Editing the Wiki
Main Importance
In the last couple of the years, the Navy has become more and more infatuated with the use of the Vast Empire wiki; take a look around- we're using this to teach you about the command position you're seeking at this very moment: suitable example, no? Why do we use this as opposed to putting everything on a single website? Ease of access, editing and the fact that everything can be found in one place (army/navy/hc, etc). Also, a record is kept of all of our updates, so if we ever want to go back to a previous version, it's as simple as clicking a button. There's another plus though; since wikis are popping up everywhere, there's a certain familiarity with the system among new recruits so if we ever need people to edit pages they won't need to become acquainted with a new software or program to do so. Furthermore, ever if we do want to make a new website, this is a great area to put together drafts. Now, since we rely so heavilly on this database to run certain systems (the academy for one, but also character profiles, fleet medal board, etc), it only makes sense that our leaders should be fairly accustomed to it. We're not asking you to become masters in the art by any means (I'm not one myself), but your ability to effectively edit the wiki could have long reaching implications, not just on what we've already placed on the wiki, but what may, in the future, become dependent upon it.
Special Areas of Interest
Like we said- we don't need you to know this place inside and out, but we would like you to have a basic understanding of how to edit/create certain pages. Among them, though I'm not sure you could be here now if you didn't already have one, is the Character Profile. Every member has one if they've ever been promoted or medaled (since using the wiki of course) and, as a commander who'll be promoting people, you'll want to make sure you can easily find what you're looking for on a character's profile (again: last known promotion, medals awarded). Not familiar with character profiles? We suggest writing one up for yourself by going to the following Character Page Tutorial. It may look like a boat load if you've never been around the wiki edit window before, but it's really quite simple once it's been read through and played around with a couple of times. If you're having troubles, say no more- find a staff member and they'll be glad to help you out.
The character page isn't just important for your squadron members to update, however; you, too, must continuously update your wiki profile so that you know exactly where you stand in terms of service and awards; your superiors will be looking at yours, after all.
Other pages of interest include your squadron's wiki page. That's right, every squadron has a page, which needs to be updated every time SCs, XOs or FLs are changed out (FMs have been known to change so frequently that it's really not worth the effort, so don't be a hero), a major change is made to the fabric of the squadron (change in motto, website, equipment) or if it's awarded a title like "Elite Squadron." Why have one when you could write up a website? Again- easy to find, edit and keep a history; however, websites are always welcome and help to make squadrons unique, though. Now, if you go to the Imperial Navy category, scroll down and click the link "Fleet," you should be able to find all of the open squadrons. Simply click yours (or type the name of your squadron into the search bar on the left) and you'll find its page. You'll want to click the edit button and take a look to see how the pages are constructed, maybe even to use as a template. Some (most) have extra pages attached, like a story archive; you might take ideas from other pages or come up with innovations yourself.
Other Uses
As was mentioned earlier, the wiki is one of our best opportunities for potential ideas. It's ease of use makes it fairly simple to start new projects, outline websites or connect programs already herein. Your ability to create what you see in your mind's eye is why, essentially, we want you to be familiar with the wiki: so you can create what you want to create. Thus:
Assignment
We want you to write up a simple page for us that pertains to the Navy. That's it. Have you already? Great- just show us! And that's really about all there is to it; if you have any questions, of course, bring them to the staff and we'll be glad to help you out.
