%META:TOPICINFO{author="MikeMannix" date="1007279953" format="1.0" version="1.6"}%
---+ <nop />GoodStyle Collaboration Tips

	* TWiki has a very simple *[[TWikiShorthand][text formatting shorthand]]*. In any case, you won't go wrong if you simply:
		* start each line without spaces
		* separate paragraphs with a blank line 

	* Run together capitalized words to form *[[WikiWords][WikiWords]]:* 
		* WikiWords automatically appear as hyperlinks
		* make up meaningful, reasonably brief Wiki names - it can be a challenge (it'll sharpen you up!)
		* WikiWords has name-creation tips that may help

	* If a *discussion* is going on:
		* separate each follow-up with a space
		* add your WikiName and the date at the end
		* OR, by all means, insert your comment where it seems to fit best:
			* you may want to inset it with a bullet and/or _set it in italics_ so it's clear (always sign and date)
		* if a sub-topic develops, separate it with a horizontal rule at beginning and end

	* A good format for a *new topic* is "dissertation followed by discussion": 
		* start with a brief, factual introduction, followed by double horizontal rules
		* let the discussion begin

	* When a discussion dies down and the page becomes static, if you're clear on your course, feel free to *refactor mercilessly*:
		* fearlessly edit down to capture the key points
		* reduce the noise without losing the facts or the flavor
		* if you merge or delete comments, group credit =Contributors:= at the end of the page
		* _This is how Wiki content matures and grows in value over time._

	* For *external site links*, you can type URLs directly into the text - =http://etcete.ra/...= - it'll clear to anyone where they're headed on click. 

	* TWiki is intended for world-wide use, and an international *standard date format* like 01 Sep 2001 is preferred. It's universally understood, and clearer than the xx/xx/xx format, where a date like 9/1/01 can mean either Jan or Sep, depending on the local conventions of the readers. For months, use the first three letters: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr,...

	* *TIP:* Check the source when you want to find out how something is formatted: click ==Edit== on the lower toolbar. To see earlier versions, click ==More==, then check ==Raw text format== and click ==View revision==. A bit of HTML experience can't hurt, but you'll soon see with TWikiShorthand how far that is from necessary. 

-- Main.MikeMannix - 01 Dec 2001
