Help:Creating And Editing A Guide

'

Creating A Guide

Whether or not you realize it, you’re a true expert at something, though it’s probably not the thing you do to earn a living. Start by identifying that passion of yours that most people around you don’t quite "get," but which you would spend much more time doing if you won the lottery tomorrow and never had to work again. Make your guide as specific as possible, regardless of whether you think more than ten others will find it interesting. For example, instead of merely writing about fishing, you might consider writing about dry fly fishing for brown trout on your favorite river.

Ready to share your expertise?

1. Click the Create A Guide button at the top of the left navigation sidebar. Note that you must be signed in as a registered user of Overstock.com Guides to create or edit content.
2. You will be asked to enter the subject of your guide. The site will first check to see if other guides for that subject already exist. If existing guides for that subject are found, you will have the option to review them and decide whether to join in their collaboration or create your own, new guide for the same subject.
3. If you choose to create your own, the Guides wizard will walk you through the steps of creating the template for your new guide, inviting friends to help you write it, and setting the default permissions. When you click Finish & Create, your guide is ready for you to begin editing and adding content.

Tips:

You may start your guide with as little as a title and a single sentence. Save your work and come back to it whenever you can. Don't worry, nobody will be able to make changes to your guide unless you want them to.

Not sure what to write about? See the Style Guide and FAQ for ideas.

Editing Your Own Guide

The Edit This Guide link in the left navigation sidebar will only be visible on guides or pages for which you are the Editor or have gained permission to be a contributing Writer. Once clicked, you will be taken to the Edit page for the guide where you can make the necessary changes or additions. See the Help pages for more information about formatting text, creating links and using images in your guide.

Tip:

Before submitting your changes by clicking the “Save page” button, it's a good idea to click the "Show preview" button first to ensure your edits are as you intended. You may optionally add a brief note in the "Summary" box to describe the changes you made.

Editing Another Person's Guide

To edit another person's guide, you must first ask permission from the guide's Editor. Once you have gained permission to contribute, follow the same steps as outlined above. See here for more information about permissions.

Leaving Comments

Every Guide and User Page has its own corresponding Discussion Page (aka Talk Page) where users can praise, critique, ask questions, make suggestions, etc.

1. Click on the Discussion Page link in the left navigation sidebar while viewing the Guide or User Page.
2. Click the "Leave Comment" link. You will have the option to enter a subject/headline for your note. Once you have entered your note, you may sign it by writing 4 tildes (~~~~). The site will automatically format them into the current timestamp and your username.

Categories: Help