if they have one).
- **`coauthors`**: Used to list multiple authors.
- **`ref`**: Allows you to assign a custom reference name (useful for reusing the same source multiple times).
Best Practices for Using Template:Cite web
- **Always include a URL:** This is the most important part of the citation.
- **Archive web pages:** Use the Wayback Machine or another archiving service to preserve the source in case the original page disappears or changes.
- **Be consistent:** Follow a consistent citation style throughout the article.
- **Use accurate dates:** Double-check the publication and access dates.
- **Provide complete information:** Fill in as many parameters as possible.
- **Avoid bare URLs:** Never include a URL without a proper citation using `Template:Cite web` or another appropriate template. Bare URLs look unprofessional and don’t provide enough context.
- **Check for broken links:** Regularly check your citations to ensure the URLs are still working. Tools like Broken Link Detection can help.
- **Consider the source's reliability:** Evaluate the credibility of the source before citing it. Is it a reputable organization? Is the author an expert in the field? This is important when evaluating Trading Strategies.
- **Format dates correctly:** Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format.
- **Understand different Candlestick Patterns and their sources.**
- **Be mindful of Bollinger Bands and the sources that explain them.**
- **Research the origins of Fibonacci Retracements and cite accordingly.**
- **Explore different Elliott Wave Theory interpretations and their cited origins.**
- **Understand the historical context of Dow Theory and cite its proponents.**
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- **Citation not displaying correctly:** Check for syntax errors in the template. Make sure all brackets and equal signs are in the correct places.
- **Broken link:** The URL may be incorrect or the web page may have been removed. Try to find an archived version or a different source.
- **Citation style inconsistent:** Review the article's style guide and ensure you're following the guidelines.
- **Error message:** Pay attention to any error messages that appear when you save the page. These messages can often provide clues about the problem.
- **Incorrect date format:** Ensure dates are in YYYY-MM-DD format.
- **Archive URL not working:** Verify the archive URL is correct and points to a valid archived version of the page.
Related Templates and Resources
- `Template:Cite book`: For citing books.
- `Template:Cite journal`: For citing journal articles.
- `Template:Cite news`: For citing news articles (often a good alternative if `Cite web` doesn't fit perfectly).
- `Template:Cite report`: For citing reports.
- Help:Citing sources: A comprehensive guide to citing sources on Wikipedia.
- Wikipedia:Verifiability: Wikipedia's policy on verifiability.
- The Wayback Machine: For archiving web pages.
- Zotero and Mendeley: Citation management tools.
- Understanding Support and Resistance Levels requires reliable sources.
- Learning about Chart Patterns requires accurate citations.
- Researching Risk Management techniques demands credible sources.
- Analyzing Market Psychology benefits from well-cited research.
- Studying Fundamental Analysis necessitates citing financial reports.
- Exploring Quantitative Analysis requires referencing statistical methods.
- Understanding Options Trading strategies relies on citing option pricing models.
- Learning about Forex Trading requires citing currency exchange rate data.
- Researching Cryptocurrency Trading needs sources on blockchain technology.
- Analyzing Commodity Markets demands citing production and consumption data.
- Understanding Interest Rate Analysis requires citing central bank reports.
- Learning about Inflation Indicators needs references to economic data.
- Studying GDP Growth requires citing national statistics.
- Analyzing Employment Figures requires citing labor market reports.
- Understanding Balance of Trade needs references to trade statistics.
- Researching Government Debt requires citing fiscal reports.
- Learning about Monetary Policy requires citing central bank statements.
- Analyzing Corporate Earnings requires citing financial statements.
- Understanding Economic Cycles relies on citing economic research.
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- Template:Cite book – A Beginner's Guide
Template:Cite book is a fundamental tool in MediaWiki for consistently and accurately citing books as sources within your articles. Proper citation is crucial for maintaining the credibility and verifiability of information presented on a wiki. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to using Template:Cite book, covering its purpose, parameters, usage examples, common issues, and best practices. This guide is geared towards beginners but also includes details useful for more experienced editors.
What is Template:Cite book and Why Use It?
