Latest revision as of 00:15, 6 July 2023

Rules

No Bootlegs

Absolutely no screenshots of bootleg media may be uploaded. This includes images uploaded by members in countries other than the U.S. We know that many movies are bootlegged in other nations, however, bootlegs of films are illegal and it's pretty obvious if we upload images from a copy of a film that has not been released to the public via DVD/Video/On Demand yet. IMFDB does not have the time nor inclination to attract negative attention from studio lawyers so any image that is suspected of being from a bootleg will be deleted, unless the member can point to a publicly released clip or trailer that the image was screencapped from. This also includes pre-release leaks of footage, videogame code or other material, even if they are covered by other websites.

No warez. Requesting or providing links to file download sites, torrents, CD cracks, videogame ROM files or any other illegal content will not be tolerated. This includes dubiously legal content such as so-called "abandonware" software. Willfully violating this rule will result in an instant ban.

The U.S. Video/DVD release date is the only recognized one for screencaps. Sometimes, though rarely, a U.S. production will be released overseas before the official U.S./North America DVD or VOD (Video on Demand) release date. Since this is a U.S. Based site, only the official U.S. release date for the DVD, etc will be valid. Since we cannot police or verify screencaps from sources in other countries, even if they are from legally purchased DVDs in that market, we will continue to summarily delete any screencap from a DVD/Video source uploaded before the official release date. After the release date screencaps (that doesn't obviously look like a bootleg) will be accepted.

No page vandalism

Vandalism of pages will get you banned - no warning ahead of time. This means putting in obviously false or inflammatory information, removing the contents of an entire page or section or putting in gibberish or spam or threats or vulgar inappropriate content. Some members may put in semi-ridiculous comments like 'This gun rocks!' or 'This is my favorite gun'. Actions like these won't result in a ban, unless the person continues after multiple warnings. Those types of comments are best left in the discussion pages which accompany every page on the site.

There is a talk page, use it. The main page is not for discussion; do not reply to a weapon entry, post an "actually..." counterpoint, or ask questions. If something is wrong, change it; if you're not sure something is right or want something clarified, click the "discussion" tab at the top of the page and make an entry about whatever it is.

Written sections must be your own work

Plagiarism is not tolerated regarding written descriptions . This means do not just cut and paste movie summaries or gun reviews or articles about the history or background of a gun, from some other site or publication, and put them here. You must write original paragraphs for the pages you contribute to. If it sounds like a sales pitch from a company website, or a seller's Gunbroker or Ebay description or an article written by a gun publication author, we will check and verify it. If it is a cut and paste copy, then it will be deleted.

Your user name must be distinctive

Regrettably, a large number of automatically-registered accounts using generic usernames mean we are forced to ban on sight any suspicious username to keep spam levels in check. Generic names, especially combinations of names followed by a seemingly-random number, are likely to be banned without warning. Real users are advised to register with distinctive names, though the site administrator can be contacted if you were banned in error.

Standards

General Standards

Make sure the page does NOT already exist before you make it

Before you make a page for a gun that you think IMFDB doesn't have, check carefully. Just because it doesn't have its own individual page doesn't mean it doesn't have one on another page. The M4 Carbine, for instance, goes on the M16 rifle series page, while all of the MP5, Glock, and SIG P220 variants are grouped on one page, etc. IMFDB's de facto policy for a while has been to group variants of particular guns - or guns that belong to the same basic family of weapons - on one page.

Quality, NOT Quantity: Lame or Weak Pages are discouraged

Contrary to the saying "Better something than nothing", it is actually better for IMFDB to not have a Movie Page entry rather than a lame or weak one. Thousand of viewers come to this site to check on weapons for a specific movie (or other visual media), and if they stumble on a terrible or lame page, that will reflect poorly on IMFDB as a whole. Mods will routinely sweep the site and delete weak or lame pages. It does not mean we don't want the pages, but there are minimum standards that must be adhered to, lest it make IMFDB look unprofessional. So don't put up a page that will eventually be deleted. We will wait until someone is ready to make a complete and professional page. But we actually don't encourage blank or lame pages as 'placeholders', because too many of them create the impression that half of our content is no content at all.

Standards for Inclusion: Firearm Pages

IMFDB maintains firearm pages that document the appearances of individual firearm models in media, all of which are categorized under Category:Gun. In order to prevent scope creep and clearly define IMFDB's project boundaries, the following rules have been defined to clearly indicate which weapons are allowed to have individual pages on IMFDB.

For a weapon to receive an individual page on IMFDB documenting its appearances in media, it has to satisfy all of the following rules:

Must be individual or crew served weapon that fires in a direct fire role. Because the definitions for "firearm" and "gun" vary by individual and can encompass weapons outside of the scope of IMFDB, and because IMFDB intends to document certain types of weapons that are usually not considered "firearms" or "guns", IMFDB currently uses this definition to clearly define which types of weapons it primarily aims to document. Generally speaking, what we do not allow are weapons which are too large to be operated by either an individual or small crew or are used primarily as indirect fire delivery systems.

Examples:

M136 AT4: Allowed. It fires in a direct fire role.
M134 Minigun: Allowed. It fires in a direct fire role.
M320 Grenade Launcher Module: Allowed. As a grenade launcher, it is still fired in a direct fire role.
M2 Flamethrower: Allowed. As a flamethrower, even though it is not a firearm, it is still fired in a direct fire role (i.e. aimed directly line of sight at the item/person to be destroyed).
GBU-43/B MOAB: Not allowed. As an air dropped bomb, it is not fired in a direct fire mode.
AGM-114 Hellfire: Not allowed. As a missile, it is not fired in a direct fire mode.
M777 howitzer: Not allowed. As an artillery piece, it is not fired in a direct fire role.
M230 Chain Gun: Allowed. Even though it is a remotely operated autocannon, it can still be operated by individuals, and is still fired in a direct fire mode.
M112 Demolition Block: Not allowed. As an explosive ordnance, it is not fired in a direct fire role.
16-inch/50-caliber Mark 7 gun: Not allowed. As a naval gun, it is not an individual or crew served weapon.

Landmines, mortars and grenades are permitted as exceptions. Even though they are not fired in direct fire roles, they are still permitted to receive pages on IMFDB due to convention.

Flare guns are permitted as exceptions. Even though they are not weapons, they are still permitted to receive pages on IMFDB due to being a type of handgun.

Blank-firing only guns, non guns, and air guns are permitted as exceptions. Even though they are not weapons, they are still permitted to receive pages on IMFDB due to being commonly used in media as stand-ins for weapons. However, aside from airsoft guns that are replicas of real firearms (which are included on the pages of the gun they're replicating), each of them have their own specific aggregate page rather than having individual pages for individual models.

Certain fictional guns and guns that only have non-functional prototypes are permitted as exceptions. Even though these guns are technically not weapons, they may be permitted to receive pages on IMFDB if they follow the rules on IMFDB:Fictional Firearms.

Must have at least one appearance in a media that has a page on IMFDB. Though IMFDB documents many obscure firearms and provides firearm histories and specifications, the site is fundamentally not a gun encyclopedia. We don't need pages for every gun ever made, only guns which have actually appeared in something. Please do not create new pages for guns that have not appeared in any movie, television show, anime or video game. Just because it exists somewhere doesn't mean we want it here.

Note that the rules for inclusion apply only to individual gun pages; editors are allowed to identify and include military weapon systems on media pages, including military vehicles, artillery pieces, etc. However, editors are still advised to use their own discretion and follow some notability standards to reduce content bloat on media pages.

Standards for Inclusion: Media Pages

Professional Titles only, no User created Media

Any user created media, meaning any movie, TV show, video game, or anime series that is not documented on IMDB, All Movie/TV/Game Guides, TV.com, IGN, or any other reputable media database - does not belong on IMFDB. This site documents gun appearances in professional (and distributed) media only.

