View source for Help:Background Article

There are two types of articles in AquaPedia, [[Help:Case Study | Case Studies]] and Background Articles.

=Types of Background Articles=
Three types of Background articles are currently available to AquaPedia: ''Water Features'', ''Water Projects'', and ''Agreements''. The purpose of these articles is to collect common information that relates to specific water features, projects, or agreements in central locations. 

Because multiple cases can require an understanding of the same basic facts about
*water features such as a basin (watershed), minor rivers, lakes, groundwater resources, etc;
*projects, such as built infrastructure or organizational initiatives (such as a commission); and
*agreements and treaties

each case can be linked to new or existing articles containing background information on these topics. 
This way, individual natural features, projects and initiatives, or agreements do not need to be explained in great detail in the body of every case. 

=Viewing Background Articles=
All Articles can be viewed from the [[List_of_Background_Sections]] page. Articles are also linked from case studies.

=Discussing and Commenting on Background Articles=
Users can discuss and comment on Background Articles using the "Discussion" tab, located on the upper left-hand side of the content area. Users can use the discussion board feature to comment on Background Article content and discuss the article and its development with other users.

=Editing Background Articles= 
All [[Help:Q&A#What_are_the_types_of_user_accounts.3F|confirmed users]] can edit Background Articles. When viewing any Background Articles on AquaPedia, there is an "Edit" link on the top right hand side of the content area. Clicking that link will bring you to the editing interface. More information about the technical aspects of editing are available on the [[Help:Contents|Help section]] of this site.

=Creating Background Articles=
All users with accounts on AquaPedia can [[Form:Case Study|create a new case using a special form]]. Every Background Article on AquaPedia must have a unique title. 

==Advice for naming Background Articles==
1. Do not use non-alphanumeric characters other than parentheses, spaces, or commas. Slashes and Semi-Colons must not appear in titles.
2. Keep the name as simple and appropriate as possible. Disambiguation of similar titles should be accomplished through location or date information in parentheses next to the name of the feature, project, or agreement. (E.g.: Wilson Dam (India)
3. Detailed advice on naming background articles is available [[Help: Naming Background Articles| here]].



=Related Pages=

* [[List of Background Sections]]
* [[Form:Water Feature|Create a new Water Feature article]]
* [[Form:Water Project|Create a new Water Project article]]
* [[Form:Agreement| Create a new Agreement article]]