Development Guide

Author: Harken
Date Added: 8/8/09
Last Modified: 8/8/09

The Development of Aedolyn

Types of Development

• New Documents

  As Aedolyn gets off the ground, this is the type of development that will be seen the most.  A new document is considered as the first bit of writing in the library on a certain topic (ex. Humans or the Telgin Republic).  These documents must follow the templates provided to keep the library as consistent as possible.  If a template doesn’t exist, then feel free to make your own, it may then become to standard.  When developing a new document, be sure to read—as much as possible—the preexisting documents in the library to make sure that your topic hasn’t already been developed slightly in some other document (especially in the History of Aedolyn).  We want to minimize the frequency of contradictions or scattered information.  If other information exists in some other document, be sure to reference and link it in your new document.

• Additions

  If a document already exists in the library on a topic you are interested in and wish to develop further, then you are able to write up an addition, extension, or simply an update (ex. More specific information on the culture of Trolls or simply a paragraph on Orc-Dark Elf relations).  It is also considered an addition if a document is completely redone since it already exists in the library (ex. Revamping the Humans document).  Additions can be anywhere from one sentence to a full-fledged write-up.  We encourage additions to existing documents because it helps build Aedolyn even more, but we must be careful not to overdevelop a topic to an extent where it no longer is free-form.  This is where the Development Staff comes into play, it is their call.

• Edits

  Edits are important because they keep the library updated as well as making everything grammatically correct.  Nothing is more peeving than a few small errors in a wonderfully written document.  If you are the type of person who enjoys editing, then feel free to choose any document in the library and edit it.  Edits are highly encouraged and usually needed (perhaps even in this document).  Even if a document only required one or two small edits, it would be appreciated if they are pointed out for us to change.  Edits can also be updating outdated information or adding new developments from a discussion in the Realm Development board.  We also encourage members to write up small blubs on discussions that were settled so that the outcome can be noted in the appropriate document in the library.

Development Process

• Submissions

  The submission process is simple.  Once you have finished a piece of development just create a topic for it in the Realm Development board.  This is prompt discussion on the topic.  Generally, members and staff will comment on what you have written and, if necessary, request changes or clarifications.  Every time you have corrected what staff members point out, be sure to post that you have done so in that thread so that the staff is aware of it and return to continue the approval process.  Edits are usually handled directly by the administrator or counselors since they are the only ones who can access the library; approvals are usually not necessary for edits.  When submitting additions be sure to state which document you are adding on to or developing further.

• Approval Process

  After all requirements presented by the Development Staff have been met, your write-up will get a stamp of approval.  At the moment, only one approval is necessary (either by a Development Advisor, the Development Counsellor, or the Administrator).  At this point you have completed the development process and your document will be added to the library citing you as the author, contributor, or editor, and this information will also be cited under your name on the Credits page.

The Concept of Aedolyn

Founder's Vision

Characteristics

Limitations

Things to Keep in Mind

• Sixth Age Perspective

  Although the height of Aedolyn’s history was not in the present age, we require that all information added to the library be written from the perspective of the Sixth Age.  If you would like to discuss what it used to be like, be sure to state so clearly.  This is very important since the Sixth Age is so different from the previous five.

• Uniqueness

  To stress again, the idea of Aedolyn is very important when it comes to its development.  Uniqueness in every document is something that we want to be known for.  If you need any help with this, don’t be scared to contact anyone on the Development Staff, or even the administrator directly.

• Over Development

  Be sure not to provide too much detail to where it becomes impossible for a member to make a topic his/her own.  We want to allow enough room for free-form so that members can take a topic and run with it.  This is a very fine line and if it is crossed unknowingly, the Development Staff will be sure to respectfully inform you during the development process.