Only films that have been distributed count: Due to the trend of IMDB listing indie films which appear in obscure festivals and are not commercially available, if the title has not had a theatrical run or been broadcast on network television (anywhere in the world) the title must be available to the general public through recognized channels of commerce (Amazon, Blockbuster, Netflix, etc.). Self distribution via Amazon, home distribution or micro distribution websites do not qualify. (Anyone can sell their home made copies of their own film now so we must limit IMFDB to professionally distributed titles). Off Market channels of commerce only count if the film had an original theatrical or video distribution run and is no longer in print. If the page creator cannot provide proof of this upon demand, then the page does not qualify.

Other Media that are not films: The rule applies to user-made flash games, mobile apps, YouTube home movies/shorts done with airsoft guns, faux commercials, skits or anything else of the sort. The only exceptions will be user-created mods for first-person shooter video game (i.e. any of the mods for "Half-Life") - provided they are well-known and popular enough to warrant a page. When in doubt, ask an administrator and we will determine a game mod's value to IMFDB.

Moving Visual Media Only, no books or Manga allowed

This site started as the Internet MOVIE Firearms Database. It expanded to included Television shows, and then Anime (which are themselves either movies and television shows with very specific and accurate gun depictions) and then Video Games. Entries within these four genres are the only titles, screencaps or listings that are allowed on IMFDB. Non moving visual media like graphics novels, comics or Manga are not allowed regardless of how good the firearms artwork is.

It must have more than one real firearm in it

The page must have enough firearms to merit inclusion into the database, thus the page must have more than ONE real firearm in it to qualify. There are some important exceptions to this rule:

1) the firearm is identifiable, well seen and important to the story. A film where 'some character' wields an 'unknown revolver' means nothing.

2) it has enough screen time for any viewer to wonder what make or model it is. .

3) it must drive the plot forward and not be an 'incidental' prop (like something hanging on the wall in the background).

(a) If it is in the background, it must be 'interesting enough' to merit someone asking the question 'what is that?' Thus if it has enough screen time and it is identifiable, it qualifies. If it is a random 'set dressing' or a 'shape' held by a extra, then it does not qualify.

4) the single firearm rule only applies if the firearm is real. If it is an obvious toy or airsoft gun, then it does not qualify. Having a lone character wave around an 'orange plug' airsoft toy does not merit a page. If the film is filled with various replica or high quality airsoft weapons than can fool the casual viewer, then it qualifies, if only to shine light upon the fact that the guns are fakes.

Short films do not qualify for inclusion, only features

Despite being listed on IMDB.com or listed for sale on Amazon, there are literally thousands of user created or amateur created short films in the world. Since server space on IMFDB is limited, we discourage each and every short made from being listed, moreso, the fact that many of them have only been seen in film festivals or are being sold via self distribution (and no, Youtube doesn't count as distribution) renders them arguably unavailable to the general public. We don't need to document the countless NYU, USC or UCLA Film School final year projects, where the students very cleverly used cheap airsoft weapons and digitally added the flashes in. Again, that rule must be implemented lest we experience an avalanche of student created short films.

Documentaries are NOT automatically approved for inclusion into IMFDB

While there are a few documentaries on the site, they were created before IMFDB ruled against including documentaries. Those which are grandfathered in must be of exceptional quality and completeness to stay. As of now, there is a blanket moratorium on all 'new' documentary pages. This also applies to reality TV. We do not need a page for the gun that Snooki handled in Jersey Shore or the gun some customer brought into the store of "Pawn Stars". If you have a page you wish to create, please run it by the Admins first to see if it warrants a waiver from the ban.

Videogames must be professionally distributed titles

Videogames, must be a recognized title that is sold in stores or major online centers like Amazon, distributed via a recognized software company. Self made, user created or free online games do not qualify even if they manage to acquire some sort of internet distribution. The only exception to this rule is Mods for legitimate game titles that already qualify as a professionally distributed item (i.e. sold to the general public through recognized channels of commerce).

Standards: Format

DVD artwork, Box Covers or Theatrical Poster requirements

When you create a page, the least you should do is get a copy of the movie's poster or in the case of videogames, the official box cover. DVD covers and re-released Movie posters are acceptable but the original release cinema poster is preferred, if a good quality image of that can be found. For television shows the DVD cover or promotional art is acceptable.

Poster or Cover Art Size & Alignment

Please place the image at the top of the page so that it aligns to the upper right hand corner. Align it with the Wiki code |right| in the line. Please acquire an image that is at least 300px wide since that is the default size for all vertical posters and covers on IMFDB. (If a horizontal poster or promotional image is the only thing available, then the preferred default setting is 400px-500px depending on the poster.) For a standard vertical poster or box cover, set the thumbnail for the poster at 300px and be sure to put the correct title spelling in the text description as well as the release year in parentheses.

Standards: Edits

Make sure your changes to a page are correct!

It seems obvious, but we spend too much time undoing reckless or just plain wrong informational changes, usually made by new members. If you think something is true, look it up and make sure you know it's true before you add it.

Standards: Layout

Spell the title correctly

When doing a new page for a film, make sure the title is grammatically correct and capitalized exactly. Don't use symbols unless they actually appear in the official title. For instance, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade‎ should not be "Indiana Jones & the last crusade". When in doubt, go to IMDB and copy-and-paste the title as it appears there. Note: we have many users on here from other countries, for whom English is not a first language. In Spanish, for instance, only the first word of any title is capitalized. So be picky, but be culturally sensitive, too.

The American Release Title takes precedence

When a film is an originally foreign film (even ones from English speaking nations like Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) the American Release Title is the official title on IMFDB. This differentiates us from IMDB, who insists on putting the original title in the first released country's original language. That would have created a problem since most people don't search movie titles by their Non-English language titles but IMDB has an exceptional search engine and can search on alternate titles. For example: in IMDB, Jackie Chan or director John Woo's Hong Kong movies are listed by their original Chinese titles, not the English language ones that most of us are familiar with. IMFDB uses the American Released title as the 'official title'. If the title was not released in the U.S., then the International English language title is the title. Ultimately, it must be the English translated title. If the film has been released elsewhere under the original title, then the original language title follows the English translated title in parentheses.

Exception: There is no different American release title or International English language title For some foreign movie titles, there is no other title, or there is no obvious English Translation of the title, or the original is so internationally famous that everyone knows what it is. In that case, the original language title is allowed. (for example: Upotte!! has no obvious English translation. It is a play on words by setting the Japanese Characters for Te-Po-U (which means "guns") in reverse order.)

Usage of Internal HyperLinks

Don't put hyperlinks to the gun pages in the titles of the sections. When creating a gun title section for a movie page, write a preliminary sentence like "A Smith & Wesson Model 10 is used by Joe Smith when hunting the monster" in the section above the gun image and screenshots. You don't put it in the title "==Smith & Wesson Model 10==" at the top of the section, or inside the caption of the gun image.

Usage of Redirects

When placing a link to a gun that is a subsection of a larger page, you MUST use a redirect where appropriate. For example, If you would like to place a link the Beretta 92FS Inox, DO NOT type [[Beretta 92 pistol series#Beretta 92FS Inox|Beretta 92FS Inox]] but instead simply type [[Beretta 92FS Inox]]. The second link will redirect you to the first one. There are many reasons for this and you may ask for an explanation but this is the rule. If a redirect does not already exist (you will know this because the link will appear in red as a broken link), then you must create it. This also means that you should not just redirect to the basic page. So for example if you are talking about the SIG-Sauer P226, DO NOT place the following link: [[SIG-Sauer P220 pistol series|SIG-Sauer P226]].

Standards: Spoilers

Unless it's is absolutely necessary, no Spoilers

Like IMDB.com, IMFDB frowns on spoilers. For most cases, details which are spoilers are not necessary to depict and prove that certain guns were used by certain actors. Items which violate the 'no spoilers' rule can be edited to conform to IMFDB standards at any time. So remember:

(a) If a major character dies, and if you can avoid talking about it, then don't mention it! The obvious exception is that if the death is the first thing that happens in the film and is the impetus for the rest of the events in the movie, or if the only shot of the weapon is one which also depicts that character's death.

