Consumer Action Taskforce:Tools for writing articles: Difference between revisions
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= Contributing to | [[Category:Help]] | ||
[[Category:CAT]] | |||
=Contributing to the Wiki= | |||
Welcome to the '''Contributing Guide'''! | Welcome to the '''Contributing Guide'''! Editing a wiki can be difficult and confusing for newbies, so this guide, along with our [[How to help|How to help]] page, will walk you through everything you need to know to start contributing! | ||
If you need assistance, join our Discord community at [https://wiki.rossmanngroup.com/chat Discord Support]. | |||
---- | ---- | ||
== | ==Choosing how to edit== | ||
There are multiple ways to create content for the | There are multiple ways to create content for the Wiki, depending on what you're comfortable with. | ||
=== | ===Writing in Markdown=== | ||
Markdown is a simple text format that converts easily into clean, structured content. Many contributors prefer writing in Markdown using offline tools to avoid the quirks (and potential crashes) of the browser's editor. | [[wikipedia:Markdown|Markdown]] is a simple text format that converts easily into clean, structured content. Many contributors prefer writing in Markdown using offline tools to avoid the quirks (and potential crashes) of the browser's editor. | ||
==== Why | ====Why use Ghostwriter or Typora?==== | ||
Here are some benefits of using Markdown editors like '''Ghostwriter''' or '''Typora''': | Here are some benefits of using Markdown editors like '''Ghostwriter''' or '''Typora''': | ||
#'''Save as you go''' | |||
#*These editors allow you to save your work locally as you go, avoiding the buggy and slow '''MediaWiki VisualEditor''', which can crash if your browser unexpectedly closes or fails. | |||
#*No need to rely on old, unreliable, PHP-based editors that may lose your progress. | |||
#'''See the whole article at once''' | |||
#*Ghostwriter and Typora display the entire document in an easy-to-read format, so you maintain a clear overview of your structure and content. | |||
#*You can focus on writing without being distracted by loading delays or limited screen real-estate. | |||
#'''Combining with word processors''' | |||
#*If you prefer writing in a word processor like '''Word''', '''Google Docs''', or '''OpenOffice''', you can paste your completed draft into Typora. | |||
#*Typora will display the entire article visually, allowing you to make final adjustments. | |||
#*Once ready, copy the formatted version from Typora and paste it into the '''Visual Editor'''. | |||
====Issues with Markdown==== | |||
MediaWiki uses wikisource text format, which is not Markdown and does not natively support Markdown. While a plugin can enable support for Markdown between `<markdown></markdown>` blocks, it disrupts the Visual Editor and prevents proper editing. | |||
To address this, we support both the Visual Editor and the wikisource editor. You can use [https://pandoc.org/try/ pandoc] to convert Markdown to MediaWiki text and use the '''Edit Source''' button, or copy and paste content from Typora into the Visual Editor. | |||
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=== | ===Using the Wiki editors=== | ||
The | The Wiki offers two primary editors: | ||
#'''Visual Editor''' | |||
#*A "[[wikipedia:WYSIWYG|What You See Is What You Get]]" (WYSIWYG) editor. | |||
#*Best for users unfamiliar with code or markup. | |||
#*However, the Visual Editor has some significant drawbacks: | |||
#**It relies on old PHP code running in a web browser, making it buggy and prone to crashing. | |||
#**If your browser crashes or the connection is lost, you can easily lose work since there's no auto-save or recovery feature. | |||
#*While it's convenient for quick edits, it's not ideal for creating long or detailed articles. | |||
#'''Source Editor''' | |||
#*The "raw" editor where you can see and edit the underlying wiki markup. | |||
#*Recommended for advanced users familiar with MediaWiki syntax. | |||
====Why use Markdown editors for Visual Editor content?==== | |||
*'''Safe drafting offline''' | |||
**Markdown editors like Typora and Ghostwriter let you work offline with auto-save and crash recovery features. | |||
*'''Clean formatting''' | |||
**Typora allows you to visually perfect your article before copying the content into the Visual Editor, avoiding errors from the browser editor. | |||
*'''Live preview''' | |||
**See how your content will appear as you write, helping you catch mistakes early. | |||
====Workflow example==== | |||
#Write your article in Typora, Ghostwriter, or a word processor. | |||
#Format your content visually in Typora. | |||
#Copy the clean, formatted content from Typora and paste it into the Visual Editor. | |||
