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Author Topic: Thinking of writing a guidebook  (Read 1077 times)

Ibu Muffintakers

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Thinking of writing a guidebook
« on: January 23, 2007, 12:20:00 pm »

Like the title says, I may start putting together a guidebook for DF.  I'm interested in hearing what you all think of the idea.

I know we've already got the wiki, and it's good and getting better, but there are some things that aren't covered.  Here are some of my ideas for content: suggested fortress layouts, labor organization, general timelines, defense strategies, fortress plumbing, challenge games, and extensive information on adventure mode.  Anything related to strategy, play style, etc.  

I'd probably end up drawing pretty heavily from the forums for content.  I would want to do this in a way that didn't draw resources away from the wiki, so I'll keep the overlap to a minimum.  I see the wii as being a guide to what everything is, and this guidebook as a way to figure out how to tie it all together.

So, what do you think?  Do you see value in the idea?  Any ideas for content that wouldn't overlap existing resources?

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Syreal

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Re: Thinking of writing a guidebook
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2007, 04:12:00 pm »

quote:
I see the wii as being a guide to what everything is

Heh, coincidental typo.

That aside, your idea seems good to me, Ibu. Definitely a good idea, but it may be a very demanding task. Maybe you should gather a team for making the guide.

[ January 23, 2007: Message edited by: Syreal ]

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Lord Blue

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Re: Thinking of writing a guidebook
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2007, 05:08:00 pm »

Really, the wiki is expanding all the time, and is starting to have more strategy as the explanation part of it gets more and more complete. At a certain point, the only thing left to put on there will be mods and strategy. Your guidebook just isn't necessary.

*goes off to start strategy section*

[ January 23, 2007: Message edited by: Lord Blue ]

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Maximus

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Re: Thinking of writing a guidebook
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2007, 08:31:00 pm »

quote:
Originally posted by Lord Blue:
Your guidebook just isn't necessary.

Bite your tongue!  

It sounds like an excellent idea, especially if it was one of the wiki's articles.  There's nothing wrong with a guide which covers fortress management and design in general; in fact, it's needed.  Putting it on the wiki will allow you to link to all the subtopics for additional detail.  Furthermore, putting it there will attract many collaborators.

Introductory/overview articles are still badly needed on the wiki, and what you're suggesting sounds excellent.  I'm in the process of assembling a DF for Newbies guide which ought to complement your idea nicely (how to start it vs. how to run it).

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Sucker Punch

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Re: Thinking of writing a guidebook
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2007, 09:03:00 pm »

quote:
Originally posted by Maximus:
<STRONG>
There's nothing wrong with a guide which covers fortress management and design in general; in fact, it's needed.</STRONG>

Hell yes.   I could really use it.

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Capntastic

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Re: Thinking of writing a guidebook
« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2007, 12:26:00 am »

quote:
Originally posted by Lord Blue:
<STRONG>Really, the wiki is expanding all the time, and is starting to have more strategy as the explanation part of it gets more and more complete. At a certain point, the only thing left to put on there will be mods and strategy. Your guidebook just isn't necessary.

[ January 23, 2007: Message edited by: Lord Blue ]</STRONG>


Hey, if he can make a concise guide, more power too him.  Why keep a brotha down?

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krige

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Re: Thinking of writing a guidebook
« Reply #6 on: January 24, 2007, 04:40:00 am »

I like this idea. Good luck.
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Ibu Muffintakers

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Re: Thinking of writing a guidebook
« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2007, 10:57:00 am »

Sounds like there's enough support to justify the idea.  We've got a lot of clever people playing this game and it'll be fun to gather the knowledge into one place.

So, I'll get started.  Anyone have any ideas for topics I should cover, besides what was listed above?

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Fieari

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Re: Thinking of writing a guidebook
« Reply #8 on: January 24, 2007, 01:40:00 pm »

I would not mind the three essays (on stone gathering, hunting, and a couple of general things) I just wrote on the subject going into such a guide.
http://www.bay12games.com/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=11&t=000285
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Ibu Muffintakers

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Re: Thinking of writing a guidebook
« Reply #9 on: January 24, 2007, 04:05:00 pm »

Excellent essays, Fieari, and I'd love to put them in.  I'll credit you of course.

Having little else to do except actually -work- today, I've put in some time and have gotten about 12 pages done on fortress mode.  Nothing too profound yet.  I'm starting on adventure mode in a minute because I have a big fortress that should dig too deep in the next couple of seasons.

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