(b) If a major plot twist happens and revealing it is not necessary to identifying the guns used in the movie, then don't blurt it out!

(c) If there is a major secret or hidden agenda that pushes the events of the story, then don't reveal it!

(d) Whether through screencaps or descriptions, recapping of the story (or even a major portion of it), including which characters get killed or what the mystery is, are not allowed. Regardless of how 'cool' the sequence is, don't give the audience a blow-by-blow retelling of the plot. This does not apply to information present on the back of a DVD box, in a videogame's manual, etc, or to patently obvious plot points, eg that the ship sinks in Titanic or that Pearl Harbor is attacked by the Japanese in Tora! Tora! Tora!.

(e) Speaking in generalities is better than specifics, when describing events of the film or show. Saying "John Doe uses a Beretta 92FS throughout the film" is preferable to writing "John Doe uses a Beretta 92FS to avenge his brother's death and kill all his enemies by the end of the film". You can be very specific in identifying the weapon used, and still leave a little mystery for the visitor who may not have seen the film yet.

(e) if it is unavoidable, truly unavoidable (for example, the weapon is seen in the hands of a character who is supposed to be dead), then put a suitably-worded warning at the top of the page or use the spoiler template. Do not edit images to remove visual spoilers, however, as this does not look good or represent what the movie actually looks like.

Standards: Commentary

No sarcastic or insulting Commentary

Due to IMFDB's increasing role as a site of movie trivia research, we are clamping down on commentary which may appear sarcastic, insulting or denigrating. Criticizing an actor's firing stance or snickering at them 'flinching' during blank fire is becoming increasingly frowned upon by IMFDB. Pointing out how ridiculous a scene is due to mythical firearm ballistics, or lack of reloading, or lack of technical advisers can be done, but only in a non-insulting manner and only if it is relevant to increasing the public knowledge of the weapon and its proper usage. If one has to point out a flaw or mistake, please try to do it as scholarly and neutrally as possible. Using the old 'management axiom' "Praise in public, Criticize in Private", we can move any casual discussions to the 'Discussions Pages', that is what they are there for. Looking for movie still frames where an actor blinks or flinches (just to ridicule) is not necessary and brings down the professionalism of the site.

Image Rules: General

When you upload an image, categorize it properly. In the summary on the image uploading page, one should always put the image in the proper category, whether it be (a) Behind the Scenes Image (b) Gun Image (c) Poster and Cover Art or (d) Screenshot. Type the words "Category" within double brackets and type in the right information. So if the image is the cinema poster for the movie, be sure to type in [[Category:Poster and Cover Art]] in the summary so that the image will be properly categorized for future searches.

Images must have a minimum standard of quality. Any image, whether it be a gun image, poster or screenshot, should be of at least reasonable quality. Poor scans, highly artifacted images, photographs of a TV screen or monitor, images of far lower resolution than their source or small images (less than 300 pixels) should only ever be used as placeholders, and pages reliant on such images may be deleted.

Image Rules: Screenshots

Screenshots should be in the JPEG format and no more than 1MB in size for HD Blu-Ray captures. GIFs don't re-size well and they are non-compressed. PNGs are a problem because they are huge files. Blu-Ray HD screenshots can be up to 1920x1080 in size but generally need to be scaled down to a width of 1280 pixels to meet the 1MB file size limit. The IMFDB uploader will now only accept JPEG images, and remaining PNGs should be replaced as soon as possible, as should any GIF images which are not animated, line art, or part of templates.
Movie screenshots should include syntax identifying what movie/TV show/game they came from. If you upload an image of a Beretta 92F being used in Die Hard 2, for example, the file should be given a label such as DieHard2-Beretta92F-1.jpg or even DH2-92F-2.jpg. If you upload an image titled Beretta92F.jpg, this would be confusing, since "Beretta92F.jpg" sounds like it might be a generic gun identification image.
Screenshots should not be default or generic filenames. Files called Image_01, Shot_01 and so on are almost certainly going to already exist somewhere and should never be used. In addition, filenames which identify the source of the screenshot as an illegal download (eg a filename containing a string like ".HDTV.XviD-TLA.avi") are likely to earn the uploader a warning from a moderator.
Screenshots must be cropped to remove blank space (and ONLY to remove blank space). It is required that you crop images to remove widescreen bars or other blank space from a screenshot, but otherwise IMFDB prefers screenshots to show the weapon as it appears in the work in question, not cropped to only show the weapon. If a closeup is required for some reason, it should ideally be preceded by an uncropped version of the same shot.
Quality take priority over bragging rights. A better quality screenshot can be uploaded over one of lesser quality. Blu-Ray images or high quality DVD images are preferable over standard definition images or older (lesser quality DVD) images.
Widescreen takes priority over Full screen. If a member gets widescreen screenshots, they are preferred over 4:3 Full screen captures and can replace them. No member can complain if a higher quality image is uploaded on a page of the same screenshot. It's for the benefit of IMFDB to have the best images available.
Watermarked images should be regarded as placeholders. Images which contain watermarks, especially logos from other websites, should be replaced with images which do not as soon as it is practical to do so. While in some cases it is not possible to obtain a non-watermarked image, in all other cases the image should be regarded as low quality (regardless of resolution) and its replacement as a high priority.
IMFDB's preferred page format is a thumbnail of either 500px or 600px wide. Exceptions are allowed for unusually wide high quality panoramic shots or images of particular interest but these should be kept to a minimum. Full screen images should be 500px wide, Wide Screen images should be 600px wide, except when the capture is of lesser quality. Grainy or low quality DVD scans should be 500px regardless (when something looks substandard, it is better to present it in a smaller size). Very high quality widescreen images should always be at least 600px wide to showcase their appearance.
Screenshots should be relevant to their section. Putting in a variety of angles of the same weapon is not necessary unless one is trying to determine the identity of a 'mystery gun', thus the images help IDing the weapon. But putting in unnecessary images which don't show weapons clearly when there are other better screenshots is discouraged. Always go for the clearest shot of the gun. Don't try to re-tell the movie's plotline.

Trivia related Images: Exceptions are trivia shots, but Trivia sections should be kept to a minimum and should be of general interest to movie buffs and not just re-iterate information that is on the DVD commentary. Acceptable trivia can mention military aircraft, vehicles and equipment in a film or television show or generally unknown information about a show or video game that is weapons related in nature, however small amounts of general trivia that is related to the scene is acceptable.

Screenshots should be worksafe where possible. Unless they are the only available high-quality image of the weapon, images featuring extreme live-action gore, disturbing imagery or nudity should be avoided. If it is suspected these images are being included on a page purely for the sake of including shocking images, they are likely to be deleted.
Quantity Limit. You should never have any reasons to post 10 screenshots of the same weapon over and over again. If you see a variation of said weapon that hasn't been posted, you may do so, but do not post screenshots of an M4 with the same accessories of ACOG, foregrip, etc at 10 different angles. This takes up space and IMFDB is not unlimited. Have a limit. For a single character using a single weapon, the limit should be 7 screenshots. 10 is the limit if documenting multiple characters using the same type of weapon or specifically trying to validate a weapon which may be subject of debate.

Image Rules: Gun Images

Redundancy not acceptable. If IMFDB already has the image in question, don't google a similar image and upload it. IMFDB technically should not be using 'jacked' gun images off the net. Their copyright belongs to someone else, and if the copyright holder requests it, we must comply in finding those images and deleting them from our site. Some items are unavoidable, i.e. prototype or rare foreign weapons which no one has access to (especially Russian or Chinese weapons or heavy military firepower from any country). However, the rule is, if the image of the gun already exists here, don't upload any more. There had better be a really compelling reason to do so, like a specific variant that best matches a variant in a movie, television show, Anime or Video Game. The Biggest exception is Screen used Hero guns. Having those on the site are self explanatory, but they may be an unusual configuration or just really worn or beat up guns. Having those and pristine examples of the weapons are acceptable to IMFDB.
Every variant is not necessary. Unless it appears in a film, television show, anime or Video Game, don't upload every variation of every gun possible. This is not a race to see who can find and 'hijack' the most gun images from other people's websites. Also being that most of these unnecessary images are 'jacked' images, they can be deleted at any time at the request of the original copyright holder, so we all have been warned.

