====== 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  * **Be current**: Update outdated information when you encounter it.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]]