Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (content) - Revision history

Ash: small changes

2005-07-09T18:16:27Z

small changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 9 July 2005
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	<div style="border:3px solid #666;padding:3px;margin-top:10px;"><div style="padding:8px;background-color:#FAE92D;position:relative;top:0;left:0;margin-bottom:3px;text-align:center;font-size:12px;border:1px solid #666;">'''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial\|Introduction]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (the basics)\|The Basics]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (more formatting)\|More Formatting]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (content)\|Content]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)\|Tidbits]]'''</div><div style="border:1px solid #666;padding:15px;">'''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...		<div style="border:3px solid #666;padding:3px;margin-top:10px;"><div style="padding:8px;background-color:#FAE92D;position:relative;top:0;left:0;margin-bottom:3px;text-align:center;font-size:12px;border:1px solid #666;">'''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial\|Introduction]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (the basics)\|The Basics]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (more formatting)\|More Formatting]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (content)\|Content]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)\|Tidbits]]'''</div><div style="border:1px solid #666;padding:15px;">'''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...
	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__
			For a more in-depth discussion on writing quality articles, see the article [[Thelemapedia:How to Contribute\|How to Contribute]].
	==Writing style==		==Writing style==

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	It would be a good idea to go over [[Thelemapedia:Editorial Policy\|Thelemapedia's Editorial Policy]] when you have a chance.		It would be a good idea to go over [[Thelemapedia:Editorial Policy\|Thelemapedia's Editorial Policy]] when you have a chance.

	<center><div style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #333;width:80%;text-align:left;">'''An important note:''' ''The perfect Thelemapedia article does not exist. The pathway towards that ideal is ~~dependent on~~ multiple editors adding what information they can and collaborating on things like ~~structure~~, formatting, and grammar. It is far more valuable to add imperfect material than to ~~eternally wait for it to be~~ "perfect." ''</div></center>		<center><div style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #333;width:80%;text-align:left;">'''An important note:''' ''The perfect Thelemapedia article does not exist. The pathway towards that ideal is travelled by multiple editors adding what information they can and collaborating on things like content, formatting, and grammar. It is far more valuable to add lots of imperfect material than to have a trickle of "perfect" contributions.''</div></center>

	==Basic article structure==		==Basic article structure==
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	#'''Brief intro'''—a lead section which is brief but sufficient to define and summarize the topic		#'''Brief intro'''—a lead section which is brief but sufficient to define and summarize the 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!)		#'''Detailed sections'''—covering the major aspects of the topic (be sure to use headers!)
	#'''See also'''—List of links to other relevant Thelemapedia articles		#'''See also'''—List of links to other relevant Thelemapedia articles

Ash: rewritten writing style

2005-07-04T02:12:33Z

rewritten writing style

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:12, 4 July 2005
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	==Writing style==		==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:What_Thelemapedia_is_not\|Thelemapedia is not]]).		'''Thelemapedia is an encyclopedia'''—it is not a dictionary, soapbox, journal, discussion forum, site mirror, or link repository (see more on what [[Thelemapedia:What_Thelemapedia_is_not\|Thelemapedia is not]]). It might be useful to think of a Thelemapedia article as a short (but well-written) high school research paper. As such, an excellent Thelemapedia article should:
			* be written in the third person, without being dramatic, poetic, or mysterious
			* reflect knowledge from expert sources (esp. Aleister Crowley), not personal opinion or subjective experience
			* be clear and concise while covering all relevant aspects
			* cite its sources
			* be written for the reader who is not familiar with the topic or its related jargon
			* present information without attempting to persuade or advocate

	~~All articles~~ should embody the '''Primary Editorial Principles''':		When writing or editing an article, it should embody the '''Primary Editorial Principles''':
	#Articles should be sympathetic with the principles, culture, practices, and beliefs of Thelema whenever possible.		#'''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 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.		#'''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?~~		It would be a good idea to go over [[Thelemapedia:Editorial Policy\|Thelemapedia's Editorial Policy]] when you have a chance.

	* Articles should have a pro-~~Thelema frame whenever possible~~.		<center><div style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #333;width:80%;text-align:left;">'''An important note:''' ''The perfect Thelemapedia article does not exist. The pathway towards that ideal is dependent on multiple editors adding what information they can and collaborating on things like structure, formatting, and grammar. It is far more valuable to add imperfect material than to eternally wait for it to be "perfect." ''</div></center>
	* 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:Editorial Policy\|Thelemapedia~~'~~s Editorial Policy]] when you have a chance.~~

	==Basic article structure==		==Basic article structure==
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	Although every topic is different, and some articles will have unique information structures, most will follow this general pattern:		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		#'''Brief intro'''—a lead section which is brief but sufficient to define and summarize the topic
	#'''Overview'''—focusing more on the core of the subject, rather than the complete range		#'''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!)		#'''Detailed sections'''—covering the major aspects of the topic (be sure to use headers!)