Images of Customized or Rare variants not allowed on Gun Pages. Only "major production versions" that have appeared in something, or a customized version that has appeared in at least three completely different projects (either film/TV/Anime/VG) are allowed to have their image posted on the gun page. Custom versions (like unusual short barreled versions or nickel / gold plated versions or versions that have been mocked up into fantasy/sci-fi guns) have their images posted on the discussion page for the gun. This includes mockups that impersonate other real world guns (like mocking up the Norinco Chinese AK into AK74 look a likes). Too many films and TV shows use 'one-off' examples that would clutter up the gun's page. The written listing / table should mention all variants (including what makes them unique), however, the image of the rare/custom variant only belongs on the movie/TV/et. al page or the gun's discussion page. This keeps the gun pages from becoming too cluttered with rarely used versions.

Keep the historical/background info brief. No one wants to scroll through pages of background history of a gun. Only a paragraph or two (at the most) should be at the top of the gun page to familiarize any visitor with the weapon. Specifications should also be brief, if there are large groups of variants of the weapon, move it to a special section at the bottom of the page.
Minimum expected information of a gun page. One should at least identify the country of origin, the caliber (if many calibers then note it in the descriptions or specifications), the year of introduction, and if possible, the year of the end of production. If the weapon is a foreign one that not many people are familiar with, give a small introduction to the weapon. Small bits of trivia are acceptable as long as they provide the visitor with a enlightening and useful experience. Unfortunately IMFDB users must be keenly aware of two phenomena, no information or too little info or the other side, way too much information. Pages can be lean, but they must have some basic information on them.

Computer and Video Games Requirements

No internet flash games. Any video game submitted to the site must be a legitimate title, released for the PC, Mac, or a game console. One-off flash games on Newgrounds or other such sites don't count. Any articles made about such games will be summarily deleted.
Remember you are writing a guide to the guns in the game, not a guide to the game itself. Information should focus on how the weapons are depicted and can include basic additional information such as how powerful they are, their capacity, fire modes and which levels they appear in, but should not include advice such as recommended loadouts, exact locations or passwords/unlock codes. If this information is already present, it should not be removed without checking the discussion page. In rare cases, when there has been debate over whether a weapon or function is present, it may have proved necessary to describe something more precisely than usual.
The following videogames have been determined to not qualify for IMFDB as a result of past discussion: Halo, Phantasy Star 0, Doom 3, Streets of Rage, Mad Max, Einhander

Animation: Rules & Restrictions

No "Cartoon" Weapons. Our animation sections primarily feature Japanese animation because such shows are more likely to depict realistic and identifiable firearms. Extremely low-detail weapons (for example Elmer Fudd's shotgun or Yosemite Sam's revolvers) do not belong on this site since they are simply generic representations of a type of gun, not a specific model. If a show's idea of a pistol is two rectangles with a poorly drawn trigger, the show does not qualify for inclusion.

Animation pages must include screencaps to demonstrate the level of detail involved. This goes for any page, but in particular, animated movies or television shows will be heavily scrutinized; quality screencaps are necessary to establish whether an animated show belongs on the site, and any animation page without screencaps is likely to be summarily deleted.

The following shows have been determined to not qualify for inclusion on IMFDB in past discussion: The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park.

Principles

IMFDB is an information resource, not our private playground

This is a source of Information for weapons and movie buffs around the world. Certainly it is tempting to think of IMFDB as one's own personal 'playground' but please realize that we do this work to serve others. It is harsh on one's ego to be corrected or to have one's information proven wrong, but it will always be in the best interests of IMFDB to maintain a high level of scholarly achievement in our analysis and documentation of the two worlds of firearms and film (which includes television and Anime as well as other visual media like Video Games).

Maintain professionalism in your conduct

Maintain professional standards of conduct. Be polite. Keep swearing to a minimum and try to refrain from harsh or volatile arguments or bashing of another user. As in all things 'internet', try your best NOT to lose your temper. Refrain from posting while 'mad', believe me, everything looks and reads differently when you've had a chance to cool off. More importantly, be forgiving of your fellow members (and mods ;) ) if we break the "don't lose your temper rule". We're all human here (as far as I know) and always try to forgive your fellow human beings.
Humor and teasing to be kept in the Discussion pages, please. Yes you CAN tease and make jokes on IMFDB. You don't have to check in your sense of humor at the door. But, as we all make fun or have a good laugh with each other, please try to relegate the non-scholastic 'fun stuff' to the discussion pages. Keep the main informational pages as 'encyclopedic' as possible.
Edit summaries are not a place for commentary. The edit summary is just that, a summary of the edit you just made. It is NOT a place to critique or "yell" at the person who made the previous edit. There is no need to tell spammers to "go die" or to "go the f**k away", simply remove the content and summarize your edit as "SPAM".

