1 - TWiki has very simple **[[text formatting rules|Main/TextFormattingRules]]**. You won't go wrong if you:
2 - start each line without spaces
3 - separate paragraphs with a blank line
5 - Run together capitalized words to make **[[WikiWords]]:**
6 - [[WikiWords]] automatically appear as hyperlinks
7 - make up meaningful Wiki names - it can be a challenge (it'll sharpen you up!)
8 - [[WikiWords]] has name-creation tips that may help
10 - If a **discussion** is going on on a [[WikiTopic]]:
11 - separate each follow up with a horizontal rule
12 - add your [[WikiName]] and date at the end
14 - A good format for a **new topic** is "dissertation followed by discussion":
15 - start with a brief, factual introduction
16 - then bring on the opinions.
18 - When a discussion dies down and the page becomes static, feel free to **refactor mercilessly**:
19 - fearlessly edit down to capture the key points
20 - reduce the noise without losing the facts or the flavor
21 - if you merge or delete comments, you can group list "Contributors:" at the end of the page
22 - That's how Wiki content matures and grows in value over time.
24 - For **external site links**, you can type URLs directly into the text - <code>**http://etcete.ra/...**</code> - it'll clear to anyone where they're headed on click.
26 - TWiki is international, and an ISO international standard **date format** like 06 Feb 1998 is preferred. A date like 2/6/98, can mean either Feb or Jun, depending on the local conventions of the readers. For months, use the first three letters: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr,...
28 - Look at the source when you want to find out how something is formatted: click **Raw text** on the lower toolbar. A bit of HTML experience can't hurt, but you'll soon see with TWiki how far that is from necessary.
30 -- [[PeterThoeny]] - 30 Jul 2000