====== How to Be a Good Wiki Editor =====

Guidelines for contributing high-quality content to the folk.zone wiki.

===== Content Quality =====

  * **Be accurate** - Verify information before adding it. If you are unsure, mark it as such or ask for clarification.
  * **Be specific** - Use concrete examples and clear language. Avoid vague statements.
  * **Be concise** - Keep pages focused on a single topic. Split large pages into smaller, more manageable sections.
  * **Be current** - Update outdated information when you encounter it. Remove deprecated content when appropriate.

===== Writing Style =====

  * **Use plain language** - Write as if explaining to someone with basic technical knowledge. Avoid unnecessary jargon.
  * **Be consistent** - Follow existing formatting and naming conventions in the wiki.
  * **Use examples** - Provide concrete examples to illustrate concepts.
  * **Link liberally** - Connect related pages to help readers discover relevant content.

===== Technical Guidelines =====

  * **Follow the hygiene rules** - Read and follow [[meta:hygiene|Wiki Hygiene Rules]] for community standards.
  * **Check bidirectional links** - Ensure child pages link back to their parent namespaces. Run the link checking script regularly.
  * **Use proper formatting** - Use DokuWiki syntax consistently. See [[wiki:syntax|DokuWiki Syntax]] for reference.
  * **Test your changes** - Preview your edits before saving to catch formatting errors and broken links.

===== Collaboration =====

  * **Assume good faith** - Assume other editors are trying to improve the wiki, even if you disagree with their changes.
  * **Discuss major changes** - For significant rewrites or deletions, consider discussing first or leaving explanatory edit summaries.
  * **Be constructive** - When editing others' work, improve rather than replace. Preserve their intent while fixing issues.
  * **Ask questions** - If something is unclear, ask for clarification rather than making assumptions.

===== What Makes a Good Page =====

  * **Clear purpose** - The page has a single, well-defined topic.
  * **Logical structure** - Information is organized in a way that makes sense for the topic.
  * **Complete information** - The page covers the topic adequately without unnecessary detail.
  * **Helpful links** - The page connects to related topics and provides external references when appropriate.
  * **Actionable content** - Readers can actually use the information provided.

===== Common Mistakes to Avoid =====

  * **Orphan pages** - Pages that are not linked from anywhere else in the wiki.
  * **Overly broad topics** - Pages that try to cover too much ground. Split these into smaller pages.
  * **Outdated information** - Content that no longer reflects current reality.
  * **Missing context** - Information that assumes knowledge the reader may not have.
  * **Broken links** - Links to pages that do not exist or have been moved.

===== Getting Help =====

If you are unsure about how to edit or what to contribute:
  * Check existing pages in the same namespace for examples
  * Review [[meta:focus|What We're Looking For]] for content priorities
  * Ask questions in the wiki discussion area or contact hello@folk.zone

===== See Also =====

  * [[meta:start|Wiki Maintenance]]
  * [[meta:hygiene|Wiki Hygiene Rules]]
  * [[meta:focus|What We're Looking For]]
  * [[wiki:syntax|DokuWiki Syntax]]
  * [[start|Return to wiki home]]