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-== Rules ==
+=Rules=
-'''1. Absolutely no screenshots of bootleg films may be uploaded.'''
+==No Bootlegs==
+'''Absolutely no screenshots of bootleg media may be uploaded.'''  This includes images uploaded by members in countries other than the U.S.  We know that many movies are bootlegged in other nations, however, bootlegs of films are illegal and it's pretty obvious if we upload images from a copy of a film that has not been released to the public via DVD/Video/On Demand yet.  IMFDB does not have the time nor inclination to attract negative attention from studio lawyers so any image that is suspected of being from a bootleg will be deleted, unless the member can point to a publicly released clip or trailer that the image was screencapped from. This also includes pre-release leaks of footage, videogame code or other material, even if they are covered by other websites.
-'''2. Vandalism of pages will get you banned - no warning ahead of time.'''  This means putting in obviously false or inflammatory information, removing the contents of an entire page or section or putting in gibberish or spam or vulgar inappropriate content.  Some members may put in semi-ridiculous comments like 'This gun rocks!' or 'This is my favorite gun'.  Actions like these won't result in a ban, unless the person continues after multiple warnings.  Those types of comments are best left in the discussion pages which accompany every page on the site.
+'''No warez.''' Requesting or providing links to file download sites, torrents, CD cracks, videogame ROM files or any other illegal content will not be tolerated. This includes dubiously legal content such as so-called "abandonware" software. Willfully violating this rule will result in an instant ban.
-'''3. Plagiarism is not tolerated regarding written descriptions .'''  This means do not just cut and paste movie summaries or gun reviews or articles about the history or background of a gun, from some other site or publication, and put them here.  You must write original paragraphs for the pages you contribute to.  If it sounds like a sales pitch from a company website, or a seller's Gunbroker or Ebay description or an article written by a gun publication author, we will check and verify it.  If it is a cut and paste copy, then it will be deleted.
+'''The U.S. Video/DVD release date is the only recognized one for screencaps.''' Sometimes, though rarely, a U.S. production will be released overseas before the official U.S./North America DVD or VOD (Video on Demand) release date.  Since this is a U.S. Based site, only the official U.S. release date for the DVD, etc will be valid.  Since we cannot police or verify screencaps from sources in other countries, even if they are from legally purchased DVDs in that market, we will continue to summarily delete any screencap from a DVD/Video source uploaded before the official release date.  After the release date screencaps (that doesn't obviously look like a bootleg) will be accepted.
-== Standards ==
+==No page vandalism==
-. '''General Standards for pages'''
+'''Vandalism of pages will get you banned - no warning ahead of time.'''  This means putting in obviously false or inflammatory information, removing the contents of an entire page or section or putting in gibberish or spam or threats or vulgar inappropriate content.  Some members may put in semi-ridiculous comments like 'This gun rocks!' or 'This is my favorite gun'.  Actions like these won't result in a ban, unless the person continues after multiple warnings.  Those types of comments are best left in the discussion pages which accompany every page on the site.
-:* '''Format'''
-:* '''Layout'''
-::* '''Links''' Don't put hyperlinks to the gun pages in the '''titles''' of the sections.  When creating a gun title section for a movie page, write a preliminary sentence like ''"A [[Smith & Wesson Model 10]] is used by Joe Smith when hunting the monster"'' in the section above the gun image and screenshots.
-:* '''Spoilers'''
-:* '''Commentary'''
-. '''Screenshots'''
+'''There is a talk page, use it.''' The main page is not for discussion; do not reply to a weapon entry, post an "actually..." counterpoint, or ask questions. If something is wrong, change it; if you're not sure something is right or want something clarified, click the "discussion" tab at the top of the page and make an entry about whatever it is.
-:* '''Screenshots should be in the JPEG format and in a reasonable size'''.  GIFs don't re-size well and they are non-compressed.  PNGs are a problem because they are huge files.  Please make sure your screenshot uploads are JPGs only, lest they be downloaded, converted to JPG and uploaded by someone else.  It's all about file size and not overtaxing the servers.  And please don't upload huge images that are thousands of pixels across.  It is not necessary and the original (non-thumbnail version) is too large to be seen on many monitors.
+==Written sections must be your own work==
+'''Plagiarism is not tolerated regarding written descriptions .'''  This means do not just cut and paste movie summaries or gun reviews or articles about the history or background of a gun, from some other site or publication, and put them here.  You must write original paragraphs for the pages you contribute to.  If it sounds like a sales pitch from a company website, or a seller's Gunbroker or Ebay description or an article written by a gun publication author, we will check and verify it.  If it is a cut and paste copy, then it will be deleted.
+==Your user name must be distinctive==
+Regrettably, a large number of automatically-registered accounts using generic usernames mean we are forced to ban on sight any suspicious username to keep spam levels in check. Generic names, especially combinations of names followed by a seemingly-random number, are likely to be banned without warning. Real users are advised to register with distinctive names, though the site administrator can be contacted if you were banned in error.
+=Standards=
+==General Standards==
+===Make sure the page does NOT already exist before you make it===
+:Before you make a page for a gun that you ''think'' IMFDB doesn't have, check carefully. Just because it doesn't have its own individual page doesn't mean it doesn't have one on another page. The M4 Carbine, for instance, goes on the [[M16 rifle series]] page, while all of the MP5, Glock, and SIG P220 variants are grouped on one page, etc. IMFDB's ''de facto'' policy for a while has been to group variants of particular guns - or guns that belong to the same basic family of weapons - on one page.
+===Quality, NOT Quantity: Lame or Weak Pages are discouraged===
+:Contrary to the saying "Better something than nothing", it is actually better for IMFDB to not have a Movie Page entry rather than a lame or weak one.  Thousand of viewers come to this site to check on weapons for a specific movie (or other visual media), and if they stumble on a terrible or lame page, that will reflect poorly on IMFDB as a whole.  Mods will routinely sweep the site and delete weak or lame pages.  It does not mean we don't want the pages, but there are minimum standards that must be adhered to, lest it make IMFDB look unprofessional.  So don't put up a page that will eventually be deleted.  We will wait until someone is ready to make a complete and professional page.  But we actually don't encourage blank or lame pages as 'placeholders', because too many of them create the impression that half of our content is no content at all.
+==Standards for Inclusion: Firearm Pages==
+IMFDB maintains firearm pages that document the appearances of individual firearm models in media, all of which are categorized under [[:Category:Gun]]. In order to prevent scope creep and clearly define IMFDB's project boundaries, the following rules have been defined to clearly indicate which weapons are allowed to have individual pages on IMFDB.
+For a weapon to receive an ''individual page'' on IMFDB documenting its appearances in media, it has to satisfy all of the following rules:
+:* '''Must be individual or crew served weapon that fires in a direct fire role.''' Because the definitions for "firearm" and "gun" vary by individual and can encompass weapons outside of the scope of IMFDB, and because IMFDB intends to document certain types of weapons that are usually not considered "firearms" or "guns", IMFDB currently uses this definition to clearly define which types of weapons it primarily aims to document. Generally speaking, what we do not allow are weapons which are too large to be operated by either an individual or small crew or are used primarily as indirect fire delivery systems.
+::*Examples:
+:::* M136 AT4: <span style="color:green;">Allowed</span>. It fires in a direct fire role.
+:::* M134 Minigun: <span style="color:green;">Allowed</span>. It fires in a direct fire role.
+:::* M320 Grenade Launcher Module: <span style="color:green;">Allowed</span>. As a grenade launcher, it is still fired in a direct fire role.
+:::* M2 Flamethrower: <span style="color:green;">Allowed</span>. As a flamethrower, even though it is not a firearm, it is still fired in a direct fire role (i.e. aimed directly line of sight at the item/person to be destroyed).
+:::* GBU-43/B MOAB: <span style="color:red;">Not allowed</span>. As an air dropped bomb, it is not fired in a direct fire mode.
+:::* AGM-114 Hellfire: <span style="color:red;">Not allowed</span>. As a missile, it is not fired in a direct fire mode.
+:::* M777 howitzer: <span style="color:red;">Not allowed</span>. As an artillery piece, it is not fired in a direct fire role.
+:::* M230 Chain Gun: <span style="color:green;">Allowed</span>. Even though it is a remotely operated autocannon, it can still be operated by individuals, and is still fired in a direct fire mode.
+:::* M112 Demolition Block: <span style="color:red;">Not allowed</span>. As an explosive ordnance, it is not fired in a direct fire role.
+:::* 16-inch/50-caliber Mark 7 gun: <span style="color:red;">Not allowed</span>. As a naval gun, it is not an individual or crew served weapon.
+::* '''Landmines, mortars and grenades are permitted as exceptions.''' Even though they are not fired in direct fire roles, they are still permitted to receive pages on IMFDB due to convention.
+::* '''Flare guns are permitted as exceptions.''' Even though they are not weapons, they are still permitted to receive pages on IMFDB due to being a type of handgun.
