Consumer Rights Wiki:Tools for writing articles: Difference between revisions

= Contributing to Our Consumer Protection Wiki =

Welcome to the '''Contributing Guide'''! We’re thrilled you want to share your knowledge. Editing a wiki can be intimidating for newcomers, so this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start contributing with confidence.

== 1. Choosing Your Editing Method ==

There are multiple ways to create content for the wiki, depending on what you're comfortable with:

=== a. Writing in Markdown ===

Markdown is a simple text format that converts easily into clean, structured content. Many contributors prefer writing in Markdown using offline tools to avoid the quirks (and potential crashes) of the browser's editor.

==== Why Use Ghostwriter or Typora? ====

1. **Save as You Go**:

  - These editors allow you to save your work locally as you go, avoiding the buggy and slow '''MediaWiki VisualEditor''', which can crash if your browser unexpectedly closes or fails.

  - No need to rely on old, unreliable PHP-based editors that may lose your progress.

3. **Combining with Word Processors**:

  - If you prefer writing in a word processor like '''Word''', '''Google Docs''', or '''OpenOffice''', you can paste your completed draft into Typora.

  - Typora will display the entire article in Markdown format, allowing you to make final adjustments.

  - Once ready, copy the Markdown output and paste it into the '''MediaWiki Source Editor''' between <nowiki><markdown></nowiki> tags to avoid VisualEditor slowness and ensure perfectly consistent formatting.

Here’s an example of how to format your Markdown:

Some text here.

This workflow ensures your content is safe, fast, and formatted perfectly before publishing.

----

=== b. Using the Wiki Editors ===

2. **Source Editor**:

  - The "raw" editor where you can see and edit the underlying wiki markup.

  - Allows for full control over structure and formatting, including the use of <nowiki><markdown></nowiki> tags for Markdown content.

  - Recommended for advanced users or those familiar with Markdown or HTML.

  - Markdown is widely supported across many platforms, making it easy to reuse your content in other tools or projects.

  - Wiki source, in contrast, is specific to MediaWiki and less versatile for non-wiki use cases.

- **Easier to Write and Read**:

  - Markdown is simpler and more intuitive than MediaWiki source syntax.

  - Formatting in Markdown is less cluttered, and tools like Typora or Ghostwriter allow you to see exactly how your article will look as you write.

- **Better Tools for Markdown**:

  - Markdown editors like '''Typora''' and '''Ghostwriter''' let you work offline, with auto-save and crash recovery features.

  - You can see a live preview of your work as you write, helping you catch mistakes early.

MediaWiki’s Source Editor supports Markdown within <nowiki><markdown></nowiki> tags, giving you the best of both worlds:

  - Instead of using the slow and buggy Visual Editor, you can write in Markdown and paste it directly into the Source Editor.

- **Ease of Use**:

  - Use Markdown’s simple syntax for formatting, headings, and lists, without having to learn or deal with wiki source.

- **No Conversion Hassle**:

  - If you prefer writing in a word processor like '''LibreOffice''', '''OnlyOffice''', '''Word''', or '''Google Docs''', you can copy your content into Typora to quickly convert it to Markdown.

  - From there, paste the Markdown into the Source Editor within <nowiki><markdown></nowiki> tags. This avoids the slow and error-prone Visual Editor entirely.

==== Workflow Example ====

Here’s how to use Markdown in the wiki for a smooth editing experience:

 

 

- Bullet point 1

- Bullet point 2

 

This method ensures your work is safe, organized, and easy to maintain, all while avoiding the frustrations of older tools like the buggy Visual Editor.

You can use word processors to draft your content. Here’s how to ensure a smooth transition into the wiki:

  - Use styles like **Heading 1**, **Heading 2**, etc., in your word processor. This creates a clear structure when pasted into the wiki.

2. **Copy-Paste**:

  - Once your article is finished, copy the content into the **Visual Editor**. Adjust the headings, lists, or formatting if needed.

3. **Why Headings Matter**:

== 2. Understanding the Basics of Wiki Editing ==

=== Visual Editor vs. Source Editor ===

| **Ease of Use**

| Beginner-friendly, like a word processor.

|-

| **Features**

| Full control over structure and code.

| Casual contributors.

== 3. Key Concepts for New Contributors ==

- **Headings**: Organize your article logically using headings (**H1**, **H2**, **H3**). This improves readability and helps readers jump to the sections they care about.

- **Formatting Tools**: Use bold, italics, bullet points, and links to enhance your content. Visual Editor makes this straightforward.

- **Saving Your Work**: Save your progress regularly. If using the Source Editor, consider drafting offline to avoid losing work.

== Final Tips for New Contributors ==

- **Take Your Time**: It's okay to draft and edit over several sessions.

- **Ask for Help**: Reach out to the wiki community if you’re unsure about formatting or content.

- **Experiment Safely**: Create a personal sandbox page to practice editing without affecting live articles.

Thank you for contributing to our Consumer Protection Wiki! Every edit helps build a better resource for everyone.