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= Proof-reading Guide =
<languages />
<translate>
<!--T:1-->
This document defines how articles are proofread within the Craftpedia ecosystem.   
This document defines how articles are proofread within the Craftpedia ecosystem.   
It applies to all languages and all regional portals.
It applies to all languages and all regional portals.


<!--T:2-->
The goal of this guide is to ensure that Craftpedia articles maintain a consistent, clear, and professional level of language quality suitable for academic and museum-related contexts.
The goal of this guide is to ensure that Craftpedia articles maintain a consistent, clear, and professional level of language quality suitable for academic and museum-related contexts.


<!--T:3-->
__TOC__
__TOC__


<!--T:4-->
== Purpose of This Guide ==
== Purpose of This Guide ==
The Proof-reading Guide establishes:
The Proof-reading Guide establishes:
Line 14: Line 19:
* responsibilities of proofreaders within the publication workflow.
* responsibilities of proofreaders within the publication workflow.


<!--T:5-->
This guide applies to all Craftpedia portals and all languages.
This guide applies to all Craftpedia portals and all languages.


== Role of the Proofreader ==
== Role of the Proofreader == <!--T:6-->


<!--T:7-->
Proofreaders focus on the '''language and readability''' of the article, not its factual accuracy.   
Proofreaders focus on the '''language and readability''' of the article, not its factual accuracy.   
Their main responsibilities include:
Their main responsibilities include:


<!--T:8-->
* correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation;   
* correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation;   
* improving clarity, coherence, and readability;   
* improving clarity, coherence, and readability;   
Line 28: Line 36:
* reporting factual inconsistencies without attempting to fix them independently.
* reporting factual inconsistencies without attempting to fix them independently.


<!--T:9-->
A proofreader must not:
A proofreader must not:
* introduce new facts, interpretations, or assumptions;   
* introduce new facts, interpretations, or assumptions;   
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* rewrite the article in a creative or literary style.
* rewrite the article in a creative or literary style.


== General Proof-reading Principles ==
== General Proof-reading Principles == <!--T:10-->


<!--T:11-->
Craftpedia articles must follow these principles:
Craftpedia articles must follow these principles:


'''Clarity''' – Sentences must be easy to read and understand.   
<!--T:12-->
'''Neutrality''' – Tone must remain factual and academic.   
* '''Clarity''' – Sentences must be easy to read and understand.   
'''Consistency''' – Spelling, terminology, and formatting must follow Craftpedia standards.   
* '''Neutrality''' – Tone must remain factual and academic.   
'''Accuracy of Language''' – Grammar and syntax must be correct for the target language.   
* '''Consistency''' – Spelling, terminology, and formatting must follow Craftpedia standards.   
'''Respect''' – Descriptions of crafts and cultures must be sensitive and precise.
* '''Accuracy of Language''' – Grammar and syntax must be correct for the target language.   
* '''Respect''' – Descriptions of crafts and cultures must be sensitive and precise.


<!--T:13-->
Proofreading must focus on language and presentation without compromising the original meaning.
Proofreading must focus on language and presentation without compromising the original meaning.


== Language Quality Expectations ==
== Language Quality Expectations == <!--T:14-->


<!--T:15-->
All articles must follow these expectations:
All articles must follow these expectations:


<!--T:16-->
* correct grammar and syntax;   
* correct grammar and syntax;   
* correct spelling and diacritical marks;   
* correct spelling and diacritical marks;   
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* correct usage of craft names, periods, and cultural terms.
* correct usage of craft names, periods, and cultural terms.


<!--T:17-->
Examples:
Examples:


<!--T:18-->
; Incorrect:
; Incorrect:
“This beautiful pottery tradition is incredibly famous in Japan.”
“This beautiful pottery tradition is incredibly famous in Japan.”


<!--T:19-->
; Correct:
; Correct:
“This pottery tradition is historically significant and widely recognized in Japan.”
“This pottery tradition is historically significant and widely recognized in Japan.”


== Tone and Style Requirements ==
== Tone and Style Requirements == <!--T:20-->


<!--T:21-->
Craftpedia uses a tone similar to museum catalogues, encyclopedias, and academic publications.
Craftpedia uses a tone similar to museum catalogues, encyclopedias, and academic publications.


<!--T:22-->
Proofreaders should ensure that:
Proofreaders should ensure that:


<!--T:23-->
* language is neutral and objective;   
* language is neutral and objective;   
* personal opinions are removed;   
* personal opinions are removed;   
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* terminology is consistent with museum and academic usage.
* terminology is consistent with museum and academic usage.


<!--T:24-->
Example:
Example:


<!--T:25-->
; Avoid:
; Avoid:
“The legendary master potters produced incredibly beautiful vases.”
“The legendary master potters produced incredibly beautiful vases.”


<!--T:26-->
; Prefer:
; Prefer:
“Potters of this tradition produced vases known for their refined craftsmanship.”
“Potters of this tradition produced vases known for their refined craftsmanship.”