+::* '''Blank-firing only guns, non guns, and air guns are permitted as exceptions.''' Even though they are not weapons, they are still permitted to receive pages on IMFDB due to being commonly used in media as stand-ins for weapons. However, aside from airsoft guns that are replicas of real firearms (which are included on the pages of the gun they're replicating), each of them have their own specific aggregate page rather than having individual pages for individual models.
+::* '''Certain fictional guns and guns that only have non-functional prototypes are permitted as exceptions.''' Even though these guns are technically not weapons, they may be permitted to receive pages on IMFDB if they follow the rules on [[IMFDB:Fictional Firearms]].
+:* '''Must have at least one appearance in a media that has a page on IMFDB.''' Though IMFDB documents many obscure firearms and provides firearm histories and specifications, the site is fundamentally not a gun encyclopedia. We don't need pages for every gun ever made, ''only guns which have actually appeared in something.''  Please do not create new pages for guns that have not appeared in any movie, television show, anime or video game.  Just because it exists somewhere doesn't mean we want it here.
+Note that the rules for inclusion apply only to ''individual gun pages''; editors are allowed to identify and include military weapon systems on ''media pages'', including military vehicles, artillery pieces, etc. However, editors are still advised to use their own discretion and follow some notability standards to reduce content bloat on media pages.
+==Standards for Inclusion: Media Pages==
+===Professional Titles only, no User created Media===
+:Any user created media, meaning any movie, TV show, video game, or anime series that is not documented on IMDB, All Movie/TV/Game Guides, TV.com, IGN, or any other reputable media database - does not belong on IMFDB. This site documents gun appearances in professional (and distributed) media only.
+::'''Only films that have been distributed count''': Due to the trend of IMDB listing indie films which appear in obscure festivals and are not commercially available, if the title has not had a theatrical run or been broadcast on network television (anywhere in the world) the title must be available to the general public through recognized channels of commerce (Amazon, Blockbuster, Netflix, etc.).  Self distribution via Amazon, home distribution or micro distribution websites do not qualify. '' (Anyone can sell their home made copies of their own film now so we must limit IMFDB to professionally distributed titles).''  Off Market channels of commerce only count if the film had an original theatrical or video distribution run and is no longer in print.  If the page creator cannot provide proof of this upon demand, then the page does not qualify.
+::'''Other Media that are not films''': The rule applies to user-made flash games, mobile apps, YouTube home movies/shorts done with airsoft guns, faux commercials, skits or anything else of the sort. The only exceptions will be user-created mods for first-person shooter video game (i.e. any of the mods for "Half-Life") - provided they are well-known and popular enough to warrant a page. When in doubt, ask an administrator and we will determine a game mod's value to IMFDB.
+===Moving Visual Media Only, no books or Manga allowed===
+:This site started as the Internet MOVIE Firearms Database.  It expanded to included Television shows, and then Anime (which are themselves either movies and television shows with very specific and accurate gun depictions) and then Video Games.  Entries within these four genres are the only titles, screencaps or listings that are allowed on IMFDB.  Non moving visual media like graphics novels, comics or Manga are not allowed regardless of how good the firearms artwork is.
+===It must have more than one real firearm in it===
+:The page must have enough firearms to merit inclusion into the database, thus the page must have more than ONE real firearm in it to qualify.  '''There are some important exceptions to this rule''':
+::1) the firearm is identifiable, well seen and important to the story. A film where 'some character' wields an 'unknown revolver' means nothing.
+::2) it has enough screen time for any viewer to wonder what make or model it is. .
+::3) it must drive the plot forward and not be an 'incidental' prop (like something hanging on the wall in the background).
+:::(a) If it is in the background, it must be 'interesting enough' to merit someone asking the question 'what is that?'  Thus if it has enough screen time and it is identifiable, it qualifies.  If it is a random 'set dressing'  or a 'shape' held by a extra, then it does not qualify.
+::4) the single firearm rule only applies if the firearm is real.  If it is an obvious toy or airsoft gun, then it does not qualify.  Having a lone character wave around an 'orange plug' airsoft toy does not merit a page.  If the film is filled with various replica or high quality airsoft weapons than can fool the casual viewer, then it qualifies, if only to shine light upon the fact that the guns are fakes.
+===Short films do not qualify for inclusion, only features===
+:Despite being listed on IMDB.com or listed for sale on Amazon, there are literally thousands of user created or amateur created short films in the world.  Since server space on IMFDB is limited, we discourage each and every short made from being listed, moreso, the fact that many of them have only been seen in film festivals or are being sold via self distribution (and no, Youtube doesn't count as distribution) renders them arguably unavailable to the general public. We don't need to document the countless NYU, USC or UCLA Film School final year projects, where the students very cleverly used cheap airsoft weapons and digitally added the flashes in.  Again, that rule must be implemented lest we experience an avalanche of student created short films.
+===Documentaries are NOT automatically approved for inclusion into IMFDB===
+:While there are a few documentaries on the site, they were created before IMFDB ruled against including documentaries. Those which are grandfathered in must be of exceptional quality and completeness to stay. As of now, there is a blanket moratorium on all 'new' documentary pages. This also applies to reality TV. We do not need a page for the gun that Snooki handled in ''Jersey Shore'' or the gun some customer brought into the store of ''"Pawn Stars"''. If you have a page you wish to create, please run it by the '''[[Admins]]''' first to see if it warrants a waiver from the ban.
+===Videogames must be professionally distributed titles===
+: Videogames, must be a recognized title that is sold in stores or major online centers like Amazon, distributed via a recognized software company.  Self made, user created or free online games do not qualify even if they manage to acquire some sort of internet distribution.  The only exception to this rule is Mods for legitimate game titles that '''already qualify''' as a professionally distributed item (i.e. sold to the general public through recognized channels of commerce).
+==Standards: Format==
+===DVD artwork, Box Covers or Theatrical Poster requirements===
+:When you create a page, the least you should do is get a copy of the movie's poster or in the case of videogames, the official box cover.  DVD covers and re-released Movie posters are acceptable '''but the original release cinema poster is preferred''', if a good quality image of that can be found.  For television shows the DVD cover or promotional art is acceptable.
+===Poster or Cover Art Size & Alignment===
+:Please place the image at the top of the page so that it aligns to the upper right hand corner.  Align it with the Wiki code '''|right|''' in the line.  Please acquire an image that is at least 300px wide since that is the default size for all vertical posters and covers on IMFDB.  ''(If a horizontal poster or promotional image is the only thing available, then the preferred default setting is 400px-500px depending on the poster.)''   For a standard vertical poster or box cover, set the thumbnail for the poster at ''300px'' and be sure to put the correct title spelling in the text description as well as the release year in parentheses.
+==Standards: Edits==
+===Make sure your changes to a page are correct!===
+:It seems obvious, but we spend too much time undoing reckless or just plain wrong informational changes, usually made by new members. If you think something is true, look it up and make sure you ''know'' it's true before you add it.
+==Standards: Layout==
+===Spell the title correctly===
+:When doing a new page for a film, make sure the title is grammatically correct and capitalized exactly. Don't use symbols unless they actually appear in the official title. For instance, [[Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade‎]] should not be ''"Indiana Jones & the last crusade"''. ''When in doubt, go to '''IMDB''' and copy-and-paste the title as it appears there''. Note:  we have many users on here from other countries, for whom English is not a first language. In Spanish, for instance, only the first word of any title is capitalized. So be picky, but be culturally sensitive, too.
+===The American Release Title takes precedence===
+:When a film is an originally foreign film (even ones from English speaking nations like Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) the American Release Title is the official title on IMFDB.  ''This differentiates us from IMDB, who insists on putting the original title in the first released country's original language.  That would have created a problem since most people don't search movie titles by their Non-English language titles but IMDB has an exceptional search engine and can search on alternate titles.  For example: in IMDB, [[Jackie Chan]] or director John Woo's Hong Kong movies are listed by their original Chinese titles, not the English language ones that most of us are familiar with.''  IM'''F'''DB uses the American Released title as the 'official title'.  If the title was not released in the U.S., then the International English language title is the title.  Ultimately, it must be the English translated title.  If the film has been released elsewhere under the original title, then the original language title follows the English translated title in parentheses.
