BanklessDAO Writers Guild editors bring consistency, clarity, and cohesion to all written material published via the DAO’s communication channels. We aim to retain the diversity and range of our writers’ voices while applying high standards of accuracy to all written content.
As an editor, you are the support coach for our writers. Make their voice as clear as possible. Light them up with comments, make "in-line" suggestions. Ask questions and provide possible solutions. In short, be involved with both the writer and the written word..
This framework is provided as a guide for editors to achieve consistency in aspects of writing such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage, and accessibility.
In addition, Writers Guild members have agreed on best practices in relation to clarity of meaning, audience engagement through tone, and attribution of others’ work.
This framework is intended to be a living document and your feedback is welcome. The pursuit of concise, relevant, informative, entertaining, thought-provoking, and overall excellent writing is a journey we are happy to take with you at BanklessDAO Writers Guild.
Sentence clarity helps readers follow and understand the concepts presented. Clarity is achieved by focusing on the key message throughout. This section covers techniques to maximise readability and comprehension.
Appropriate use of voice and tone will increase the connection between writer and reader. Keep the intended audience in mind and use inclusive language to convey meaning. This section includes some aspects to consider.
There are some regional or generational differences of opinion about correct grammar and the expression of information such as dates. This section provides guidance on Writers Guild’s accepted style, but we acknowledge that other style guides may specify different rules.
There are some regional differences in spelling and use of punctuation such as quotation marks. There are a range of opinions on use of the serial (Oxford) comma. This section provides guidance on Writers Guild’s accepted style, but we acknowledge that other style guides may specify different rules.
Illustrations, charts, diagrams, maps, and photographs can add impact and interest to a written work. This section gives tips on accessibility, attribution, and logical flow.
This section lists resources which have been useful in the development of this Writers Guild framework.
Use the simplest form of a word to express the concept. For example, in most cases, the word “utilize” is unnecessary; “use” will convey the same meaning.
Concise language enhances readability. Eliminate unnecessary phrases such as "in order to," "seem to be," and "in conclusion."
Use of jargon and crypto-native terms should be avoided if possible, but this is a challenge given the subject matter published by the DAO.
Where such terms are used, provide definitions and aim for consistency in capitalisation and punctuation. Some examples are given in Commonly used terms below.
Shorter sentences are easier to read, but longer sentences can sometimes be useful.