WikiPepper.org Submission and Style Guide

A Guide for Contributors to Maintain Accuracy, Clarity, and Consistency

1. Purpose of the Guide

This guide outlines the required structure, formatting standards, and editorial tone for contributors to WikiPepper.org. Our goal is to ensure all entries are factual, well-referenced, and stylistically consistent across species descriptions, cultivar notes, glossaries, charts, and user tools.

2. Submission Guidelines

– Submit content in .docx, .md, or .txt format
– Include scientific references and citations where applicable
– Species-level entries must be accompanied by germination, growth, and taxonomic data
– All cultivar entries must include breeder (if known), source, fruit description, and usage
– Images must be labeled with file name, variety, and credited source

3. Article Structure and Formatting

Species Entries:
– Use italicized binomial: C. chinense, C. pubescens, etc.
– Include taxonomy, native range, pod traits, plant structure, and cultivation notes
– Include germination temps, photoperiod sensitivity, and growth cycle notes

Cultivar Entries:
– Common name and alternate names
– Parentage (if hybrid) or origin
– Description of pod shape, color, heat, and flavor
– Notes on germination, disease resistance, and growing conditions

Glossary Terms:
– Use full term as heading, then define in plain language
– Include cross-references to other glossary terms

Tables and Charts:
– Use clean grid formatting with consistent units
– Prefer Celsius in parentheses after Fahrenheit
– Avoid bold or color formatting unless required

4. Style and Tone

– Tone must remain informative, not promotional
– Avoid superlatives (e.g., “world’s hottest”) unless verified
– Be concise but thorough
– Avoid anthropomorphizing plants
– Write for an audience of gardeners, botanists, and collectors
– Always prefer clarity over cleverness

5. Taxonomy and Naming Conventions

– Use abbreviated genus (e.g., C. annuum) after first mention
– Include subspecies or wild accession if known (e.g., C. eximium, C. chacoense)
– Use standard binomial format: italicized genus + species, non-italic for cultivar name
– Avoid duplicating information across pages unless necessary for clarity

6. Referencing and Sources

– Use in-text citations (Author, Year) or footnotes
– Acceptable sources: peer-reviewed journals, breeder documentation, major seed banks, botanical surveys
– Avoid blogs or forums unless substantiated by additional material

7. Image Use and Credits

– Only use images you own or are in the public domain (or with permission)
– Include filename, description, source URL, and license info in image submission
– Ideal resolution: 1200px wide minimum

8. Review and Approval Process

– Submissions will be reviewed for formatting, accuracy, and tone
– Rejected entries will be returned with comments
– Major revisions may be incorporated collaboratively with editors