#Save your work and enjoy the benefits of working offline while avoiding browser editor crashes. | |||
---- | |||
===Writing in Word, Google Docs, or OpenOffice=== | |||
You can use word processors to draft your content. Here's how to ensure a smooth transition into the wiki: | |||
#'''Headings''' | |||
#*Use styles like '''Heading 1''', '''Heading 2''', etc., in your word processor. This creates a clear structure when pasted into the wiki. | |||
#'''Copy and paste''' | |||
#*Once your article is finished, copy the content into the '''Visual Editor'''. Adjust the headings, lists, or formatting as needed. | |||
#'''Why headings matter''' | |||
#*Headings are not just for style; they help organize your content, making it easier for readers to navigate and enabling the clickable table of contents for the article. | |||
#*Use '''Heading 1''' for major sections. | |||
#*Use '''Heading 2''' for subsections. | |||
#*Use '''Heading 3''' for subsubsections. | |||
---- | |||
==Understanding the basics of Wiki editing== | |||
===Visual Editor vs. Source Editor=== | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
!Feature | |||
!Visual Editor | |||
!Source Editor | |||
|- | |||
|'''Ease of use''' | |||
|Beginner-friendly, like a word processor | |||
|Requires knowledge of Wiki syntax. | |||
|- | |||
|'''Features''' | |||
|Simple text formatting, easily insert images | |||
|Full control over structure and code | |||
|- | |||
|'''Recommended for''' | |||
|Casual contributors | |||
|Advanced users, Markdown writers | |||
|} | |||
- | ---- | ||
- | |||
==Key concepts for new contributors== | |||
*'''Headings''': Organize your article logically using headings ('''H1''', '''H2''', '''H3'''). This improves readability and helps readers jump to the sections they care about. | |||
*'''Formatting tools''': Use bold, italics, bullet points, and links to enhance your content. Visual Editor makes this straightforward. | |||
*'''Saving your work''': Save your progress regularly. If using the Source Editor, consider drafting offline to avoid losing work. | |||
---- | ---- | ||
== | ==Adding citations to Articles== | ||
Citations are the backbone of a reliable and trustworthy Wiki. By providing sources, you help readers verify the accuracy of information and maintain the integrity of the Wiki. | |||
=== | ===Why add citations?=== | ||
Citations ensure that: | |||
- | *'''Information is verifiable''': Readers can confirm that claims made in the article are supported by credible sources. | ||
*'''Content is reliable''': Sourced content builds trust and helps establish the Wiki as a credible resource. | |||
*'''The Wiki aligns with its [[Mission statement|mission]]''': Well-cited articles align with our mission to document systemic consumer issues with clarity and accuracy. | |||
== | ===How to add citations in the Visual Editor=== | ||
#'''Open the Article for Editing''' | |||
#*Navigate to the page you want to edit and click the "Edit" button at the top of the page. | |||
#*If you're using a mobile device, tap the pencil icon. | |||
#'''Insert a Citation''' | |||
#*Go to the '''Insert''' button at the top of the editor. On smaller screens, this may appear as a "+" symbol. | |||
#*Click on '''Basic reference''' or use the keyboard shortcut ''Ctrl + Shift + K'' (or ''Cmd + Shift + K'' on Mac). | |||
#'''Provide Source Information''' | |||
#*A dialog box will appear. Fill in the relevant fields: | |||
#**'''URL''': Paste the link to the source. | |||
#**'''Title''': Provide the title of the source material. | |||
#**'''Author/Publisher''': Include the author or publisher, if available. | |||
#**'''Date''': Specify the publication date, if known. | |||
#*Click "Insert" to add the citation to the text. | |||
#'''Position the Citation''' | |||
#*Place the cursor where you want the citation to appear and insert it. | |||
#*Citations are usually placed at the end of a sentence or paragraph to support the preceding claim. | |||
#'''Review and Save''' | |||
#*Double-check that the citation is correctly formatted and supports the intended claim. | |||
#*Save your changes once you're satisfied. | |||
---- | ---- | ||
== Final | ==Final tips for new contributors== | ||
*'''Take your time''': It's okay to draft and edit over several sessions. | |||
*'''Ask for help''': Reach out to the wiki community if you're unsure about formatting or content. | |||
*'''Experiment safely''': Create a personal sandbox page to practice editing without affecting live articles. | |||
Thank you for contributing to our Consumer Protection Wiki! Every edit helps build a better resource for everyone. | Thank you for contributing to our Consumer Protection Wiki! Every edit helps build a better resource for everyone. For support, join our Discord at [https://wiki.rossmanngroup.com/chat Discord Support]. |