The NoteMesh Style Guide
This document is written to help promote user awareness of what makes a successful course page. The number one factor in a successful course page is you, so follow these tips to maximize your NoteMesh experience:
Learn How to Post.
Using NoteMesh's wiki system might be daunting to some people at first, so that's why we created a tutorial for users to follow. All users should at least familiarize themselves with NoteMesh's advanced wiki software before diving into editing classes. If you have a question that's not on the tutorial, check the FAQ or feel free to email the team. Go to the about page to email team members individually, or you can send an email to team@notemesh.com or fill out the comment page to contact the entire NoteMesh team.
Break the Ice.
Many users are afraid of being the first user to post their notes for everyone to see. However, what most people do not realize is that you do not necessarily have to post all of your notes at once. Simply posting one or two main points may be enough to get other users to add to your notes and flesh them out more thoroughly. Remember, the sooner you break the ice by posting some of your notes, the sooner a cohesive set of notes can be created for the class.
Post Good Notes.
Every class is different, so the exact content of the notes will vary from class to class. However, you should post any topics discussed in lectures, TA sessions, study groups, or any pertinent information found in readings and homework assignments. How the notes are structured and the content of the notes are completely up to you. However, please refrain from posting opinions, false information, derogatory comments, or other such trash. Users who do not positively contribute to course notes will be banned. Also beware of posting any copyrighted information. If you quote text, be sure to include the source of the text.
Keep a Unified Notes Style.
Each set of class notes you encounter on NoteMesh will probably be written in a unique style. This is because different classes have different lecture formats and different students contributing notes. Feel free to post, but keep this rule of thumb in mind: try to keep the format of individual class notes the same. That is, if you are adding to other people's notes, then try to keep your additions and edits in the same style of the previous user. For example, if the previous user added bullets for lists, then if you add or edit a list, you should use bullets as well. If you think the notes could be organized in a better way, then feel free to go ahead and reorganize.
Be Clear and Succinct.
You should keep in mind that other users will be reading your notes, so you should try to post in complete sentences and clear enough that somebody (other than yourself) can understand what you have posted. Please do not post short hand, incomplete thoughts, or in ways that only you can understand. This is not useful if other users want to elaborate or edit your thoughts.
Get People Involved.
NoteMesh only works if users contribute to the notes, and the best way to ensure this happening is by inviting your friends and classmates to join and use the service. NoteMesh is a fun, easy, and free way to share notes and study for tests, and the more users you can get to contribute, the more accurate and thorough you can guarantee the information to be. All you have to do is enter the email addresses of your study group members, your friends, and your classmates here, and NoteMesh will do the rest! Or, if you are more adventurous, advertise in class by writing on the blackboard, sending out mass emails, or making an announcement. Either way, the more people that join, the more you benefit!