How To Annotate & Edit On Genius Lyrics
✧ A Genius annotation is a note that explains the deeper meaning behind lyrics. There are a few different kinds of annotations:
- Lyric Annotations -> Click here for an example
- Bios -> Click here for an example
- Cover Art Annotations -> Click here for an example
You can also contribute to existing annotations:
- Suggestions -> Click here for an example
- Proposed Edits -> Click here for an example
✧ Here are the rules you should always follow when annotating:
- Don't Restate The Lyric -> Click here to learn more
- Write Like A Human -> Click here to learn more
- Watch Grammar & Spelling -> Click here to learn more
- Do Research & Hyperlink Sources -> Click here to learn more
- Highlight All Relevant Lyrics -> Click here to learn more
- Master Formatting -> Click here to learn more
- Include Media That Adds Depth -> Click here to learn more
- Be Objective -> Click here to learn more
- Be Concise & Specific -> Click here to learn more
- Be Evergreen -> Click here to learn more
✧ Here are some more nuanced practices you can follow to make sure your annotations are always great:
Use The Active Voice: Sentences in the active voice are structured so the subject performs the action stated by the verb. Active voice is generally easier to understand. -> Click here to learn more
Use Primary Sources: Wikipedia and other encyclopedic sources are great places to learn, but shouldn't be hyperlinked in annotations unless it's absolutely necessary. Never link Urban Dictionary. -> Click here to learn more
Order By Importance: The most important information should go at the beginning of the annotation. Save images, GIFs, and videos for the middle or the end, and never start an annotation with a quote. -> Click here to learn more
Avoid Hiding Info Behind Links: Don't force your readers to go hunting for the sauce. Sauce it up in the annotation and allow your links to complement what you wrote. -> Click here to learn more
Only Quote The Best Stuff: Quote what artists have said, not what others have written about them. Cut quotes to the parts that make the most sense for your annotation. -> Click here to learn more
Line-Level vs. Song-Level: Info pertinent to specific lyrics should go in annotations on the relevant lines, and info about the entire song should go in the song bio or Q&A. Annotations on section headers are only rarely appropriate. -> Click here to learn more
Editors use the Annotation Commandments to decide whether an annotation should be accepted and edited to become an official "Genius annotation," or rejected if it doesn't match our editorial standards. Click here to learn about earning the Editor role.
✧ Here are the basics of editing:
Accepting & Editing: You have to accept an annotation first before you edit it. Edits can range from fixing typos to overhauling the whole thing, but the goal is to make improvements. You'll get contribution credit based on how much of the annotation you change. -> Click here to learn more
Rejecting: To reject an annotation, you have to select one of three main reasons: "Restating the Line," "It's a Stretch," or "Missing Something." Selecting "Other" requires you to leave a note briefly explaining your rejection. -> Click here to learn more
Integrating & Archiving: You can integrate or archive suggestions and proposed edits that other users leave on annotations. Integrating brings the user's suggestion into the annotation and gives them contribution credit based on how much of the annotation they change. Archiving removes the suggestion from the annotation. -> Click here to learn more
Deleting: It's sometimes necessary to delete annotations previously accepted by other editors if they're not up to standard. You'll also need to delete annotations if you're accepting and deleting a lyric correction annotation. -> Click here to learn more
Changing the Referent: Click the "Edit Lyrics" button and copy-paste the corresponding annotation ID to change the referent. Changing the referent can ensure the annotation covers all repeated lyrics, or covers adjacent lines that closely relate to the annotation's main idea. -> Click here to learn more
✧ Here are some more complicated tools and tricks for editors:
Research Methods: The citations at the bottom of Wikipedia articles and Google Books samples are goldmines. Replace boring links and lackluster sentiments with relevant and unique info that enhances the annotation. -> Click here to learn more
Fact-Checking & Avoiding Bias: Be conscious about problematic lyrics or sensitive information. If an annotation states something definitively that hasn't yet been confirmed, tweak the language to be accurate, objective, and analytical. -> Click here to learn more
Refining Language: No matter how well-written an annotation is, it can always be improved. Brush up on your grammar skills and be meticulous about word choice, structure, organization, and expression. -> Click here to learn more
Pushing the Boundaries: There are fringe scenarios where unorthodox annotation styles work, and that's how annotation culture evolves. Don't be afraid to experiment, as long as you're saying something interesting and don't violate the editorial standards. -> Click here to learn more
✧ Tate Talks are forum posts about annotation culture. They act both as resources and as centers of discussion for specific elements of annotating & editing. If you're interested in writing a Tate Talk, send @Empath a message. The best Tate Talks will be featured below and credited to the author.
- Research & Interpretation by @JohnGanz
- Style Guide by @nietzsche
- Removing Filler by @Dyazz
- Citing the Bible by @CalebMac116
- Mastering Linked Citation by @scopeyclaire
- Connections To Other Works by @VinylZombie_MCR
- Updating Old Annotations by @theonlydjorkaeff
- Quote Etiquette by @sereinik
- Song Bio Best Practices by @babuc
- Structuring Annotations by @theonlydjorkaeff
- Annotating Problematic Lyrics by @epaulettes
- Fact-Checking & Avoiding Bias by @Empath
- Contextualizing by @Vesuvius
- Annotating Multiple Language Songs by @roy068
- Refining Language by @Empath
- Annotating Artwork by @FGV & @Pessoa
✧ Here are some quick definitions for terms related to annotating & editing on Genius:
About
This guide explains everything you need to know about annotating and editing on Genius. It starts with the basics of annotating, and transitions into advanced practices for veteran editors.
Table of Contents:
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
- @genius-editorial-board
This is an all-purpose editorial tag that sends a notification to everyone subscribed to the Genius Editorial Board forum, which is only accessible to Editors+. Click here to follow the Editorial Board.
- @red-removers
This tag sends a notification to the Red Removers squad who can help reject or accept & edit unreviewed annotations. Click here to follow the Red Removers.
- @new-release-squad
This tag sends a notification to the New Release Squad who can team up to tackle new, popular song pages. Click here to follow the New Release Squad.
Please refer to this annotation for a [hyperlink] guide.
- 1.About Genius
- 4.Genius FAQ
- 10.How To Annotate & Edit On Genius
- 21.Users’ Languages
- 31.Tags - Non-Music