Editing GoArch:Guide

==How to Browse==
* Visit a [[Special:Random|random page]] and browse from there.
* [[Special:Search|Search]] for something specific (or use the search box at the top of the page).
* Browse the [[Special:Categories|list of categories]].

==Ways to Contribute==
These are some suggestions on how you can help grow and improve the Archive, based on your time and level of knowledge. These categories were somewhat selflessly borrowed from the [http://docs.webplatform.org/wiki/WPD:Getting_Started Web Platform Docs wiki].

===5-minute tasks===
* '''Flag content for review.''' There are several special templates that you can use to flag content for more immediate review by others. If you spot an article with bad grammar or other minor issues and you don't feel comfortable changing them yourself, you can add the {{tlx|needs-polish}} template. For articles in need of images, add the {{tlx|needs-image}} template. If an article is lacking in detail, add the {{tlx|stub}} template. For articles that are poorly organized or structured, add the {{tlx|cleanup}} template.
* '''Correct grammar and spelling mistakes.''' Browse the [[:Category:Articles in need of polish|Articles in need of polish]] category and clean up the spelling, punctuation, and grammar in those articles as needed. Once you've finished, be sure to remove the {{tlx|needs-polish}} template.
* '''Add structure to existing articles.''' Articles in the [[:Category:Articles in need of organization|Articles in need of organization]] category are generally content-complete, but in need of an organizational overhaul. Check the [[GoArch:ArchiveProject Index|ArchiveProject Index]] for links to projects relating to specific kinds of articles, like Ages or people. These project pages will have more information on how to format an article so that it meets certain standards. Once you've made any necessary changes, be sure to remove the {{tlx|cleanup}} template.
* '''Monitor Recent Changes for improper changes.''' Keep an eye on the [[Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes]] list to help find material from new contributors that may need a helping hand.

===Half-hour tasks===
* '''Fill in [[:Category:Stubs|stubs]].''' There are a number of articles that do not have the amount of detail or information that is required. If you have more information about a topic that only exists as a stub, please feel free to expand on it. Once you've finished, be sure to remove the {{tlx|stub}} template.
* '''Add images.''' Check the [[:Category:Articles in need of an image|Image requested]] link in the sidebar under Contribute. Most of these are articles pertaining to various in-game content. If you have the time, slipping into a game to grab a high-quality screenshot of that subject and adding it to the article is a great way to help out.

===Half-day tasks===
* '''Create new articles.''' The Archive is never complete, and hard as it may be to believe, we are still missing information on a number of topics. If you've got the time and the knowledge, please consider contributing it to the Archive. Even if you don't have time to write a complete article, put together a stub so that others can build on it in the future (and be sure to add the {{tlx|stub}} template). You can check the list of [[Special:WantedPages|wanted pages]], join an [[GoArch:ArchiveProject Index|ArchiveProject]], or start from an empty search.
* '''Improve our documentation.''' The Archive is a big and complicated place, and it's sometimes difficult for newcomers to confidently pick up and use the tools available for creating and editing content here. If you feel that there is some aspect of this site that is insufficiently documented - style guidelines, editorial standards, or even just how-tos about our editing tools - please consider contributing to the documentation in the [[Help:Contents|Help]] and Guide sections.

==Editing tools==
For help on how to use this wiki's editor, please see [[Help:Contents#Editing|the Help documentation]].

==Spam prevention measures==
Because this wiki is subject to a deluge of attempts to fill it with spam nonsense and SEO garbage, there are several filters in place to prevent defacement and off-topic articles. Unfortunately, this means that there are additional hurdles to legitimate users helping to improve the Archive.

===Restrictions===
* Users must have an account to create or edit articles. Anonymous edits are unfortunately not allowed on this wiki.
* Accounts must be more than 24 hours old before they can create new articles. Accounts must also have at least 2 edits under their belt before creating articles with titles longer than 40 characters.
* Accounts must have at least 2 edits under their belt before making edits that include external links.
* Accounts must have at least 2 edits under their belt before creating or editing their user page or user talk page.

===Where you can go to get started===
See some of the "ways to contribute" above that spell out how you can make small contributions to certify yourself as a valid contributor.

You can also make edits to the [[GoArch:Sandbox|Sandbox]] to test wiki markup and increase the number of edits credited to your account.