Template:Cite book is a pre-defined, reusable format for displaying book citations. Instead of manually formatting each citation, you use the template and fill in specific parameters (details about the book). This offers several advantages:
- Consistency: Ensures all book citations follow a uniform style, improving the overall aesthetic and readability of the wiki. This is vital for Wikipedia's verifiability policy.
- Efficiency: Saves time and effort compared to manually formatting citations.
- Accuracy: Reduces the risk of errors in citation details.
- Maintainability: If the citation style needs to be updated, it only needs to be changed in the template, and all instances using the template will automatically reflect the changes. This is a key benefit of using templates in complex wikis.
- Data Structure: Provides structured data that can be used for generating bibliographies or other lists of sources.
Without a consistent citation method, articles can appear unprofessional and unreliable. Template:Cite book, and other citation templates like Template:Cite web and Template:Cite journal, are essential for creating a trustworthy knowledge base.
Basic Usage
The most basic form of using Template:Cite book is as follows:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Cite book ```
This will generate a citation that looks something like this:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. *Book Title*. Publisher Name, Year.
However, this is a very simplified example. Template:Cite book offers a wide range of parameters to accommodate different types of books and citation requirements.
Template Parameters
Here's a detailed breakdown of the available parameters for Template:Cite book:
- `last` (required): The author's last name.
- `first` (required): The author's first name.
- `authorlink` (optional): A link to the author's Wikipedia page (if available). Example: `authorlink = John Doe`
- `title` (required): The title of the book.
- `titlelink` (optional): A link to the book's Wikipedia page (if available). Example: `titlelink = The Wealth of Nations`
- `year` (required): The year the book was published.
- `publisher` (required): The name of the publisher.
- `location` (optional): The city or location of the publisher. Example: `location = New York`
- `pages` (optional): The total number of pages in the book. Example: `pages = 352`
- `page` (optional): The specific page(s) being cited. Example: `page = 25-27` or `page = 10`
- `chapter` (optional): The chapter title. Example: `chapter = The Invisible Hand`
- `chapterurl` (optional): A URL to the chapter online (if available).
- `id` (optional): An identifier for the book, such as an ISBN (International Standard Book Number). Example: `id = 978-0321765723`
- `isbn` (optional): Specifically for ISBN. This is often preferred over `id` for ISBNs. Example: `isbn = 978-0321765723`
- `oclc` (optional): The OCLC number (Online Computer Library Center).
- `doi` (optional): The Digital Object Identifier (DOI). This is becoming increasingly common for academic publications.
- `accessdate` (optional): The date you accessed the book online (if applicable). Use the format `YYYY-MM-DD`. Example: `accessdate = 2023-10-27`
- `format` (optional): The format of the book (e.g., hardcover, paperback, ebook).
- `ref` (optional): Allows for custom reference names. Useful for complex citations or when referring to the same source multiple times. Example: `ref = Smith2023`
- `mode` (optional): Controls the display mode. Defaults to "cs1". Other options may exist depending on the wiki's configuration.
Understanding these parameters is key to using Template:Cite book effectively. Always provide as much information as possible to ensure a complete and accurate citation.
Examples of Usage
Let's look at some examples demonstrating how to use Template:Cite book with different combinations of parameters:
Example 1: Basic Citation with ISBN
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Cite book ```
Example 2: Citation with Chapter and Page Numbers
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Cite book ```
Example 3: Citation with Author Link and DOI
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Cite book ```
Example 4: Citation with Location and Accessdate (for online books)
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Cite book ```
These examples illustrate the flexibility of Template:Cite book. Adapt the parameters to fit the specific details of the book you are citing. Remember to check the specific citation style guide required by the wiki you are editing. Wikipedia's Manual of Style provides detailed guidance on citation formats.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
- Missing Required Parameters: The template will usually display an error message if you omit required parameters (like `last`, `first`, `title`, `year`, and `publisher`).
- Incorrect Parameter Names: Double-check that you are using the correct parameter names (e.g., `isbn` instead of `ISBN`).
- Formatting Errors: Ensure dates are in the correct format (YYYY-MM-DD). Also, verify that ISBNs and DOIs are entered correctly.
