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Contribute to Orchestra

Help build the world's most comprehensive encyclopedia

Table of Contents

1. Who Can Edit

Orchestra is open to contributions from anyone with a registered account. To ensure quality and accountability:

  • Account Required: You must have a verified Orchestra account to edit articles
  • Community Guidelines: All edits must follow our community guidelines and content standards
  • Collaborative Editing: Multiple users can edit the same article, with changes tracked in version history
  • Quality Review: Significant changes may be reviewed by the community

2. How to Edit

Editing articles in Orchestra is straightforward and user-friendly:

  1. Navigate to an Article: Find the article you want to edit by searching or browsing
  2. Click the Edit Button: Look for the edit button (pencil icon) in the article header
  3. Use the Editor: The built-in editor provides a clean interface with markdown support
  4. Preview Changes: Use the preview mode to see how your changes will look
  5. Save Your Changes: Click save to submit your edits to the article

Note: All edits are automatically saved and versioned. You can always revert to previous versions if needed.

3. Markdown Syntax

Orchestra uses standard markdown syntax with some custom extensions:

Basic Formatting

**bold text** *italic text* `inline code` ~~strikethrough~~

Headings

# Heading 1 ## Heading 2 ### Heading 3 #### Heading 4

Lists

- Unordered list item - Another item 1. Ordered list item 2. Another item

Links and Images

[link text](https://example.com) ![alt text](image-url.jpg) # Inline Images (New Feature) https://example.com/image.jpg # Automatically renders as interactive image

Code Blocks

```javascript function example() { return "Hello World"; } ```

Blockquotes

> This is a blockquote > It can span multiple lines

4. External Sourcing

Proper sourcing is crucial for maintaining Orchestra's credibility and accuracy:

Source Requirements

  • Reliable Sources: Use reputable, authoritative sources (academic journals, established news outlets, official websites)
  • Recent Information: Prefer recent sources when possible, especially for time-sensitive topics
  • Multiple Sources: Cite multiple sources for controversial or complex topics
  • Primary Sources: Use primary sources when available (original research, official documents)

How to Add Sources

Add sources using standard markdown links at the end of relevant paragraphs:

This is a factual statement that needs sourcing. [Source: Example University Study](https://example.com/study)

Source Formatting

  • Include the source name and URL
  • Use descriptive link text when possible
  • Group related sources together
  • Add publication dates for time-sensitive information

5. Internal Linking

Internal links help readers discover related content and create a connected knowledge network:

How to Create Internal Links

Use square brackets to create internal links to other topics:

This concept is related to [artificial intelligence] and [machine learning]. The [Bauhaus] movement influenced modern design principles.

Internal Link Rules

  • Relevance: Only link to topics that are genuinely related to the current content
  • Context: Ensure the link provides valuable context or additional information
  • Frequency: Don't over-link; use internal links sparingly and meaningfully
  • Accuracy: Make sure the linked topic exists or will be created

Best Practices

  • Link to broader concepts when introducing new terms
  • Use internal links to connect related articles
  • Avoid linking to the same topic multiple times in one paragraph
  • Consider the reader's journey through the content

6. Inline Images

Orchestra supports inline images that automatically render when you include image URLs in your content:

How to Add Inline Images

Simply include an image URL that ends with a common image file extension in your markdown:

This is a paragraph with an inline image. https://example.com/image.jpg The image will automatically render with interactive features.

Supported Image Formats

  • Common Formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG, BMP, TIFF
  • URL Requirements: The URL must end with a supported image file extension
  • Interactive Features: Images automatically include hover effects and source attribution
  • Responsive Design: Images are automatically sized and optimized for different screen sizes

Image Guidelines

  • Relevance: Only include images that are directly relevant to the content
  • Quality: Use high-quality images that are clear and informative
  • Copyright: Ensure you have permission to use the image or it's in the public domain
  • Context: Provide context for the image in the surrounding text

Best Practices

  • Use images to illustrate complex concepts or provide visual examples
  • Include descriptive text before or after the image
  • Don't overuse images - they should enhance, not replace, written content
  • Consider the loading time and accessibility of your images

Note: Images are automatically rendered with interactive features including hover effects and source attribution. The system will display the image URL as the source for inline images.

7. Content Guidelines

Follow these guidelines to ensure your contributions meet Orchestra's standards:

Writing Style

  • Neutral Tone: Write in an objective, neutral tone
  • Clear Language: Use clear, accessible language suitable for a general audience
  • Factual Content: Focus on facts rather than opinions
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Aim to cover topics thoroughly and accurately

Content Standards

  • Accuracy: Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date
  • Verifiability: All claims should be verifiable through reliable sources
  • Originality: Write original content; avoid copying from other sources
  • Completeness: Provide comprehensive coverage of the topic

What to Avoid

  • Personal opinions or editorial content
  • Promotional or advertising language
  • Unverified claims or conspiracy theories
  • Content that violates copyright or intellectual property rights

7. Best Practices

Follow these best practices to create high-quality contributions:

Before You Start

  • Research the topic thoroughly before writing
  • Check if the article already exists to avoid duplication
  • Gather reliable sources before beginning
  • Plan the structure and flow of your content

While Writing

  • Start with a clear introduction that defines the topic
  • Use headings to organize content logically
  • Include relevant examples and case studies
  • Add inline images to illustrate complex concepts
  • Cite sources as you write, not just at the end

Before Publishing

  • Review your content for accuracy and completeness
  • Check that all sources are properly cited
  • Ensure internal links are relevant and functional
  • Proofread for grammar, spelling, and clarity

Remember: Every contribution helps build a more comprehensive and accurate encyclopedia. Your work will be read by people around the world who are seeking knowledge and understanding.

Ready to contribute? Start by exploring existing articles or creating a new one.

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