Forum:Creating a decent front page?

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Hi, I am the admin and virtually the sole contributor to the Labyrinth Wiki.

I have assembled a fair number of high quality pages, but so far haven't really had many consistent contributions from others. I really want to spruce up my front page as it's currently very, very basic, but I have basically no idea where to begin. I've tried searching for starter guides and advice on templates for front pages, but can find nothing. I have also tried copying code for templates from other wikis to use as a starting point, however the codes just don't work in most cases.

I'm very confused as to how I go about setting up a nice looking front page, so would appreciate any help. I'm looking at creating something like what the Narnia Wiki has.

Any advice would be appreciated! I've worked really hard to build the wiki up from 5 pages to 70 pages, and feel it would be a real shame if no one else feels encouraged to participate in the site.

Nevia1991 23:23, November 10, 2011 (UTC)

Narnia wiki is largely done with images. The banners are just uploaded files. You would have yo make your own if you wanted to do something like that. have a look around different wikis though, see what you like, what you dont like and create something new using bits of wikis you like. You can also ask the Content Team for help.--GodPray  23:40,11/10/2011 

You can also post in Who's wiki needs editors? Or you can post in the technical help forum in the Founder forums asking for help with templates. --Meighan (help forum | blog) 01:23, November 11, 2011 (UTC)

Thanks for the replies, I will go to the sites you mention for advice. However, I still don't understand how to properly copy code from other wikis onto mine. For example, I tried to use the following formatting to insert a quote (excluding the spaces) { {quote|Text of the quote.|Characters speaking the dialogue|source} } and it just came up with template: quote when I published it! I'm really confused, and don't understand what I'm doing wrong. The main thing I'm struggling with is how to create a side bar to the right of the front page, then bigger boxes with main content to the right. UIf anyone could help with those issues in particular I'd be grateful.

Nevia1991 16:30, November 11, 2011 (UTC)

In order to copy a template (anything in {{}}) you need to go to the template page and copy the template on to your wiki as well. So if you are using {{quote|}} from a wiki, you need to also make Template:Quote and copy the code from their Template:Quote on to yours.--GodPray  16:40,11/11/2011 

For me, I like to use the basic format of the code lyoko wiki. CL wiki uses character boxes, headers, and a slideshow. Anothe look is like the young justice wiki. They use portalskins for their characters, and add a featured article, as well as headers and a slideshow. The final theme is that of thundercats wiki. They use mostly text, and their only form of imagery is a slideshow.

The choice is up to you, but their are many options to choose. You can tell me what theme you want and I'd happily make on for you!

--Ji Robinson ~Talk~ ·Contribs·   17:32, November 11, 2011 (UTC)

Hi, after much trial and tribulation I have finally managed to create something vaguely front page like! You can check it out here at the Labyrinth Wiki. There is still a lot to be done, as I couldn't figure out how to do the featured article and pictures templates, sp if you could go over and check out my front page and make any improvements you feel would benefit it that would be fantastioc :).

Also, thanks to the anon user for the advise about the quotes. I undersatnd now, and was able to add a quote successfully!

Nevia1991 18:23, November 11, 2011 (UTC)

Nevia, looking really good! Well done. :) --Meighan (help forum | blog) 18:28, November 11, 2011 (UTC)

Thanks! It's great to have positive feedback :).Nevia1991 13:46, November 12, 2011 (UTC)