== Handling Terminology ==
== Handling Terminology == <!--T:27-->


<!--T:28-->
Proofreaders must verify:
Proofreaders must verify:


<!--T:29-->
* consistency of craft names;   
* consistency of craft names;   
* correct transliteration of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and other non-Latin scripts;   
* correct transliteration of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and other non-Latin scripts;   
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* consistent spelling of technical terms (e.g., underglaze, high-fired, stoneware, alloy).
* consistent spelling of technical terms (e.g., underglaze, high-fired, stoneware, alloy).


<!--T:30-->
If uncertain, proofreaders should check:
If uncertain, proofreaders should check:
* existing Craftpedia articles;   
* existing Craftpedia articles;   
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* glossaries for their specific language.
* glossaries for their specific language.


<!--T:31-->
Under no circumstances should a proofreader invent or guess terminology.
Under no circumstances should a proofreader invent or guess terminology.


== Structure and Formatting ==
== Structure and Formatting == <!--T:32-->


<!--T:33-->
Proofreaders ensure that articles follow the standard Craftpedia article structure:
Proofreaders ensure that articles follow the standard Craftpedia article structure:


<!--T:34-->
* Introduction   
* Introduction   
* Historical Background   
* Historical Background   
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* Categories
* Categories


<!--T:35-->
Proofreaders must verify:
Proofreaders must verify:


<!--T:36-->
* section headings are correct and in proper order;   
* section headings are correct and in proper order;   
* paragraphs are not excessively long;   
* paragraphs are not excessively long;   
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* categories follow required conventions.
* categories follow required conventions.


== Working With Translated Articles ==
== Working With Translated Articles == <!--T:37-->


<!--T:38-->
When proofreading translations, proofreaders must:
When proofreading translations, proofreaders must:


<!--T:39-->
* check the text for naturalness and fluency in the target language;   
* check the text for naturalness and fluency in the target language;   
* correct awkward or literal machine-translated constructions;   
* correct awkward or literal machine-translated constructions;   
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* verify that proper nouns and craft names follow translation guidelines.
* verify that proper nouns and craft names follow translation guidelines.


<!--T:40-->
Common issues in translated articles:
Common issues in translated articles:


<!--T:41-->
* unnatural sentence structure;   
* unnatural sentence structure;   
* incorrect grammar influenced by the source language;   
* incorrect grammar influenced by the source language;   
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* overly vague or overly complex sentences.
* overly vague or overly complex sentences.


== Coordination With Translators and Fact-checkers ==
== Coordination With Translators and Fact-checkers == <!--T:42-->


<!--T:43-->
Proofreaders collaborate with:
Proofreaders collaborate with:


<!--T:44-->
* translators – for clarifying misleading or ambiguous text;   
* translators – for clarifying misleading or ambiguous text;   
* fact-checkers – for verifying factual statements;   
* fact-checkers – for verifying factual statements;   
* editors – for maintaining consistency across portals.
* editors – for maintaining consistency across portals.


<!--T:45-->
Proofreaders should leave clear notes when:
Proofreaders should leave clear notes when:


<!--T:46-->
* changes require confirmation;   
* changes require confirmation;   
* terminology inconsistencies are detected;   
* terminology inconsistencies are detected;   
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* obvious factual errors are present (without correcting them independently).
* obvious factual errors are present (without correcting them independently).


== Common Errors to Watch For ==
== Common Errors to Watch For == <!--T:47-->


<!--T:48-->
Proofreaders should pay special attention to:
Proofreaders should pay special attention to:


<!--T:49-->
* misplaced modifiers;   
* misplaced modifiers;   
* incorrect use of articles (a, an, the);   
* incorrect use of articles (a, an, the);   
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* incorrect spacing around punctuation marks (language-dependent).
* incorrect spacing around punctuation marks (language-dependent).


<!--T:50-->
In translated articles:
In translated articles:
* false friends;   
* false friends;   
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* untranslated fragments.
* untranslated fragments.


== When Proofreading Is Complete ==
== When Proofreading Is Complete == <!--T:51-->


<!--T:52-->
A proofreader may mark an article as complete when:
A proofreader may mark an article as complete when:


<!--T:53-->
* language quality meets Craftpedia standards;   
* language quality meets Craftpedia standards;   
* style and tone are appropriate and consistent;   
* style and tone are appropriate and consistent;   
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* the article is coherent and readable.
* the article is coherent and readable.


<!--T:54-->
If factual issues remain, these must be documented for the fact-checker.
If factual issues remain, these must be documented for the fact-checker.


<!--T:55-->
== Version History ==
== Version History ==
* 1.0 – Initial release (English)
* 1.0 – Initial release (English)
</translate>

Latest revision as of 11:17, 29 November 2025

This document defines how articles are proofread within the Craftpedia ecosystem. It applies to all languages and all regional portals.

The goal of this guide is to ensure that Craftpedia articles maintain a consistent, clear, and professional level of language quality suitable for academic and museum-related contexts.

Purpose of This Guide

[edit]

The Proof-reading Guide establishes:

  • language quality expectations;
  • rules for correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style;
  • best practices for maintaining a neutral, academic tone;
  • responsibilities of proofreaders within the publication workflow.

This guide applies to all Craftpedia portals and all languages.

