GoArch:Guide: Difference between revisions

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


===How to Contribute===
==Ways to Contribute==
Consider reading [[GoArch:Getting Started]] first.
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].
* Check the list of [[Special:WantedPages|wanted pages]]. These are pages that are referred to, but not yet written. You don't need to have encyclopedic knowledge of something to get a page started; even stubs – pages with a bare minimum of information – are helpful.
 
* Read over [[Special:RecentChanges|recent changed pages]] to check for typos, inaccuracies, missing information, or other mistakes.
===5-minute tasks===
* Expand a [[:Category:Stubs|stub page]]. If you feel that the page is sufficiently detailed once your edits are complete, you can remove the <nowiki>{{stub}}</nowiki> template.
* '''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 ''<nowiki>{{needs-polish}}</nowiki>'' template. For articles in need of images, add the ''<nowiki>{{needs-image}}</nowiki>'' template. If an article is lacking in detail, add the ''<nowiki>{{stub}}</nowiki>'' template. For articles that are poorly organized or structured, add the ''<nowiki>{{cleanup}}</nowiki>'' template.
* [[:Category:Articles in need of an image|Articles in need of an image]] are pages that are missing a screenshot or illustration. If you have a suitable one, upload it and include it in the page, then remove the <nowiki>{{needs-image}}</nowiki> 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 ''<nowiki>{{needs-polish}}</nowiki>'' 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 ''<nowiki>{{cleanup}}</nowiki>'' 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 ''<nowiki>{{stub}}</nowiki>'' 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 ''<nowiki>{{stub}}</nowiki>'' template). You can check the list of [[Special:WantedPages|wanted pages]], 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 [[GoArch:Guide|Guide]] sections.
 
==Editing tools==
For help on how to use this wiki's editor, please see [[Help:Contents#Editing|the Help documentation]].

Revision as of 19:27, 28 October 2015

How to Browse

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 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 {{needs-polish}} template. For articles in need of images, add the {{needs-image}} template. If an article is lacking in detail, add the {{stub}} template. For articles that are poorly organized or structured, add the {{cleanup}} template.
  • Correct grammar and spelling mistakes. Browse the 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 {{needs-polish}} template.
  • Add structure to existing articles. Articles in the Articles in need of organization category are generally content-complete, but in need of an organizational overhaul. Check the 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 {{cleanup}} template.
  • Monitor Recent Changes for improper changes. Keep an eye on the Recent Changes list to help find material from new contributors that may need a helping hand.

Half-hour tasks

  • Fill in 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 {{stub}} template.
  • Add images. Check the 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 {{stub}} template). You can check the list of wanted pages, 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 and Guide sections.

Editing tools

For help on how to use this wiki's editor, please see the Help documentation.