# GoodStyle Collaboration Tips
- TWiki has a very simple **[[text formatting shorthand|Main/TWikiShorthand]]**. 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]] 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.
-- [[MikeMannix]] - 01 Dec 2001