- Rendering Problems: Sometimes, the template might not render correctly due to conflicts with other templates or wiki code. Try simplifying the citation or contacting the wiki's administrators for assistance.
- Broken Links: If you are including a URL, verify that the link is still active. Broken links detract from the credibility of the citation.
- Conflicting Information: Ensure the information you provide is consistent across all parameters. For example, the publication year should match the information provided by the publisher.
If you encounter issues, consult the template's documentation page (usually linked from the template itself) or ask for help on the wiki's help pages.
Best Practices for Using Template:Cite book
- Be Consistent: Follow a consistent citation style throughout the article.
- Be Accurate: Double-check all information before submitting the citation.
- Be Complete: Provide as much information as possible to ensure a comprehensive citation.
- Use Author Links: If the author has a Wikipedia page, include an author link.
- Use ISBNs or DOIs: Whenever available, use ISBNs or DOIs to uniquely identify the book.
- Use `ref` for Repeated Citations: If you are citing the same book multiple times, use the `ref` parameter to create a named reference. This avoids cluttering the article with redundant citations.
- Preview Your Work: Always preview your changes before saving to ensure the citation is rendering correctly.
- Consult Style Guides: Familiarize yourself with the specific citation style guide required by the wiki you are editing. Chicago Manual of Style is a widely respected source.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your citations are accurate, consistent, and contribute to the overall quality of the wiki. Understanding concepts like risk management and technical analysis is crucial for reliable information, and proper citation supports that.
Advanced Usage & Related Templates
For more complex citation needs, consider these advanced techniques and related templates:
- Using `|separator=` : This parameter allows you to customize the separator between elements in the citation.
- Using `|postscript=` : Adds a postscript to the citation.
- Using `|laysummary=` : Controls whether the citation appears in a "lay summary" format.
- Combining with Other Templates: You can combine Template:Cite book with other templates to create more complex citations. For example, you might use Template:Citation to wrap the citation and add additional formatting.
- Utilizing Categories: Some wikis use categories to organize citations. Check if the wiki has specific category guidelines for citations.
- Exploring Citation Style Options: Some wikis allow you to choose different citation styles (e.g., MLA, APA). Check the wiki's settings to see if this option is available.
- Understanding Candlestick patterns: While not directly related to citation, understanding market signals and trends enhances the quality of the information you source and cite.
- Applying Fibonacci retracement: Similar to candlestick patterns, this analytical tool relies on accurate data, making proper sourcing essential.
- Analyzing Moving averages: Crucial for trend identification, relies on accurate historical data found in cited sources.
- Considering Bollinger Bands: Volatility indicators require precise data, reinforcing the importance of reliable citations.
- Exploring Relative Strength Index (RSI): A momentum oscillator that relies on accurate price data from cited sources.
- Understanding MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence): Another momentum indicator requiring accurate historical data.
- Analyzing Elliott Wave Theory: A complex theory requiring accurate historical data and interpretation.
- Considering Ichimoku Cloud: A comprehensive indicator requiring accurate data and understanding.
- Exploring Support and Resistance levels: Understanding these levels relies on accurate historical data.
- Analyzing Trend lines: Identifying trends requires accurate data and interpretation.
- Understanding Volume analysis: Volume data is crucial, reinforcing the need for reliable sources.
- Applying Chart patterns: Identifying patterns relies on accurate data visualization.
- Considering Stochastic Oscillator: Another momentum indicator requiring accurate data.
- Exploring Average True Range: A volatility indicator requiring accurate data.
- Analyzing Donchian Channels: Volatility indicators relying on accurate data.
- Understanding Parabolic SAR: A trailing stop and reversal indicator requiring accurate data.
- Considering Commodity Channel Index: A momentum indicator relying on accurate data.
- Exploring Williams %R: Another momentum indicator requiring accurate data.
- Analyzing On Balance Volume: A momentum indicator requiring accurate data.
- Understanding Accumulation/Distribution Line: A momentum indicator requiring accurate data.
- Considering Keltner Channels: Volatility indicator relying on accurate data.
- Exploring Heikin Ashi: Charting technique requiring accurate data.
