Getting Started

Welcome! This is intended to be a primer to people who are new to the Wiki to get a handle on what goes on here. Basically, we're a community working together to create and compile anything and everything about Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — especially the little, enjoyable things.

This entire site is maintained by the people who use it: anyone can edit this website. We hope you will enjoy being a part of the wiki community. Here are some helpful hints that we've found useful for new members:

1. If something on a page is incorrect, in a comment or not, it is helpful to clarify it in a way that fits with the rest of the page. Editing can do this better than leaving another comment. Please edit if you see something wrong or unclear and help the wiki!
   

2. The Importance_of_Using_Your_Real_Name cannot be underestimated.
   

3. When you leave a review or comment keep in mind that it will reflect on you as much as on the business or other page you are reviewing.
   

4. Don't feel like you have to create a whole new entry with your first edit. Many editors contribute by doing the tiny fixes and grooming of existing entries.
   

5. Where to get help with editing — how to use Recent Changes
   

6. When editing... Please Remember to Preview
   

7. The goal is not to present a Neutral Point of View (NPOV), but rather to reflect that in our community there are differing opinions and viewpoints.
   

8. In addition to providing current information, we would like to make PGHwiki a historical record of Pittsburgh, departed businesses, pictures of things that are now gone, names of people no longer involved in an organization, etc. So, please don't delete those, at least without a very good reason.

But, before you get started adding to the website, you must first create an account. While some large wikis (Wikipedia comes to mind) do not require users to log in before editing, PGHwiki exists in part to build connections between those that live in and/or love Pittsburgh. So take a few minutes to read the next section, log in, and start writing!

To make an account, just go up to the top right corner, and click the 'New User' button. You will then be asked for some very basic information, including your User Name. We strongly encourage people to use their own real name (like BobSmith). That's it. Fill in your password and e-mail address, and you are ready to edit! You might start by creating a page to introduce yourself to the other Pittsburghers on the wiki!

1. Head over to help_with_editing and see if there is some useful info there!
   

2. Play with the Wiki Sand Box to work things out
   

3. Ask that question! Go to the FAQ page and add your question! Click "Edit," scroll to the bottom, ignore anything that's written (but leave it there), and ask your question (don't worry about anything — just type!) Then hold tight and you'll get your question answered and help us improve!

Parts of this entry has been adapted from the Davis Wiki.