Editing RetroTechCollection:Citing sources

{{shortcut|RTC:CITE}}
{{guideline}}

'''Citing sources''' ensures technical information on RetroTechCollection can be verified and provides proper attribution to original creators. While not strictly required for all content, proper citations enhance credibility and help readers locate additional technical information.

== When to Cite ==

=== Strongly Recommended ===
Citations are strongly encouraged for:
* '''Technical specifications''' - Voltage levels, timing parameters, component values
* '''Safety procedures''' - High-voltage precautions, chemical handling, discharge procedures
* '''Repair procedures''' - Diagnostic steps, calibration methods, troubleshooting flowcharts
* '''Historical information''' - Release dates, production numbers, design changes
* '''Performance data''' - Benchmark results, compatibility information, operating parameters

=== Required Citations ===
Citations are mandatory for:
* '''Direct quotes''' - Any text copied verbatim from source material
* '''Copyrighted excerpts''' - Material used under fair use provisions
* '''Controversial claims''' - Information that might be disputed or challenged
* '''Safety-critical information''' - Procedures involving potential hazards

== Citation Formats ==

=== Service Manuals ===
The most common source type for vintage hardware documentation:

<pre>
{{cite manual
| title = Macintosh Plus Service Source
| publisher = Apple Computer, Inc.
| year = 1986
| pages = 45-47
| url = http://example.com/manual.pdf
}}
</pre>

For brief in-line citations:
<pre>
The power supply outputs +5V and ±12V rails.<ref>{{cite manual |title=Apple IIe Service Manual |publisher=Apple Computer |year=1983 |page=23}}</ref>
</pre>

=== Technical Datasheets ===
For component specifications and technical parameters:

<pre>
{{cite datasheet
| title = MC68000 16-Bit Microprocessor
| publisher = Motorola Semiconductor
| year = 1984
| part_number = MC68000L8
| url = http://example.com/datasheet.pdf
}}
</pre>

=== Books and Technical Publications ===
For published technical references:

<pre>
{{cite book
| last = Hertzfeld
| first = Andy
| title = Revolution in the Valley: The Insanely Great Story of How the Mac Was Made
| publisher = O'Reilly Media
| year = 2005
| isbn = 0596007191
| pages = 156-158
}}
</pre>

=== Web Sources ===
For online technical resources:

<pre>
{{cite web
| url = https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/macintosh-plus-repair-guide.12345/
| title = Macintosh Plus Repair Guide
| author = TechUser123
| website = 68kMLA Forums
| date = 2023-05-15
| access-date = 2025-01-07
}}
</pre>

=== Forum Posts and Community Sources ===
For community-generated technical content:

<pre>
{{cite forum
| url = https://forum.example.com/thread/12345
| title = SE/30 Capacitor Replacement Success
| author = VintageRepairGuy
| forum = Vintage Mac Repair Forum
| date = 2024-03-10
| access-date = 2025-01-07
}}
</pre>

== Simplified Citation Methods ==

=== Basic Reference Tags ===
For quick citations without formal templates:

<pre>
The flyback transformer operates at 15.75 kHz.<ref>Apple Monitor II Service Manual, p. 34</ref>
</pre>

=== Manufacturer Specifications ===
For well-known technical specifications:

<pre>
The Commodore 64 uses a 6510 processor running at 1.023 MHz.<ref>Commodore 64 User's Guide, 1982</ref>
</pre>

=== Multiple Sources ===
When information is confirmed by several sources:

<pre>
The standard disk format uses 40 tracks per side.<ref name="multiple">Apple Disk II Manual, 1978; DOS 3.3 Reference, 1980; Beneath Apple DOS, 1981</ref>
</pre>

== Source Quality Guidelines ==

=== Preferred Sources ===
Listed in order of preference:

# '''Official service manuals''' - Manufacturer documentation for repair procedures
# '''Technical datasheets''' - Component specifications from manufacturers
# '''Engineering documentation''' - Schematics, design notes, technical bulletins
# '''Published technical books''' - Authoritative references by recognized experts
# '''Established technical websites''' - Sites with documented expertise and peer review

=== Acceptable Sources ===
May be used with appropriate context:

* '''Community forums''' - When information is verified by multiple experienced users
* '''Technical blogs''' - Written by recognized experts with documented credentials
* '''Video documentation''' - When accompanied by written technical verification
* '''Personal experience''' - Clearly marked as such, preferably with supporting documentation

=== Sources to Avoid ===
Generally not suitable for citations:

* '''Social media posts''' - Unless from official manufacturer accounts
* '''Wikipedia or other wikis''' - Use their sources instead
* '''Commercial listings''' - eBay, Amazon, or sales descriptions
* '''Unverified claims''' - Information without supporting documentation
* '''Speculation or rumors''' - Unconfirmed technical information

== Technical Accuracy ==

=== Verification Standards ===
When citing technical information:

* '''Cross-check specifications''' - Verify against multiple sources when possible
* '''Note discrepancies''' - Document when sources disagree
* '''Update outdated information''' - Replace superseded technical data
* '''Specify conditions''' - Include operating parameters, tolerances, and limitations

=== Measurement Citations ===
For technical measurements and test results:

<pre>
{{cite measurement
| parameter = +5V rail voltage
| value = 5.02V ± 0.1V
| conditions = Room temperature, 2A load
| equipment = Fluke 87V multimeter
| date = 2024-06-15
| operator = TechUser456
}}
</pre>

== Safety Information Citations ==

=== Critical Safety Procedures ===
Safety information must be properly sourced:

<pre>
{{cite safety
| procedure = CRT discharge procedure
| source = RCA Service Manual X-2547
| warning_level = DANGER
| voltage = 25kV
| equipment = Insulated probe, safety glasses
}}
</pre>

=== Hazard Identification ===
Document sources for safety warnings:

<pre>
RIFA capacitors are prone to explosive failure.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://console5.com/wiki/RIFA |title=RIFA Capacitor Information |publisher=Console5 Wiki |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
</pre>

== Citation Management ==

=== Reference Lists ===
Organize references at page bottom:

<pre>
== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Additional Reading ==
* [[Related Article One]]
* [[Related Article Two]]
* [https://external-resource.com External Technical Resource]
</pre>

=== Reference Groups ===
For different types of sources:

<pre>
== References ==
{{reflist|group=manuals}}

== Additional Sources ==
{{reflist|group=community}}
</pre>

=== Named References ===
For sources used multiple times:

<pre>
<ref name="apple_manual">{{cite manual |title=Apple IIe Technical Reference |year=1982}}</ref>

Later in the article:
<ref name="apple_manual" />
</pre>

== Special Cases ==

=== Orphaned Documentation ===
For sources where copyright status is unclear:

<pre>
{{cite manual
| title = Unknown Manufacturer Service Guide
| publisher = [Publisher unknown]
| year = circa 1985
| note = Copyright status uncertain - used under fair use for educational purposes
}}
</pre>

=== Foreign Language Sources ===
For non-English documentation:

<pre>
{{cite manual
| title = コンピュータ修理マニュアル
| trans-title = Computer Repair Manual
| language = Japanese
| publisher = Fujitsu
| year = 1984
}}
</pre>

=== Multiple Revisions ===
When citing documents with multiple versions:

<pre>
{{cite manual
| title = Commodore 64 Service Manual
| version = Revision C
| publisher = Commodore Business Machines
| year = 1983
| note = Supersedes Revision A and B
}}
</pre>

== Linking and Access ==

=== URL Guidelines ===
When including web links:

* '''Use stable URLs''' - Prefer permalink or archive versions
* '''Check link validity''' - Verify links work before publishing
* '''Provide alternatives''' - Include archive.org links for unstable sources
* '''Note access requirements''' - Indicate if registration or payment required

=== Archive Citations ===
For historical or hard-to-find sources:

<pre>
{{cite web
| url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100615000000/http://example.com/manual.html
| title = Original Manual Page
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100615000000/http://example.com/manual.html
| archive-date = 2010-06-15
| access-date = 2025-01-07
}}
</pre>

== Copyright and Attribution ==

=== Fair Use Citations ===
When using copyrighted material under fair use:

<pre>
{{cite manual
| title = Proprietary Service Manual
| publisher = TechCorp Inc.
| year = 1987
| pages = 45-46
| note = Brief excerpt used under fair use for educational purposes
}}
</pre>

=== Permission Required ===
For extensive use of copyrighted material:

<pre>
{{cite manual
| title = Complete Technical Reference
| publisher = Hardware Inc.
| year = 1990
| note = Used with permission from copyright holder
| permission = Email dated 2024-05-15
}}
</pre>

== Common Citation Errors ==

=== Incomplete Information ===
Avoid citations lacking essential details:
* '''Missing dates''' - Always include publication or access dates
* '''Vague titles''' - Use complete, specific titles
* '''No page numbers''' - Include specific page references for long documents
* '''Broken links''' - Verify all URLs before publishing

=== Over-Citation ===
Don't cite unnecessarily:
* '''Common knowledge''' - Well-known technical facts don't require citations
* '''Basic specifications''' - Standard voltages, connector types widely documented
* '''Simple procedures''' - Basic maintenance steps don't need detailed sourcing

=== Under-Citation ===
Always cite when needed:
* '''Unusual specifications''' - Non-standard or surprising technical information
* '''Safety procedures''' - Any procedure involving potential hazards
* '''Controversial information''' - Claims that might be disputed

== Tools and Resources ==

=== Citation Templates ===
RetroTechCollection provides templates for common source types:
* {{tl|cite manual}} - Service manuals and technical documentation
* {{tl|cite datasheet}} - Component specifications
* {{tl|cite web}} - Online resources
* {{tl|cite book}} - Published references
* {{tl|cite forum}} - Community sources

=== External Tools ===
Helpful citation management tools:
* '''Archive.org''' - Wayback Machine for preserving web sources
* '''DOI lookup''' - For academic papers and formal publications
* '''ISBN databases''' - For book identification and verification

== See Also ==
* [[RetroTechCollection:Reliable technical sources]]
* [[RetroTechCollection:Technical documentation]]
* [[RetroTechCollection:Copyrights]]
* [[Help:References and page layout]]

[[Category:RetroTechCollection guidelines]]
[[Category:Citation and referencing]]