Help:Contents provides additional resources for editing on MediaWiki. MediaWiki talk:Cite book is the discussion page for the template itself. Wikipedia:Citing sources offers comprehensive guidance on citation practices.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners, Template:Cite journal). See Citing sources for detailed instructions.
- Example:**
Let's say you want to add the following sentence to an article: "The population of Tokyo is over 14 million."
You would need to find a reliable source (e.g., the official website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government or a reputable demographic database) that confirms this information. Then, you would cite that source using a `<ref>` tag:
`<ref>
- Template:Cite web
Template:Cite web is a fundamental citation template used on Wikipedia and other MediaWiki-based wikis, including this one, to consistently format citations for web pages. It’s a crucial tool for maintaining the credibility and verifiability of information presented within articles. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the template, covering its parameters, best practices, and troubleshooting tips for beginners. Understanding and utilizing this template effectively is a cornerstone of responsible content creation.
What is a Citation and Why is it Important?
Before diving into the specifics of `Template:Cite web`, it's essential to understand *why* we cite sources. Citations serve several critical purposes:
- **Verifiability:** They allow readers to independently verify the information presented in an article. Readers can follow the links and assess the source themselves.
- **Credibility:** Citing reputable sources enhances the credibility of the article and the editor who wrote it.
- **Avoiding Plagiarism:** Properly citing sources avoids plagiarism, which is a serious ethical violation.
- **Context & Further Research:** Citations provide context and allow readers to explore the topic in greater depth.
- **Maintaining Neutrality:** Relying on cited sources helps ensure that information presented is based on evidence rather than personal opinion. This is particularly important when discussing Technical Analysis or interpreting Market Trends.
The Basics of Template:Cite web
`Template:Cite web` is designed to streamline the process of creating citations for online resources. Instead of manually formatting each citation, the template automatically generates a standardized citation format based on the information you provide.
To use the template, you simply insert it into your article text, filling in the relevant parameters. The basic syntax is:
```wiki <ref>Template loop detected: Template:Cite web</ref> ```
Let's break down each parameter:
- **`author`**: The author of the web page. If no individual author is identified, use the organization or website responsible for the content. For example, "Reuters" or "Investopedia". Consider how authorship impacts the reliability of a source when analyzing Trading Signals.
- **`url`**: The direct URL (web address) of the page. This is *essential*. Without a valid URL, the citation is effectively useless. Ensure the URL is stable and unlikely to change.
- **`title`**: The title of the web page. This should be enclosed in quotation marks if it's the title of an article or webpage.
- **`publisher`**: The name of the website or organization that publishes the web page. This is often different from the author. For instance, the author might be a journalist writing for a news website.
- **`date`**: The date the web page was published or last updated. Use the format YYYY-MM-DD (e.g., 2023-10-27). The date is crucial for assessing the timeliness of information, especially when discussing volatile Financial Instruments.
- **`accessdate`**: The date you accessed the web page. This is important because web pages can change over time. Use the format YYYY-MM-DD. This demonstrates the information was available at the time of writing.
- **`archiveurl`**: The URL of an archived version of the web page (e.g., from the Wayback Machine – [3]). Archiving is *highly recommended* as websites can disappear or change their content.
- **`archivedate`**: The date the page was archived. Use the format YYYY-MM-DD.
- **`quote`**: A short, relevant quote from the web page. Use sparingly; it's not always necessary.
- **`pages`**: If the information comes from a specific page or section within a longer web document, indicate the page number or section title here.
Example Usage
Let's illustrate with an example. Suppose you want to cite an article on Investopedia about the Moving Average indicator:
```wiki <ref>Template loop detected: Template:Cite web</ref> ```
This will generate a citation that looks something like this:
"Moving Average." Investopedia. Accessed October 27, 2023. [4](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/movingaverage.asp). Archived October 27, 2023, at the Wayback Machine.
Common Parameters and Advanced Options
Beyond the basic parameters, `Template:Cite web` offers several other useful options:
- **`format`**: Specifies the format of the source (e.g., HTML, PDF, EPUB). Useful when citing downloadable reports or documents.
- **`language`**: The language of the web page. Use the two-letter ISO 639-1 code (e.g., "en" for English, "es" for Spanish).