Ash at 02:43, 2 July 2005

2005-07-02T02:43:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:43, 2 July 2005
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	<div style="border:3px solid #666;padding:3px;margin-top:10px;"><div style="padding:8px;background-color:#FAE92D;position:relative;top:0;left:0;margin-bottom:3px;text-align:center;font-size:12px;border:1px solid #666;">'''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial\|~~Main~~]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (the basics)\|The Basics]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (more formatting)\|More Formatting]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (content)\|Content]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)\|Tidbits]]'''</div><div style="border:1px solid #666;padding:15px;">'''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...		<div style="border:3px solid #666;padding:3px;margin-top:10px;"><div style="padding:8px;background-color:#FAE92D;position:relative;top:0;left:0;margin-bottom:3px;text-align:center;font-size:12px;border:1px solid #666;">'''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial\|Introduction]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (the basics)\|The Basics]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (more formatting)\|More Formatting]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (content)\|Content]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)\|Tidbits]]'''</div><div style="border:1px solid #666;padding:15px;">'''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...
			__NOTOC__
	==Writing style==		==Writing style==

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	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.		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.
	</div><div style="padding:8px;background-color:#FAE92D;position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;margin-top:3px;text-align:center;font-size:12px;border:1px solid #666;">'''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial\|~~Main~~]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (the basics)\|The Basics]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (more formatting)\|More Formatting]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (content)\|Content]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)\|Tidbits]]'''</div></div>		</div><div style="padding:8px;background-color:#FAE92D;position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;margin-top:3px;text-align:center;font-size:12px;border:1px solid #666;">'''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial\|Introduction]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (the basics)\|The Basics]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (more formatting)\|More Formatting]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (content)\|Content]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)\|Tidbits]]'''</div></div>
	[[Category:Thelemapedia]]		[[Category:Thelemapedia]]

Ash at 00:31, 2 July 2005

2005-07-02T00:31:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:31, 2 July 2005
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	'''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...		<div style="border:3px solid #666;padding:3px;margin-top:10px;"><div style="padding:8px;background-color:#FAE92D;position:relative;top:0;left:0;margin-bottom:3px;text-align:center;font-size:12px;border:1px solid #666;">'''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial\|Main]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (the basics)\|The Basics]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (more formatting)\|More Formatting]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (content)\|Content]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)\|Tidbits]]'''</div><div style="border:1px solid #666;padding:15px;">'''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...

	==Writing style==		==Writing style==
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	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.		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.
			</div><div style="padding:8px;background-color:#FAE92D;position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;margin-top:3px;text-align:center;font-size:12px;border:1px solid #666;">'''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial\|Main]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (the basics)\|The Basics]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (more formatting)\|More Formatting]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (content)\|Content]]''' \| '''[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)\|Tidbits]]'''</div></div>
	[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)]]		[[Category:Thelemapedia]]

Ash at 23:06, 1 July 2005

2005-07-01T23:06:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:06, 1 July 2005
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	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.		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.

	[[Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)]]		[[Thelemapedia:Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)]]

Ash at 22:24, 1 July 2005

2005-07-01T22:24:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:24, 1 July 2005
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	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.		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!).~~

	[[Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)]]		[[Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)]]

Ash at 22:23, 1 July 2005

2005-07-01T22:23:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:23, 1 July 2005
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	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!).		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!).

			[[Really Simple Tutorial (tidbits)]]

Ash at 22:17, 1 July 2005

2005-07-01T22:17:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:17, 1 July 2005
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	==Citing sources==		==Citing sources==

			It is important that you cite your sources if you draw from a book, journal, or website. If you write something like "Crowley believed that the sky was yellow", you should tell us where he said that. Also, if you write something that is a statement or belief of a group or person, be sure you attribute that statement or belief to them. This is not necessary for beliefs that are commonly held by Thelemites or considered very common knowledge. It's your call, but be thoughtful about it.

			There are two ways to cite sources in the body on an article:

			# '''After a quote or paraphrase.''' ''Ex.'' Diana was also worshipped "as a goddess of nature" (Frazer, 1993, p.141).
			# '''Before a quote or paraphrase.''' ''Ex.'' Frazer (1993, p.141) writes that Diana was also worshipped "as a goddess of nature."

			The exception to this format is when citing [[Aleister Crowley]]. On Thelemapedia, the standard is to list the name of the book or text. Examples:

			* "The Circle announces the Nature of the Great Work" (''Magick'', ch.2).
			* Crowley writes in ''Magick'' (ch.2), "The Circle announces the Nature of the Great Work."
			* "The Circle announces the Nature of the Great Work" (Liber IV).
			* "Every man and every woman is a star." (AL I:3)

			'''Put under the "References" header''', again in a bulleted list, any books, articles, web pages, etcetera that you used in constructing the article and/or recommend as sources of further information to readers.

			* Frazer, James. (1993). ''The Golden Bough.'' Hertfordshire, U.K. : Wordsworth Reference
			* Crowley, Aleister. (1997). ''Magick: Book 4.'' 2nd ed. York Beach, Me. : S. Weiser.
			* ____. (1979). ''The Confessions of Aleister Crowley.'' London;Boston : Routledge & Kegan Paul.
			*Thriambos, Dionysos. (2002). "[http://www.scarletwoman.org/scarletletter/v7n2/v7n2_conditions.html Conditions for Eucharistic Magick]." ''The Scarlet Letter.'' Vol. VII, No. 2.

			If a page is taken from another GNU-licensed site, like Wikipedia, it should be referenced as such:

			*Adapted from: Wikipedia. (2005). ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelemapedia Thelemapedia]''. Retrieved on July 1, 2005.

			Citing sources provide references that help the reader to check the veracity of the article and to find more information. If you consult an external source while writing an article, citing it is basic intellectual honesty. More than that, you should actively search for authoritative references to cite. If you are writing from your own knowledge, then you should know enough to identify good references that the reader can consult on the subject. The main point is to help the reader—cite whatever you think will be most helpful. This applies when writing about opinions, as well—beware the temptation to write weasel phrases like, "Some people say..." Who said it, and where and when?

	==You don't have to write a complete article==		==You don't have to write a complete article==

Ash at 21:15, 1 July 2005

2005-07-01T21:15:56Z

New page

'''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...

==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:What_Thelemapedia_is_not|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:Editorial Policy|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!).