Contribution Guidelines: Creators
Name
Name changes are not permitted as they are likely already submitted in some form within the database. If you find misspellings alongside the correct name, please merge the misspelled creator with the correct creator.- Please use the creator's actual name in their preferred spelling (such as Tim over Timothy).
- Nicknames or 'alternative names' are not permitted, with an exception for removal of dead names.
- Nicknames in quotes are not permitted, such as Don "Duck" Edwing. Simply use Don Edwing.
- When a person uses two initials and a last name, a space should be inserted between the initials. A space also should be inserted between the last initial and the last name:
P. G. Wodehouse
D. L. Sayers
But, no space between two-letter abbreviations (i.e., U.S., P.O.) - Please use [Given Name] [Family Name] for Western formatting.
Short Bio
Describe the creator and his works as succinctly as possible in paragraph form.
- Plagiarism is not permitted, even with citations. Please write your own unique bios.
- It is imperative that their biographies are accurate at all times, so avoid using phrases such as "currently writing X, Y, Z.".
- Keep the bio focused on the works within the industry. It is not a dating profile.
- Links and references to websites may not be entered.
- Nicknames may be listed in the bio.
- English language is required.
In-Depth Bio
This area may be used to discuss the creator's life, career, etc.
- Plagiarism is not permitted, even with citations. Please write your own unique bios.
- Links and references to websites may only be entered within the context of an in-depth bio.
- Self-promotion and/or Advertising is not permitted in bios.
- English language is required.
Primary Photo:
A photo of the creator's face and head.
- Please use a photo that showcases their face/head within at least 70% of the space (ideal for smaller thumbnails). The less their face is covered, the better.
- Forward-facing angles are preferred.
- Do not use a photo with text or illustrations on it.
- 400x400 is the minimum size for the photo.
- Professional headshots work best, but we do prefer if they're not black and white.
- Artwork and heavily enhanced photos are not permitted.
- Please ensure you have permission to use the photo without attribution. Photos taken by photographers requiring attribution will be removed and contribution points docked.
Deadnames:
In regards to the use of deadnames, we've referenced the Digital Transgender Archive and its own guidelines. Similar to DTA, other names (e.g., given names, deadnames, nicknames) do appear within the content of some bios due to factors such as: 1) uncertainty about individuals' preferences, which often shift situationally and throughout their lives; 2) the desire to make content searchable, and 3) to acknowledge alternative names that a creator may have gone by in the past, to bridge gaps in reader awareness. Should a creator have a preference for what is listed within their bio, they may request changes to which the request will be honored.