+:::*'''Exception: There is no different American release title or International English language title'''  For some foreign movie titles, there is no other title, or there is no obvious English Translation of the title, or the original is so internationally famous that everyone knows what it is.  In that case, the original language title is allowed. ''(for example: [[Upotte!!]] has no obvious English translation.  It is a play on words by setting the Japanese Characters for Te-Po-U (which means "guns") in reverse order.)
+''
+===Usage of Internal HyperLinks===
+:Don't put hyperlinks to the gun pages in the '''titles''' of the sections.  When creating a gun title section for a movie page, write a preliminary sentence like '''''"A [[Smith & Wesson Model 10]] is used by Joe Smith when hunting the monster"''''' in the section above the gun image and screenshots.  You don't put it in the title '''"==Smith & Wesson Model 10=="''' at the top of the section, or inside the caption of the gun image.
+===Usage of Redirects===
+:When placing a link to a gun that is a subsection of a larger page, you MUST use a redirect where appropriate. For example, If you would like to place a link the [[Beretta 92FS Inox]], DO NOT type '''<nowiki>[[Beretta 92 pistol series#Beretta 92FS Inox|Beretta 92FS Inox]]</nowiki>''' but instead simply type '''<nowiki>[[Beretta 92FS Inox]]</nowiki>'''. The second link will redirect you to the first one. There are many reasons for this and you may ask for an explanation but this is the rule. If a redirect does not already exist (you will know this because the link will appear in red as a broken link), then you must create it. This also means that you should not just redirect to the basic page. So for example if you are talking about the [[SIG-Sauer P226]], DO NOT place the following link: '''<nowiki>[[SIG-Sauer P220 pistol series|SIG-Sauer P226]]</nowiki>'''.
+==Standards: Spoilers==
+===Unless it's is absolutely necessary, no Spoilers===
+:Like IMDB.com, IMFDB frowns on spoilers.  For most cases, details which are spoilers are not necessary to depict and prove that certain guns were used by certain actors.  Items which violate the 'no spoilers' rule can be edited to conform to IMFDB standards at any time.  So remember:
+::::(a) If a major character dies, and if you can avoid talking about it, then''' don't''' mention it!  The obvious exception is that if the death is the first thing that happens in the film and is the impetus for the rest of the events in the movie, or if the only shot of the weapon is one which also depicts that character's death.
+::::(b) If a major plot twist happens and revealing it is '''not''' necessary to identifying the '''guns''' used in the movie, then '''don't''' blurt it out!
+::::(c) If there is a major secret or hidden agenda that pushes the events of the story, then '''don't''' reveal it!
+::::(d) Whether through screencaps or descriptions, recapping of the story (or even a major portion of it), including which characters get killed or what the mystery is, are not allowed.  Regardless of how 'cool' the sequence is, don't give the audience a blow-by-blow retelling of the plot. This does not apply to information present on the back of a DVD box, in a videogame's manual, etc, or to patently obvious plot points, eg that the ship sinks in ''Titanic'' or that Pearl Harbor is attacked by the Japanese in ''Tora! Tora! Tora!''.
+::::(e) Speaking in generalities is better than specifics, when describing events of the film or show.  Saying ''"John Doe uses a [[Beretta 92FS]] throughout the film"'' is preferable to writing ''"John Doe uses a [[Beretta 92FS]] to avenge his brother's death and kill all his enemies by the end of the film".''  You can be very specific in identifying the weapon used, and still leave a little mystery for the visitor who may not have seen the film yet.
+::::(e) if it is unavoidable, '''truly''' unavoidable (for example, the weapon is seen in the hands of a character who is supposed to be dead), then put a suitably-worded warning at the top of the page or use the spoiler template. Do ''not'' edit images to remove visual spoilers, however, as this does not look good or represent what the movie actually looks like.
+==Standards: Commentary==
+===No sarcastic or insulting Commentary===
+:Due to IMFDB's increasing role as a site of movie trivia research, we are clamping down on commentary which may appear sarcastic, insulting or denigrating.  Criticizing an actor's firing stance or snickering at them 'flinching' during blank fire is becoming increasingly frowned upon by IMFDB.  Pointing out how ridiculous a scene is due to mythical firearm ballistics, or lack of reloading, or lack of technical advisers can be done, but only in a non-insulting manner and only if it is relevant to increasing the public knowledge of the weapon and its proper usage.  If one has to point out a flaw or mistake, please try to do it as scholarly and neutrally as possible.  Using the old 'management axiom' "Praise in public, Criticize in Private", we can move any casual discussions to the 'Discussions Pages', that is what they are there for.    Looking for movie still frames where an actor blinks or flinches (just to ridicule) is not necessary and brings down the professionalism of the site.
+==Image Rules: General==
+:* '''When you upload an image, categorize it properly'''.  In the summary on the image uploading page, one should always put the image in the proper category, whether it be (a) '''Behind the Scenes Image''' (b) '''Gun Image''' (c) '''Poster and Cover Art''' or (d) '''Screenshot'''.  Type the words "Category" within double brackets and type in the right information.  So if the image is the cinema poster for the movie, be sure to type in <nowiki>[[Category:Poster and Cover Art]]</nowiki> in the summary so that the image will be properly categorized for future searches. ''
+:* '''Images must have a minimum standard of quality'''.  Any image, whether it be a gun image, poster or screenshot, should be of at least reasonable quality. Poor scans, highly artifacted images, photographs of a TV screen or monitor, images of far lower resolution than their source or small images (less than 300 pixels) should only ever be used as placeholders, and pages reliant on such images may be deleted.
+==Image Rules: Screenshots==
+:* '''Screenshots should be in the JPEG format and no more than 1MB in size for HD Blu-Ray captures'''.  GIFs don't re-size well and they are non-compressed.  PNGs are a problem because they are huge files.  Blu-Ray HD screenshots can be up to 1920x1080 in size but generally need to be scaled down to a width of 1280 pixels to meet the 1MB file size limit. The IMFDB uploader will now only accept JPEG images, and remaining PNGs should be replaced as soon as possible, as should any GIF images which are not animated, line art, or part of templates.
+:* '''Movie screenshots should include syntax identifying what movie/TV show/game they came from.''' If you upload an image of a Beretta 92F being used in ''[[Die Hard 2]]'', for example, the file should be given a label such as '''DieHard2-Beretta92F-1.jpg''' or even '''DH2-92F-2.jpg'''.  If you upload an image titled '''Beretta92F.jpg''', this would be confusing, since "Beretta92F.jpg" sounds like it might be a generic gun identification image.
+:* '''Screenshots should not be default or generic filenames.''' Files called Image_01, Shot_01 and so on are almost certainly going to already exist somewhere and should never be used. In addition, filenames which identify the source of the screenshot as an illegal download (eg a filename containing a string like ".HDTV.XviD-TLA.avi") are likely to earn the uploader a warning from a moderator.
+:* '''Screenshots must be cropped to remove blank space (and ONLY to remove blank space).''' It is required that you crop images to remove widescreen bars or other blank space from a screenshot, but otherwise IMFDB prefers screenshots to show the weapon as it appears in the work in question, not cropped to only show the weapon. If a closeup is required for some reason, it should ideally be preceded by an uncropped version of the same shot.
 :* '''Quality take priority over bragging rights.'''  A better quality screenshot can be uploaded over one of lesser quality.  Blu-Ray images or high quality DVD images are preferable over standard definition images or older (lesser quality DVD) images.
 :*  '''Widescreen takes priority over Full screen.'''  If a member gets widescreen screenshots, they are preferred over 4:3 Full screen captures and can replace them.  No member can complain if a higher quality image is uploaded on a page of the same screenshot.  It's for the benefit of IMFDB to have the best images available.
+:* '''Watermarked images should be regarded as placeholders.''' Images which contain watermarks, especially logos from other websites, should be replaced with images which do not as soon as it is practical to do so. While in some cases it is not possible to obtain a non-watermarked image, in all other cases the image should be regarded as low quality (regardless of resolution) and its replacement as a high priority.
 :* '''IMFDB's preferred page format is a thumbnail of either 500px or 600px wide.'''  Exceptions are allowed for unusually wide high quality panoramic shots or images of particular interest but these should be kept to a minimum.  Full screen images should be 500px wide, Wide Screen images should be 600px wide, except when the capture is of lesser quality.  Grainy or low quality DVD scans should be 500px regardless (when something looks substandard, it is better to present it in a smaller size).  Very high quality widescreen images should always be at least 600px wide to showcase their appearance.
 :* '''Screenshots should be relevant to their section.'''  Putting in a variety of angles of the same weapon is not necessary unless one is trying to determine the identity of a 'mystery gun', thus the images help IDing the weapon.  But putting in unnecessary images which don't show weapons clearly when there are other better screenshots is discouraged.  Always go for the clearest shot of the gun.  Don't try to re-tell the movie's plotline.
-::* '''Trivia related Images:''' Exceptions are trivia shots, but Trivia sections should be kept to a minimum and should be of general interest to movie buffs and not just re-iterate information that is on the DVD commentary.  Acceptable trivia can mention military aircraft, vehicles and equipment in a film or television show or generally unknown information about a show or videogame that is weapons related in nature.