- **`trans_title`**: A translation of the title into the article's language. Use this if the original title is in a different language.
- **`work`**: The name of the overall work or website that contains the page (e.g., the name of a newspaper if the page is an article from that newspaper).
- **`loc`**: Location within the work (e.g., section title).
- **`first`**: The first name of the author.
- **`last`**: The last name of the author. Using `first` and `last` allows for more consistent author formatting.
- **`authorlink`**: A link to the author's Wikipedia page (if they have one).
- **`coauthors`**: Used to list multiple authors.
- **`ref`**: Allows you to assign a custom reference name (useful for reusing the same source multiple times).
Best Practices for Using Template:Cite web
- **Always include a URL:** This is the most important part of the citation.
- **Archive web pages:** Use the Wayback Machine or another archiving service to preserve the source in case the original page disappears or changes.
- **Be consistent:** Follow a consistent citation style throughout the article.
- **Use accurate dates:** Double-check the publication and access dates.
- **Provide complete information:** Fill in as many parameters as possible.
- **Avoid bare URLs:** Never include a URL without a proper citation using `Template:Cite web` or another appropriate template. Bare URLs look unprofessional and don’t provide enough context.
- **Check for broken links:** Regularly check your citations to ensure the URLs are still working. Tools like Broken Link Detection can help.
- **Consider the source's reliability:** Evaluate the credibility of the source before citing it. Is it a reputable organization? Is the author an expert in the field? This is important when evaluating Trading Strategies.
- **Format dates correctly:** Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format.
- **Understand different Candlestick Patterns and their sources.**
- **Be mindful of Bollinger Bands and the sources that explain them.**
- **Research the origins of Fibonacci Retracements and cite accordingly.**
- **Explore different Elliott Wave Theory interpretations and their cited origins.**
- **Understand the historical context of Dow Theory and cite its proponents.**
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- **Citation not displaying correctly:** Check for syntax errors in the template. Make sure all brackets and equal signs are in the correct places.
- **Broken link:** The URL may be incorrect or the web page may have been removed. Try to find an archived version or a different source.
- **Citation style inconsistent:** Review the article's style guide and ensure you're following the guidelines.
- **Error message:** Pay attention to any error messages that appear when you save the page. These messages can often provide clues about the problem.
- **Incorrect date format:** Ensure dates are in YYYY-MM-DD format.
- **Archive URL not working:** Verify the archive URL is correct and points to a valid archived version of the page.
Related Templates and Resources
- `Template:Cite book`: For citing books.
- `Template:Cite journal`: For citing journal articles.
- `Template:Cite news`: For citing news articles (often a good alternative if `Cite web` doesn't fit perfectly).
- `Template:Cite report`: For citing reports.
- Help:Citing sources: A comprehensive guide to citing sources on Wikipedia.
- Wikipedia:Verifiability: Wikipedia's policy on verifiability.
- The Wayback Machine: For archiving web pages.
- Zotero and Mendeley: Citation management tools.
- Understanding Support and Resistance Levels requires reliable sources.
- Learning about Chart Patterns requires accurate citations.
- Researching Risk Management techniques demands credible sources.
- Analyzing Market Psychology benefits from well-cited research.
- Studying Fundamental Analysis necessitates citing financial reports.
- Exploring Quantitative Analysis requires referencing statistical methods.
- Understanding Options Trading strategies relies on citing option pricing models.
- Learning about Forex Trading requires citing currency exchange rate data.
- Researching Cryptocurrency Trading needs sources on blockchain technology.
- Analyzing Commodity Markets demands citing production and consumption data.
- Understanding Interest Rate Analysis requires citing central bank reports.
- Learning about Inflation Indicators needs references to economic data.
- Studying GDP Growth requires citing national statistics.
- Analyzing Employment Figures requires citing labor market reports.
- Understanding Balance of Trade needs references to trade statistics.
- Researching Government Debt requires citing fiscal reports.
- Learning about Monetary Policy requires citing central bank statements.
- Analyzing Corporate Earnings requires citing financial statements.
- Understanding Economic Cycles relies on citing economic research.
