When [editing pages|TextFormattingRules] just keep the following rules in mind: !!General * Be gentle - don't be rude or offensive. * Write in a way that is easy to understand and avoid local slang or phrases. Many of those who will read your text may not have English as their first language. * Don't delete other people's contributions (unless you know what you are doing) * Don't use too many acronyms (or at least, have a page explaining them) * __Avoid the ''"click here"'' phrase!!__ Don't write: "[Click here|WikiEtiquette] for more info about etiquette" but use "More info about [WikiEtiquette]". Avoid for external links as well. * Contribute only original stuff. Links are fine, but don't cut-and-paste from copyrighted things. * Correcting typos is quite okay - in fact, it's a very good habit, since it makes the web page more readable. * Use absolute date references. You never know when someone will be reading your content in the future. Example: "As of December 2005, we are the only competitor in this market." Not, "As of now, we are the only..." * Avoid self-referencing pronouns. Instead of "I think the best method for..." try "Some think the best method for..." __You__ are not the only author of a page over time. * You are free to contribute anonymously, but it is preferred that you sign your comments with your name (or handle). It is common to prepend the signature with '--' like this: ''-- [Janne Jalkanen]'' (While you're at it, you are free to create your own wikipage and tell us about yourself.) * Another good way to identify yourself is to put your name first, like this: ''[Janne Jalkanen] : I'd like to say that...'' or use the third person if you don't think it sounds a bit grand ''AndrewCates agrees''. * Think before you comment. WikiWiki is not a high-speed conversation board. It's not a news server either. What you say will stay here forever (yeah, we do make backups) for everyone to see and comment. !!Creating WikiNames * A good WikiName is short and descriptive. If the name is logical and easy many more people will link to it. * Although you can take a whole sentence and crunch it up to make a WikiName, it is better style to restrain it to at most 5 words. * Instead, try to use WikiNames as you would use chapter titles in a book. * This Wiki allows you to create pages with a single word as a name, but try to use at least two words - we don't want to exhaust the name space :-). * __Double-check WikiNames for typos__ - otherwise someone will create a misnamed page! Misnamed pages are bad, since linking to them requires more effort than to a logical, correct WikiName. * AndrewCates asks that you please try to check whether a possible duplicate exists for your WikiWord before creating a new page. Duplicates increase the word number and navigation problems enormously !!Refactoring pages Refactoring is the process where you sum up a page, shortening it, making it more accessible. Anyone who feels up to it may go ahead, but we suggest that you leave it up to frequent (experienced) visitors. * Be objective - both pros and cons should be represented correctly. * Be careful with signed contributions - don't change their meaning. * Give credit where credit is due. * Use 3rd person or plural instead of 1st person singular in your summary. (Thanks to [Sensei's library|http://senseis.xmp.net/] for this initial text!!)