CZ:Getting Started

Let's get started!

Learn about us

Essential reading. Don't miss these crucial documents. (They're part of the CZ:Organization pages.)

• About - An introduction to the Citizendium; our goals.
• Help system - questions and answers to find the help you need.
• FAQ - A lengthier, question-and-answer style introduction.
• Policies - The current "constitution" of the Citizendium community.

How to get to work

You don't need to read a thick manual before actually working. We'd prefer it if you just dove in, which you can do, because wikis are easy (really!). But the following documents should clarify your role as author or editor, and give you an idea of where to have your questions answered in the future.

• Start a new article - There's an easy way--and it is very easy.
• Every contributor is an Author (we no longer have Editors).
• Introduction to CZ for Wikipedians - We do things differently here, but not that differently.
• A few essentials - Here are a few hints if you want to avoid common faux pas.
• How you can help - What to do. There's a lot that needs to be done!

Citizendium culture

We're a community, and we have a culture. Read about what "gets us going" and what "makes us tick."

• Why Citizendium? - Why should you contribute at all? There are many good answers.
• Be Bold - If no one is giving out orders, you're free. Freedom requires boldness!
• Under Construction - This is a new wiki. Things aren't perfect. That's OK--for now.
• How to collaborate - Collaboration with a global group of colleagues requires finesse.
• CZ:Group Editing - Commentary on how editing and writing as a group is much different than rough draft/final copy formats that most are used to.
• Professionalism - We're a pretty friendly bunch.

Learn more

This is just a getting-started page. There's a lot more on the community home page, CZ:Home. Here are some other links to help you get started.

• How to edit an article - The technical nitty-gritty. WikiMedia markup, etc.
• Approval Standards - A list of the qualities a good article should have.
• Article mechanics - A guide to mechanics and style
• Subpages - We're more than just an encyclopedia. See what else.
• Workgroups - How we organize ourselves by discipline.
• Citizendium by Citizendium - our article about ourselves.
• Introductory Video - A third-party video introducing the concept of wikis.