First of all if there already is an active one let me know.
I would like to get some experience in writing, possibly so that I can work toward a career in technical writing... and I'm working on some small side projects with some friends that are going to need to be documented eventually too... so I was thinking I can get some experience doing this kind of thing here but I've kinda lost track of the project a bit in the last little while... I was a major contributer to the Current Documentation which is good, but just like me has fallen behind of recent developments...
This would be a big project and would need to be regularly updated as new releases are made.
The Format would be a indexed and searchable web, hosted but also available as a downloadable package and mirrored on the wiki. It would be primarily a "read this to know how to use the game" with little inset boxes with pertinent strategy tips for different mods (this would also act as advertisement for mods that people might be unfamiliar with), for example you might have a build order for XTA listed when the "commander unit" is explained, or you may have info on how to use the hoverboards when covering loading/unloading units from transports
The Scope, as far as I see it would be:
The engine itself- Namely how to download it, how to get maps, mods, brief information about the dynamic nature of the software and file formats (very brief) with links to detailed resources for modders and mapper and explain the things people see (like what pathing is)... another thing here would be that we would making a nice format to use to shove the information found spread out through the mailing list, changelogs, dev forum etc to get people to understand building and contributing.
The interface, description of what you see on the screen and the use/installation of LUA widgets (if this can really be discussed). Also a detailed list of commands, short cut keys, decription of edditing the selection keys and customizing, all cross referenced...
Playing the game, a general explaination of how to learn a new mod, for example, commanders, resources, builders, transports, basically a "what to look for" as opposed to a "do this"
It would also be good to document one mod (like XTA) with model formatting that can be used as a template for other modders/community members to include their mod in the documentation.
A desciption of the project, history, goals and how to properly integrate into the community.
The Method I see is for a relatively small group (or me) to create a framework and have the bit's in it updated piece by piece by various authors and then the "leads" of the manual project can do some copy-editing to make it all make sense and work together...
so anyways, if something like this is in place let me know, otherwise let me know what you think and possibly volunteer... I made a new space on the wiki
