Guide: Edit an existing definitions page

From Justice Definitions Project

Edit an existing definitions page

Ready to Contribute? Let's Edit a Page!

Editing existing pages is a core part of contributing to a wiki. It's a great way to improve accuracy, add information, and collaborate with others. Here's a friendly guide to get you started:

Before You Begin

1.    Read the Page First: Take some time to understand the page's content and structure.

2.    Check the Talk Page: See if there are any discussions or ongoing debates about the page's content.

3.    Be Mindful of Wiki Guidelines: Every wiki has its own rules and guidelines. Make sure you understand them before you start editing.

Editing a Page

  1. Click the "Edit" Button:
    • At the top of the page, you'll see an "Edit" button. Click on it.
    • If you only want to edit a specific section, click the "Edit" link next to that section's heading.
  2. Make Your Changes:
    • Now you're in edit mode! You can add, remove, or modify the page's content.
    • Remember to:
      • Use clear and concise language.
      • Provide accurate and verifiable information.
      • Cite your sources.
      • Maintain a neutral point of view.
  3. Use Wiki Visual editor
    • Off the two options available, edit & edit source, click on 'edit'.
    • Use the formatting toolbar on the top with dropdowns for editing page content. The formatting toolbar has following options:
      • Undo & redo
      • Format paragraph
      • Style text
      • Link
      • Cite
      • Structure
      • Insert
      • Special characters
      • Help
      • Edit notices
      • Page options
      • Switch editor
  4. Preview Your Changes:
    • Before you save, click the "Show preview" button to see how your edits will look.
    • This is crucial for catching errors and ensuring your edits look as intended.
  5. Add a Summary:
    • Below the edit box, there is a small box to add a summary. In this box, add a short description of what you have done in your edit. For example, "Added information about X".
  6. Publish Your Changes:
    • Once you're happy with your edits, click the "Publish changes" button.

Tips for Editing a Page

  • Be Bold, But Not Reckless:
    • Don't be afraid to make changes but always be respectful of other users' contributions.
  • Cite Your Sources:
    • Always provide reliable sources to back up your information.
  • Maintain a Neutral Point of View:
    • Present information in a balanced and unbiased way.
  • Proofread Carefully:
    • Check your edits for spelling and grammar errors.
  • Use the Talk Page:
    • If you're unsure about a change, discuss it on the page's talk page first.
  • Start Small:
    • Begin with minor edits, like fixing typos or adding citations, before making major changes.
  • Don't delete large amounts of information without good reason:
    • If you feel that large portions of a page need to be removed, discuss it on the talk page first.

Let's Make the Justice Definitions Wiki Better Together!

Editing existing pages is a great way to improve the quality of the wiki and contribute to the community. Happy editing!