+::* '''Trivia related Images:''' Exceptions are trivia shots, but Trivia sections should be kept to a minimum and should be of general interest to movie buffs and not just re-iterate information that is on the DVD commentary.  Acceptable trivia can mention military aircraft, vehicles and equipment in a film or television show or generally unknown information about a show or video game that is weapons related in nature, however small amounts of general trivia that is related to the scene is acceptable.
+:* '''Screenshots should be worksafe where possible.''' Unless they are the only available high-quality image of the weapon, images featuring extreme live-action gore, disturbing imagery or nudity should be avoided. If it is suspected these images are being included on a page purely for the sake of including shocking images, they are likely to be deleted.
+:* '''Quantity Limit.''' You should never have any reasons to post 10 screenshots of the same weapon over and over again. If you see a variation of said weapon that hasn't been posted, you may do so, but do not post screenshots of an M4 with the same accessories of ACOG, foregrip, etc at 10 different angles. This takes up space and IMFDB is not unlimited. Have a limit.   For a single character using a single weapon, the limit should be 7 screenshots.  10 is the limit if documenting multiple characters using the same type of weapon or specifically trying to validate a weapon which may be subject of debate.
-. '''Gun Images'''
+==Image Rules: Gun Images==
 :* '''Redundancy not acceptable'''.   If IMFDB already has the image in question, don't google a similar image and upload it.  IMFDB technically should not be using 'jacked' gun images off the net.  Their copyright belongs to someone else, and if the copyright holder requests it, we must comply in finding those images and deleting them from our site.    Some items are unavoidable, i.e. prototype or rare foreign weapons which no one has access to (especially Russian or Chinese weapons or heavy military firepower from any country).  However, the rule is, ''if the image of the gun already exists here, don't upload any more''.  There had better be a really compelling reason to do so, like a specific variant that best matches a variant in a movie, television show, Anime or Video Game.  The Biggest exception is '''Screen used Hero guns'''.  Having those on the site are self explanatory, but they may be an unusual configuration or just really worn or beat up guns.  Having those '''and''' pristine examples of the weapons are acceptable to IMFDB.
 :* '''Every variant is not necessary'''.  Unless it appears in a film, television show, anime or Video Game, don't upload every variation of every gun possible.  This is not a race to see who can find and 'hijack' the most gun images from other people's websites.  Also being that most of these unnecessary images are 'jacked' images, they can be deleted at any time at the request of the original copyright holder, so we all have been warned.
-:* '''IMFDB is not a gun encyclopedia'''.  We don't need pages for every gun ever made, only guns which have actually appeared in something.  Please refrain from creating new pages for guns that don't appear in any movie, television show, anime or Video Game.  Just because it exists somewhere doesn't mean we want it here.
+::* '''Images of Customized or Rare variants not allowed on Gun Pages'''.  Only "major production versions" that have appeared in something, or a customized version that has appeared in at least three completely different projects (either film/TV/Anime/VG) are allowed to have their image posted on the gun page.  Custom versions (like unusual short barreled versions or nickel / gold plated versions or versions that have been mocked up into fantasy/sci-fi guns) have their images posted on the '''discussion''' page for the gun.  This includes mockups that impersonate other real world guns (like mocking up the Norinco Chinese AK into AK74 look a likes).  Too many films and TV shows use 'one-off' examples that would clutter up the gun's page.  The '''written listing / table''' should mention all variants (including what makes them unique), however, the image of the rare/custom variant only belongs on the movie/TV/et. al page or the gun's discussion page.  This keeps the gun pages from becoming too cluttered with rarely used versions.
+:* '''Keep the historical/background info brief'''.  No one wants to scroll through pages of background history of a gun.  Only a paragraph or two (at the most) should be at the top of the gun page to familiarize any visitor with the weapon.  Specifications should also be brief, if there are large groups of variants of the weapon, move it to a special section at the bottom of the page.
+:* '''Minimum expected information of a gun page'''.  One should at least identify the country of origin, the caliber (if many calibers then note it in the descriptions or specifications), the year of introduction, and if possible, the year of the end of production.  If the weapon is a foreign one that not many people are familiar with, give a small introduction to the weapon.  Small bits of trivia are acceptable as long as they provide the visitor with a enlightening and useful experience.   Unfortunately IMFDB users must be keenly aware of two phenomena, ''no information or too little info'' or the other side, ''way too much information''.   Pages can be lean, but they must have some basic information on them.
+==Computer and Video Games Requirements==
+:* '''No internet flash games'''. Any video game submitted to the site must be a legitimate title, released for the PC, Mac, or a game console. One-off flash games on Newgrounds or other such sites don't count. Any articles made about such games will be summarily deleted.
+:* '''Remember you are writing a guide to the guns in the game, not a guide to the game itself'''. Information should focus on how the weapons are depicted and can include basic additional information such as how powerful they are, their capacity, fire modes and which levels they appear in, but should not include advice such as recommended loadouts, exact locations or passwords/unlock codes. If this information is already present, it should not be removed without checking the discussion page. In rare cases, when there has been debate over whether a weapon or function is present, it may have proved necessary to describe something more precisely than usual.
+:* The following videogames have been determined to '''not''' qualify for IMFDB as a result of past discussion: Halo, Phantasy Star 0, Doom 3, Streets of Rage, Mad Max, Einhander
+==Animation: Rules & Restrictions==
+:* '''No "Cartoon" Weapons'''. Our animation sections primarily feature Japanese animation because such shows are more likely to depict realistic and identifiable firearms. Extremely low-detail weapons (for example Elmer Fudd's shotgun or Yosemite Sam's revolvers) do not belong on this site since they are simply generic representations of a ''type'' of gun, not a specific model. If a show's idea of a pistol is two rectangles with a poorly drawn trigger, the show does not qualify for inclusion.
+:* '''Animation pages must include screencaps to demonstrate the level of detail involved'''.  This goes for any page, but in particular, animated movies or television shows will be heavily scrutinized; quality screencaps are necessary to establish whether an animated show belongs on the site, and any animation page without screencaps is likely to be summarily deleted.
+:* The following shows have been determined to '''not''' qualify for inclusion on IMFDB in past discussion: The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park.
+=Principles=
+==IMFDB is an information resource, not our private playground==
+:* '''This is a source of Information for weapons and movie buffs around the world'''.  Certainly it is tempting to think of IMFDB as one's own personal 'playground' but please realize that we do this work to serve others.  It is harsh on one's ego to be corrected or to have one's information proven wrong, but it will always be in the best interests of IMFDB to maintain a high level of scholarly achievement in our analysis and documentation of the two worlds of firearms and film (which includes television and Anime as well as other visual media like Video Games).
+==Maintain professionalism in your conduct==
+:* '''Maintain professional standards of conduct'''.  Be polite. Keep swearing to a minimum and try to refrain from harsh or volatile arguments or bashing of another user.  As in all things 'internet', try your best NOT to lose your temper.  Refrain from posting while 'mad', believe me, everything looks and reads differently when you've had a chance to cool off.  More importantly, be forgiving of your fellow members (and mods ;)  ) if we break the "don't lose your temper rule".  We're all human here (as far as I know) and always try to forgive your fellow human beings.
+:* '''Humor and teasing to be kept in the Discussion pages, please'''.  Yes you CAN tease and make jokes on IMFDB.  You don't have to check in your sense of humor at the door.  But, as we all make fun or have a good laugh with each other, please try to relegate the non-scholastic 'fun stuff' to the discussion pages.  Keep the main informational pages as 'encyclopedic' as possible.
+:* '''Edit summaries are not a place for commentary'''. The edit summary is just that, a summary of the edit you just made. It is NOT a place to critique or "yell" at the person who made the previous edit. There is no need to tell spammers to "go die" or to "go the f**k away", simply remove the content and summarize your edit as "SPAM".
-== Principles ==
+[[Category:IMFDB policies]]
-'''1) This is a source of Information for weapons and movie buffs around the world'''.  Certainly it is tempting to think of IMFDB as one's own personal 'playground' but please realize that we do this work to serve others.  It is harsh on one's ego to be corrected or to have one's information proven wrong, but it will always be in the best interests of IMFDB to maintain a high level of scholarly achievement in our analysis and documentation of the two worlds of firearms and film (which includes television and Anime as well as other visual media like Video Games).

IMFDB:Rules, Standards and Principles: Difference between revisions