-TWiki has very simple [[TextFormattingRules]]. You won't go wrong if you start each line without spaces and separate paragraphs with a blank line. Run capitalized words together to make [[WikiWords]], which become hyperlinks. This sometimes requires creativity; you're up to it. [[WikiWords]] tells you how to create good topic names.
+# <a name="GoodStyle Collaboration Tips"></a><a name="_GoodStyle Collaboration Tips"></a> GoodStyle Collaboration Tips
-If a discussion is going on on a [[WikiTopic]], separate each follow up with a separator. It is style to add your [[WikiName]] and date at the end.
+- 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
-A good format for a new topic is "dissertation followed by discussion": a factual introduction followed by opinions. After a while, the discussion will die down and the page will become static. At that point, feel free to "refactor mercilessly" to capture the key points whilst reducing the noise; this is how wiki content matures with time.
+- 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 you summarise an old discussion and merge or delete individual contributions, you can add the word "Contributors:" to the bottom of the page, and list the contributors there.
+<a name="SignAndDate"></a>
-If you want to link to external sites: Just type hyperlinks directly into the text - that makes it clear to readers whether they're browsing within %WIKITOOLNAME% or leaving it. It is usually better **not** to use the HTML tag `<A HREF="...">` .
+- If a **discussion** is going on:
+ - separate each follow-up with a space
+ - add your [[WikiName]] and the date at the end. Example:%BR% `-- Main.admin - 29 Jun 2010`
+ - 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 you'd like to use an initial, use a link with label. Example:%BR% `-- [[Main.admin][ZXQ]] - 29 Jun 2010`
+ - To automate that, add a bullet like `* Initials: ZXQ` to your [[home page|Main/Admin]].
-Date format: %WIKITOOLNAME% is international, so the ISO date format like "06 Feb 1998" is preferred to one like "2/6/98", which can mean either February or June to different readers. For the month use Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov or Dec.
+- 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
--- [[PeterThoeny]] - 30 Jul 2000
+- 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 be clear to anyone where they're headed on click.
-Feel free to look at the source to an existing page (click `Raw text`) if you want to see how something is formatted. A bit of HTML experience can't hurt, but is far from necessary.
+- TWiki is intended for world-wide use, and an internationally understood date format like <code>**01 Sep 2003**</code> or <code>**2003/09/01**</code> is preferred. It's 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,...
--- [[TWikiGuest]] - 27 May 2000
+- **TIP:** Check the source when you want to find out how something is formatted: click <code>**Edit**</code> on the lower toolbar. To see earlier versions, click <code>**More**</code>, then check <code>**Raw text format**</code> and click <code>**View revision**</code>. A bit of HTML experience can't hurt, but you'll soon see with [[TWikiShorthand]] how far that is from necessary.
+
+-- TWiki:Main.MikeMannix - 01 Dec 2001 %BR% -- TWiki:Main.PeterThoeny - 13 Mar 2004