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This would appear in the article as: "The population of Tokyo is over 14 million.[1]" where "[1]" is a clickable footnote linking to the source.
Types of Sources and Their Use
- **Primary Sources:** These are original materials – the first account of an event or topic. Examples include original research papers, historical documents, and eyewitness accounts. Primary sources are generally *not* used to establish facts, but can be used to *illustrate* them, with secondary source support. Consider the implications of Primary sources.
- **Secondary Sources:** These sources analyze, interpret, or summarize information from primary sources. Examples include textbooks, biographies, and news articles. Secondary sources are the preferred type of source for establishing facts on Wikipedia.
- **Tertiary Sources:** These sources compile information from secondary sources. Examples include encyclopedias, dictionaries, and almanacs. Tertiary sources can be useful for providing an overview of a topic, but should not be used as the sole source for establishing facts.
Common Issues and How to Address Them
- **Lack of Sources:** The most common issue is simply a lack of citations. If a claim is made without a source, it should be tagged with a `Template:Citation needed` template. If the claim remains unsourced for a reasonable period, it may be removed.
- **Unreliable Sources:** Using unreliable sources can lead to disputes and the removal of information. Always carefully evaluate the reliability of your sources.
- **Misrepresenting Sources:** It's important to accurately represent what a source says. Don't cherry-pick quotes or twist the meaning of a source to support your own viewpoint.
- **Original Research:** Adding your own analyses, interpretations, or conclusions without citing a source is a violation of the NOR policy.
- **Dead Links:** Links to sources can become broken over time. Regularly check your citations for dead links and update them if possible. Use tools like the Internet Archive to find archived versions of websites.
- **Citation Overkill:** While providing sufficient sources is important, excessive citations can make an article difficult to read. Cite sources for each claim, but avoid redundant citations.
Dealing with Challenged Statements
If another editor challenges a statement you've added, don't take it personally. It's part of the collaborative process. Here's how to respond:
1. **Understand the Challenge:** Carefully read the editor's comments and understand what they are questioning. 2. **Review Your Source:** Double-check your source to ensure it actually supports the claim. 3. **Provide a More Specific Citation:** If the source is vague, try to provide a more specific page number or section. 4. **Discuss the Issue:** Engage in a polite and constructive discussion with the challenging editor. Explain your reasoning and listen to their concerns. 5. **Seek Mediation:** If you can't resolve the issue through discussion, consider seeking mediation from a neutral third party. See Dispute resolution.
Advanced Topics
- **Inline Citations vs. General References:** Learn the difference between inline citations (directly attached to a claim) and general references (a list of sources at the end of the article).
- **Specialized Citation Styles:** Different fields may have specific citation styles (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).
- **Template:Verify Credibility:** This template can be used to question the reliability of a source.
- **Using Template:Fact and Template:Citation needed Templates:** Understanding the subtle differences between these templates.
- **Archiving Sources:** Utilizing tools like the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine to preserve access to sources.
Tools and Resources
- **Wikipedia:Citing sources:** [5]
- **Wikipedia:Reliable sources:** [6]
- **Wikipedia:No original research:** [7]
- **Wikipedia:Verifiability:** [8]
- **JSTOR:** [9]
- **PubMed:** [10]
- **Google Scholar:** [11]
- **Internet Archive:** [12]
- **Template:Citation needed:** [13]
- **Financial analysis tools:** [14]
- **Technical analysis:** [15]
- **Moving Averages:** [16]
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** [17]
- **MACD:** [18]
- **Bollinger Bands:** [19]
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** [20]
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** [21]
- **Candlestick Patterns:** [22]
- **Support and Resistance Levels:** [23]
- **Trend Lines:** [24]
- **Chart Patterns (Head and Shoulders, Double Top/Bottom):** [25]
- **Volume Analysis:** [26]
- **Market Sentiment Indicators:** [27]
- **Volatility Indicators (ATR):** [28]
- **Correlation Analysis:** [29]
- **Regression Analysis:** [30]
- **Time Series Analysis:** [31]
- **Economic Indicators (GDP, Inflation, Unemployment):** [32]
- **Central Bank Policies (Interest Rates, Quantitative Easing):** [33]
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners