User:Jacobbrett/Release Event Style: Difference between revisions

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A [[Release]] is a package/object you could buy in a store. For example, a release may encompass a digital download (with liner note files), or a CD jewel case containing a CD and booklet.
A [[Release]] is a package/object you could buy in a store. A release contains one or more [[mediums|Medium]], which hold the audio data of the release. For example, a release may encompass a digital download (medium: "Digital Media 1") with liner note files, or a CD jewel case containing two CDs (mediums: "CD 1" and "CD 2") and a booklet.
A release in the MusicBrainz database consists of a [[Release Date|Date]], [[Release Country|Country]], [[Label]], [[Release Catalog Number|Catalog #]], [[Barcode]], [[Release Format|Format]], Packaging, Status, Language and Script field. Each field is optional in the editor, though the more complete a release entry is, the better.
A release in the MusicBrainz database also holds the following attributes: [[Release Date|Date]], [[Release Country|Country]], [[Label]], [[Catalog Number|Catalog #]], [[Barcode]], Packaging(?), Type, Status, Language and Script field. Each field is optional in the editor, though the more complete a release entry is, the better.


==Identifying a Release in MusicBrainz==
==Identifying a Release in MusicBrainz==
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===Country===
===Country===
The '''[[Release Country|Country]]''' is the country in which a [[Release]] was sold from a certain [[Date]] onwards.
The '''[[Release Country|Country]]''' list is based upon the [http://www.iso.org/iso/english_country_names_and_code_elements ISO 3166] standard "Country Names and Code Elements", and also the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_3166-3#Current_codes ISO 3166-3] list of historical countries. In addition, the Country may be set to "[Unknown Country]", "[Worldwide]" or Europe (used when the specific country is unknown) .


Note: The [[Release Country|Country]] of an album is not necessarily the country in which it was produced. The label itself will typically be more relevant. eg, a release on "Foo Records UK" that has "Made in Austria" printed on it will likely be a UK release.
it also includes some of ISO 3166-3 (historical) and 'Europe'

The country list is based upon the [http://www.iso.org/iso/english_country_names_and_code_elements ISO 3166] standard "Country Names and Code Elements", and also the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_3166-3#Current_codes ISO 3166-3] list of historical countries. In addition, the Country may be set to "[Unknown Country]", "[Worldwide]" or "Europe" (used when the specific European country is unknown).


===Label===
===Label===
The '''[[Label]]''' is selectable from a [http://musicbrainz.org/browse/label list] that exists in MusicBrainz' database. If you are sure a label does not exist (sometimes under a similar name), enter a new [[Label Name]].
The '''[[Label]]''' is usually an imprint found on the spine of a release (if more than one imprint is found, it may be appropriate to add them as separate labels(?)). It is selectable from a [http://musicbrainz.org/browse/label list] that exists in MusicBrainz' database. Several [[Special Purpose Label|Special Purpose Labels]] also exist, although '[http://musicbrainz.org/label/157afde4-4bf5-4039-8ad2-5a15acc85176.html <nowiki>[no label]</nowiki>]' is the only one which should be used.

Note: If you are sure a label does not exist (sometimes under a similar name), enter a new [[Label Name]].


===Catalog Number===
===Catalog Number===
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===Barcode===
===Barcode===
The '''[[Barcode]]''' is usually an [[wikipedia:European Article Number|EAN]] or [[wikipedia:Universal Product Code|UPC]] number found on the back of a physical release. It should be entered as a number with no spaces. Multiple barcodes may be entered.
The '''[[Barcode]]''' is usually an [[wikipedia:European Article Number|EAN]] or [[wikipedia:Universal Product Code|UPC]] number found on the back of a physical release. It should be entered as a number with no spaces.


Note: Some independent/unsigned releases may not have a Barcode, Catalog Number or Label.
Note: Some independent/unsigned releases may not have a Barcode, Catalog Number or Label, in which case, leave the respective field blank, though enter '[no label]' if there is no Label.


===Format===
===Medium/Format===
A release may consist of several '''[[Next Generation Schema#Medium|Mediums]]'''. For each medium added, the format is selectable from a list. For example, a medium could be a CD, cassette or vinyl disc. A Release's mediums may be structured as ''CD (1), CD (2)'' for a two-disc set (displayed as "2xCD"), or in rarer cases as ''CD (1), CD (2), Vinyl (3)'' (displayed as "2xCD + 1xVinyl").
A Release may consist of one or more '''[[Next Generation Schema#Medium|Mediums]]'''. For each medium added, the '''[[Release Format|Format]]''' is selectable from a list. For example, a Release may consist of a single cassette, as a two-CD set, or in rarer cases as two CDs, plus a vinyl disc.


===Packaging===
===Packaging===
'''[[Next Generation Schema/Release Packaging|Packaging]]''' refers to the type of container a physical release was available in. It is selectable from a list, similar to the Format. For example, release may have been sold in a "Jewel Case" or a "Digipack".
'''[[Next Generation Schema/Release Packaging|Packaging]]''' refers to the type of container a physical release was available in. The Packaging option selected should closely match the actual release, otherwise, select 'Other'. Or, if the release is digital, select nothing. It is selectable from a list.


===Status===
===Status===
A '''[[Release Status]]''' should be chosen, based upon it's status with the recording artist/label/other involved party. A Release Status may be 'Official', 'Promotion', 'Bootleg' or 'Pseudo-Release'. Descriptions of these Status' are available [[Release Status#List of possible Release Status|here]]. It is selectable from a list.
A release's '''[[Release Status|Status]]''' describes how 'official' that release is. It is selectable from a list.


===Language===
===Language===
The '''[[Release Language|Language]]''' of a release is a record of the language that the [[Release Title|title]] and track list are printed in. The Language is selectable from a reduced [[wikipedia:ISO_639|ISO 639]] list of 20 languages (more are available upon request).
The '''[[Release Language|Language]]''' of a release describes the language that the [[Release Title|title]] and track list are entered in. The Language is selectable from a reduced [[wikipedia:ISO_639|ISO 639]] list of 20 languages.

Note: If several languages are used in the titles, choose the most common language. For releases where there's an equal mix of two or more languages and hence no obvious answer, '[Multiple languages]' may be the best choice. Though, keep in mind that it is quite common for languages to borrow words and phrases. For example, "Je ne sais quoi" in an English title does not make something multiple languages, nor do a few English words in a foreign language title.


===Script===
===Script===
The '''[[Release Script|Script]]''' refers to the character set used (e.g. 'Latin') for the [Release Title|title]] and track list. If unknown, select 'I don't know'. It is selectable from a list.
The '''[[Release Script|Script]]''' refers to the character set used (e.g. 'Latin') for the [Release Title|title]] and track list. It is selectable from a reduced list of 12 scripts.


Note: If either Language or Script are unknown, select 'I don't know' for each field respectively. The '''Show full lists''' button can be pressed to populate the Language and Script lists with more options.


Note: You may enter a Release a a Language/Script differing from what's printed on the Packaging/Medium(s) (this is known as [[Translation Transliteration Relationship Type|Transl*tion]]), though you should set the release status to [[Release Status#List of possible Release Status|Pseudo-Release]].
==Notes==
This page could use a better title, perhaps:
* Release Attributes Style
* Release Information Style
* Release Details Style
* Release Characteristics Style


==Notes==
To be titled "Release Style"(?)
This proposal, when passed, should replace [[Release_Country_Style|Release Country Style]].
This proposal, when passed, should replace [[Release_Country_Style|Release Country Style]].

Revision as of 12:22, 17 October 2010


Status: This page describes an active style guideline proposal and is not official.



Proposal number: RFC-43
Champion: Jacobbrett
Current status: RFC

RFC

Trac ticket # 2145

A Release is a package/object you could buy in a store. A release contains one or more Medium, which hold the audio data of the release. For example, a release may encompass a digital download (medium: "Digital Media 1") with liner note files, or a CD jewel case containing two CDs (mediums: "CD 1" and "CD 2") and a booklet. A release in the MusicBrainz database also holds the following attributes: Date, Country, Label, Catalog #, Barcode, Packaging(?), Type, Status, Language and Script field. Each field is optional in the editor, though the more complete a release entry is, the better.

Identifying a Release in MusicBrainz

A release looks like the following:

Release Group Page

Frances the Mute by The Mars Volta

Release Format Tracks Date Country Label Catalog# Barcode
Frances the Mute CD 12 2005-02-28 Australia Universal Records 2103977 075021039773

Release Page

Ngs-release-page-frances-the-mute.png

Styling Release Fields

Date

The Date is formatted using the ISO 860 standard YYYY-MM-DD. It may consist of year only ("1980"), year and month ("1980-03"), or a specific day as year-month-day ("1980-03-20").

Country

The Country is the country in which a Release was sold from a certain Date onwards.

Note: The Country of an album is not necessarily the country in which it was produced. The label itself will typically be more relevant. eg, a release on "Foo Records UK" that has "Made in Austria" printed on it will likely be a UK release.

The country list is based upon the ISO 3166 standard "Country Names and Code Elements", and also the ISO 3166-3 list of historical countries. In addition, the Country may be set to "[Unknown Country]", "[Worldwide]" or "Europe" (used when the specific European country is unknown).

Label

The Label is usually an imprint found on the spine of a release (if more than one imprint is found, it may be appropriate to add them as separate labels(?)). It is selectable from a list that exists in MusicBrainz' database. Several Special Purpose Labels also exist, although '[no label]' is the only one which should be used.

Note: If you are sure a label does not exist (sometimes under a similar name), enter a new Label Name.

Catalog Number

The Catalog Number is a usually alphanumeric code found on the back/spine of a physical release. It should be entered as close as possible to what is printed (this includes, for example, spaces " " hyphens "-", and dots "."). Multiple catalog numbers may be entered.

Barcode

The Barcode is usually an EAN or UPC number found on the back of a physical release. It should be entered as a number with no spaces.

Note: Some independent/unsigned releases may not have a Barcode, Catalog Number or Label, in which case, leave the respective field blank, though enter '[no label]' if there is no Label.

Medium/Format

A Release may consist of one or more Mediums. For each medium added, the Format is selectable from a list. For example, a Release may consist of a single cassette, as a two-CD set, or in rarer cases as two CDs, plus a vinyl disc.

Packaging

Packaging refers to the type of container a physical release was available in. The Packaging option selected should closely match the actual release, otherwise, select 'Other'. Or, if the release is digital, select nothing. It is selectable from a list.

Status

A Release Status should be chosen, based upon it's status with the recording artist/label/other involved party. A Release Status may be 'Official', 'Promotion', 'Bootleg' or 'Pseudo-Release'. Descriptions of these Status' are available here. It is selectable from a list.

Language

The Language of a release describes the language that the title and track list are entered in. The Language is selectable from a reduced ISO 639 list of 20 languages.

Note: If several languages are used in the titles, choose the most common language. For releases where there's an equal mix of two or more languages and hence no obvious answer, '[Multiple languages]' may be the best choice. Though, keep in mind that it is quite common for languages to borrow words and phrases. For example, "Je ne sais quoi" in an English title does not make something multiple languages, nor do a few English words in a foreign language title.

Script

The Script refers to the character set used (e.g. 'Latin') for the [Release Title|title]] and track list. It is selectable from a reduced list of 12 scripts.

Note: If either Language or Script are unknown, select 'I don't know' for each field respectively. The Show full lists button can be pressed to populate the Language and Script lists with more options.

Note: You may enter a Release a a Language/Script differing from what's printed on the Packaging/Medium(s) (this is known as Transl*tion), though you should set the release status to Pseudo-Release.

Notes

To be titled "Release Style"(?) This proposal, when passed, should replace Release Country Style.