Editor guide

Start small, cite what you know, and leave uncertainty visible.

Your invitation grants either site-wide editing or access to one carousel and its figures and seats. If invited to create a new carousel, you can create one with just its name and fill in details later. One-carousel editors cannot edit shared makers or figure types or transfer figures between carousels. Your chosen display name and saved edits appear in public history. Before contributing, read and agree to the contribution terms.

Your first edit

Pick one carousel you know. Read its source notes and history before changing it.
Choose a small task: add a source link, improve a description in your own words, or document one figure.
Sign in, choose Edit, make your change, and save. Saved changes are public immediately; there is no approval queue.
Check the page and its History. Recent changes lists activity across the site.

Sources and uncertainty

Cite the operator, an archive, a publication, or another identifiable source. Include a link and the source date when available. For your own observations, say when you visited and what you observed.
Use Markdown links such as [Operator inventory](https://example.com/) in the relevant notes or source field. Write descriptions in your own words; a citation does not give permission to copy someone else's prose or photos.
Unknown is not zero. Leave unknown counts blank; enter zero only when verified.
Use confirmed for an established seat position and best reading for a tentative interpretation. Explain the evidence and uncertainty in notes.
Distinguish current arrangements from historical ones. If sources disagree, record the dates and disagreement instead of guessing.

Figures, seats, and layouts

A figure is a carved object. A seat is a platform position. A placement connects them over time. Figures can belong to a carousel without currently occupying a seat.

A seat code such as 5A means section 5 at the outer rail. Rows run from A inward; sections follow the order figures pass someone standing at the rail. A chariot or tub spanning rows is one seat, not several duplicate figures.

Record only known geometry. Section and row counts can be recorded independently, and rotation can remain unknown. Once both dimensions are recorded, platform size is fixed in the editor. Ask the administrator before establishing an uncertain layout or making substantial structural changes.

Assigning an already-seated figure to another seat moves it and leaves its old seat empty. Check for an existing figure before creating one. To transfer a figure between carousels, remove it from its seat, edit its carousel, and then assign a seat at the destination.

Published totals describe what a source reports and require source notes. Charts show mapped inventory; the two can differ. Published totals and independent ring research do not create figures, seats, or placements. Never invent individual figures just to match a total.

Mistakes, disagreements, and help

For a simple typo, make a corrective edit. For a misplaced figure, duplicate record, layout problem, or uncertain correction, pause and ask the administrator rather than repeatedly changing records. Admin reverts restore individual updated records; they are not a universal Undo for new records or multi-step moves.

Be courteous and discuss evidence rather than people. Do not overwrite another editor's work repeatedly during a disagreement; the administrator makes the final moderation decision and can suspend access.

Use your existing conversation with your inviter for help for now. See About / Contribute for the current contact arrangements.