MOS:REALTIME

MOS:REALTIME

The guideline MOS:REALTIME is a part of the Wikipedia Manual of Style that advises editors on how to handle information that is subject to change over time. This guideline is crucial for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of articles, especially those that involve current events or rapidly changing information.

Overview

MOS:REALTIME emphasizes the importance of writing articles in a way that minimizes the need for constant updates. This is particularly relevant for topics that are frequently changing, such as current events, scientific research, and political developments. The guideline suggests using language that remains accurate over time and encourages editors to avoid phrases that will quickly become outdated.

Key Principles

1. Avoid Time-Sensitive Language: Editors are advised to avoid using phrases like "currently," "recently," or "as of now," which can quickly become outdated. Instead, they should use specific dates or time frames, such as "as of October 2023."

2. Use Stable Sources: When citing information, it is important to use reliable sources that are less likely to change. This helps ensure that the information remains accurate even if the situation evolves.

3. Focus on Enduring Facts: Articles should emphasize information that is likely to remain true over time. For example, instead of stating "the current president," an article should specify "the president as of 2023."

4. Regular Updates: For articles that must include time-sensitive information, editors should commit to regular updates to maintain accuracy. This is often necessary for articles on ongoing events or developments.

5. Historical Context: Providing historical context can help readers understand the background and significance of current events. This approach can also reduce the need for frequent updates.

Examples

- Instead of writing "The company is currently developing a new product," an editor should write "As of 2023, the company is developing a new product." - For a political article, instead of "The current administration," use "The administration as of 2023."

Challenges

One of the main challenges of adhering to MOS:REALTIME is the dynamic nature of certain topics. Editors must balance the need for up-to-date information with the goal of creating stable, enduring content. This often requires careful planning and collaboration among editors.

Also see

- Wikipedia:Manual of Style - Wikipedia:Verifiability - Wikipedia:No original research - Wikipedia:Neutral point of view - Wikipedia:Current events