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In addition, there are some instances, such as on the Moonsea article, where books appear in the sources list but are not present in the references. If the article does not reference the book, I don't see how the book can be a source for the article.
In short, I would like to show my favour for a single list of references with page numbers at the bottom of the article. They serve two purposes: to provide a factual reference for each individual statement in the article, and to provide a further reading list for those interested in doing so.
Thoughts?
Here's my take on why we occasionally see this:
- For some articles (even lengthy ones), the entire article comes from one source (ex.: Winterhaven). Rather than putting a reference on every paragraph (or statement... where do you stop?) they just list one source.
- For some articles, since we don't wish to copy the entire text verbatim we therefore summarize the important parts. For further information though, the reader may wish to know how much of the original source to read.
- For some articles, the important parts only come from one source and we cite those, but another source has other (less important) info (example is Winterhaven once again). For further info, the reader may wish to know of the other (unused) sources.
Either way though, all of these can be solved one way or another... it typically involves either 1) some work to add proper referencing, or 2) listing the source in its entirety in the Reference section (rather than split it out into a separate Sources section) if appropriate.
For example, you mentioned Moonsea as having some sources that weren't used as references. Namely, both the FRPG and the FRCS 3e/4e have info on Moonsea, but they're not used as references in the article itself. They probably should though -- the person adding the "Sources" section probably didn't have the time (or willing to do the work) of adding the proper references from the FRCS 3e/4e and FRPG.
I'll stop it if you want, however I'll explain why I've been doing it.
- It only applies to articals that have "significant" amounts of information in a "Source"; Usually one (1) or mores pages in the source
- In reality References and Sources are different. (BTW: What are References in this wiki should be Footnotes and Sources should be References see Wikipedia for more information, but we had that discussion some time ago now.)
- A Reference (in this wiki) refers to a small section (usually a paragaph or a sentence) justifying the text written, where;
- A Source (in this wiki) referes to an artical, chapter or even an entire book and is used as a guide/index to source reading about the subject.
- It is also a good way of pointing out where more information to be written into here (this wiki) can be found. (as quite rightly pointed out by User:SkyeNiTessine)
- Also by pointing out the Type of Source, eg Map or D&D version it allows the reader to be selective in thier source reading.
- Go and have a look at my home page. It's explain more. Also ask any questions.