Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (content)

(Revision as of 21:15, 1 Jul 2005)

Content is where things get a little tricky and difficult to explain in very simple terms. However, this is the "Really Simple Tutorial", so let's give it a shot...

Table of contents

1 Writing style

2 Basic article structure

3 Citing sources

4 You don't have to write a complete article

5 Write something in your user page

Writing style

Thelemapedia is an encyclopedia—it is not a dictionary, soapbox, journal, discussion forum, site mirror, or link repository (see more on what Thelemapedia is not).

All articles should embody the Primary Editorial Principles:

Articles should be sympathetic with the principles, culture, practices, and beliefs of Thelema whenever possible.
Articles should promote clarity, accuracy, and the will to inform without distortion or fabrication.
Articles should reflect knowledge that is generally accepted in the Thelemic community, drawing from expert sources or common knowledge.

So, what does all that mean?

Articles should have a pro-Thelema frame whenever possible.
Articles should be a summary of existing knowledge, not personal opinion or subjective experience.
Information should come from books and journals.
Aleister Crowley is considered to be the primary Thelemic source.
Language should be neutral. Avoid speaking from the first person (e.g. "In my opinion..." or "I believe..."). Do not sign your articles.
Writing should not be dramatic, mysterious, or prose-like. Just the facts, Jack, just the facts.
Avoid or link to technical jargon. Do not assume knowledge in the reader.
Aim to educate visitors who are seeking clear and accurate knowledge.

It would be a good idea to go over Thelemapedia's Editorial Policy when you have a chance.

Basic article structure

Although every topic is different, and some articles will have unique information structures, most will follow this general pattern:

Brief intro—a lead section which is brief but sufficient to summarize the entire topic
Overview—focusing more on the core of the subject, rather than the complete range
Detailed sections—covering the major aspects of the topic (be sure to use headers!)
See also—List of links to other relevant Thelemapedia articles
External links—to relevant sites of interest
References—citing sources used
Categories—add any that fit

Citing sources

You don't have to write a complete article

Don't wait to contribute until you've written an entire article. It is completely acceptable, and even expected, that editors will add materials in a piecemeal fashion. If there is only one thing you know about a topic, then write about that one thing.

Write something in your user page

Let others know who you are, or at least what you are like and what interests you have. Just click on your name in the top right box, and start editing (now that you know how!).

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