Role of the Proofreader

[edit]

Proofreaders focus on the language and readability of the article, not its factual accuracy. Their main responsibilities include:

  • correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
  • improving clarity, coherence, and readability;
  • ensuring adherence to Craftpedia’s tone and style;
  • maintaining terminology consistency;
  • checking formatting and section structure;
  • reporting factual inconsistencies without attempting to fix them independently.

A proofreader must not:

  • introduce new facts, interpretations, or assumptions;
  • alter the meaning of the text;
  • rewrite the article in a creative or literary style.

General Proof-reading Principles

[edit]

Craftpedia articles must follow these principles:

  • Clarity – Sentences must be easy to read and understand.
  • Neutrality – Tone must remain factual and academic.
  • Consistency – Spelling, terminology, and formatting must follow Craftpedia standards.
  • Accuracy of Language – Grammar and syntax must be correct for the target language.
  • Respect – Descriptions of crafts and cultures must be sensitive and precise.

Proofreading must focus on language and presentation without compromising the original meaning.

Language Quality Expectations

[edit]

All articles must follow these expectations:

  • correct grammar and syntax;
  • correct spelling and diacritical marks;
  • consistent style (Oxford comma optional per language rules);
  • consistent terminology throughout the article;
  • appropriate academic vocabulary;
  • avoidance of casual, emotional, or promotional language;
  • correct usage of craft names, periods, and cultural terms.

Examples:

Incorrect

“This beautiful pottery tradition is incredibly famous in Japan.”

Correct

“This pottery tradition is historically significant and widely recognized in Japan.”

Tone and Style Requirements

[edit]

Craftpedia uses a tone similar to museum catalogues, encyclopedias, and academic publications.

Proofreaders should ensure that:

  • language is neutral and objective;
  • personal opinions are removed;
  • excessive adjectives are eliminated;
  • narrative or storytelling style is avoided unless well-controlled;
  • long sentences are divided for clarity;
  • passive constructions are used only when appropriate;
  • terminology is consistent with museum and academic usage.

Example:

Avoid

“The legendary master potters produced incredibly beautiful vases.”

Prefer

“Potters of this tradition produced vases known for their refined craftsmanship.”

Handling Terminology

[edit]

Proofreaders must verify:

  • consistency of craft names;
  • correct transliteration of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and other non-Latin scripts;
  • correct usage of regional and historical terminology;
  • consistent spelling of technical terms (e.g., underglaze, high-fired, stoneware, alloy).

If uncertain, proofreaders should check:

  • existing Craftpedia articles;
  • museum publications;
  • glossaries for their specific language.

Under no circumstances should a proofreader invent or guess terminology.

Structure and Formatting

[edit]

Proofreaders ensure that articles follow the standard Craftpedia article structure:

  • Introduction
  • Historical Background
  • Materials
  • Techniques
  • Tools and Equipment (if relevant)
  • Regional Variations
  • Cultural Significance
  • Modern Developments
  • Notable Objects or Types
  • Gallery
  • References
  • Categories

Proofreaders must verify:

  • section headings are correct and in proper order;
  • paragraphs are not excessively long;
  • lists follow consistent formatting;
  • quotes and transliterations are marked correctly;
  • italics are used appropriately for foreign terms;
  • categories follow required conventions.

Working With Translated Articles

[edit]

When proofreading translations, proofreaders must:

  • check the text for naturalness and fluency in the target language;
  • correct awkward or literal machine-translated constructions;
  • ensure idioms and expressions are appropriate;
  • maintain the meaning of the original article;
  • verify that proper nouns and craft names follow translation guidelines.

Common issues in translated articles:

  • unnatural sentence structure;
  • incorrect grammar influenced by the source language;
  • literal translations that obscure meaning;
  • duplication of words or phrases;
  • overly vague or overly complex sentences.

Coordination With Translators and Fact-checkers

[edit]

Proofreaders collaborate with:

  • translators – for clarifying misleading or ambiguous text;
  • fact-checkers – for verifying factual statements;
  • editors – for maintaining consistency across portals.

Proofreaders should leave clear notes when:

  • changes require confirmation;
  • terminology inconsistencies are detected;
  • sections appear incomplete or unclear;
  • obvious factual errors are present (without correcting them independently).

Common Errors to Watch For

[edit]

Proofreaders should pay special attention to:

  • misplaced modifiers;
  • incorrect use of articles (a, an, the);
  • incorrect verb tense or agreement;
  • run-on sentences;
  • incorrect punctuation;
  • confusing or fragmented sentences;
  • inconsistent capitalisation;
  • inconsistent punctuation of foreign terms;
  • incorrect spacing around punctuation marks (language-dependent).

In translated articles:

  • false friends;
  • unnatural or literal constructions;
  • calques that distort meaning;
  • untranslated fragments.

When Proofreading Is Complete

[edit]

A proofreader may mark an article as complete when:

  • language quality meets Craftpedia standards;
  • style and tone are appropriate and consistent;
  • terminology is correct and unified;
  • formatting and structure are clean;
  • the article is coherent and readable.

If factual issues remain, these must be documented for the fact-checker.

Version History

[edit]
  • 1.0 – Initial release (English)