Help:Account
< Help < Account
Creating an account is free and easy. It is not only the best way to join the community, it also has several other benefits to editing logged-out.
Becoming known under a user name means that you will be able to gain reputation and recognition in the community. It's difficult to remember whether or not you have met 88.108.20.19 before! You can also make a personal user page once you are logged in. The link to your user page will appear at the top right of the screen. You will also have a personal talk page, and will be notified with a banner each time someone adds a message. Being able to communicate makes it a lot easier to build a wiki. So please consider creating an account and logging in.
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[edit] User name
Although those editing logged-out are often called "anons" on wikis, they are actually identified by IP number. This is publicly visible in the history page and recent changes each time they edit. For many people (for example those using AOL or other large Internet service providers) this doesn't give any real information to others. But in some cases, for example if you are editing from a work computer, this may allow others to work out your location or other details. If you are worried about this, you should log in to edit. Your IP address will then not be visible to other contributors.
Please choose a user name that will not cause offence. Real names are encouraged, but are not compulsory. See Wikipedia's policy on names for further guidance.
Your user page will be at http://search.wikia.com/wiki/User:Your_Name – see Help:User page for more details.
[edit] New features
Being logged in allows you to rename pages (with the "move" tab) and to upload images. You can also easily view your contributions using the "my contributions" link at the top of the screen, and make a personal watchlist to keep an eye on your favourite articles.
[edit] Customisation
A lot of the look of the site can be changed with customisation. Using the "preferences" link, you can change the overall look of the site, your time-zone preferences, search settings, and much more. If you know CSS, then you can change the look of the site even further with your personal style sheet. Note that not all of the links in the sidebar are available in other skins.
[edit] Password
Please choose a secure password. You can choose to have the site remember this password so you do not need to login every time you edit.
Do not use words from any dictionary in your password. These are open to dictionary attacks where hackers will be able to steal your password. Do not use easy to guess personal information in your password, such as a date of birth or child's name. It is best to use a mixture of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Do not share your password with anyone, do not write it down, and change it frequently. Your password will be stored in a hash, so is not accessible to anyone else.
[edit] Email
Entering an email address is optional, but recommended. If you forget your password, clicking the mail me a new password button is the only way to retrieve it.
An email address also allows other users to contact you privately. It lets other logged-in users email you via the wiki without you needing to disclose your email address to them. Your email will not be used for any other purposes, and will not be sold or passed on to third parties.
You have to authenticate the email address once (see your preferences) to make it usable for the wiki's mail function.
[edit] Account deletion
It is not possible for accounts on Wikia to be deleted. The user page itself can be deleted on request, of course, but the edits you've made will remain in page histories.