Creating a wikiHow article was fairly different from previous works. The preciseness of each part was incredible. It took time to figure out what topic to do because there were multiple steps that even went into that. First, there needed to be three topics in mind. The topics chosen had to be something interesting to the creator. Without the interest of the creator, the article would be disorganized, dry, and boring to read or even look at. The passion, no matter what for, is what inspires the creator to create an enjoyable “how to” article. Once the three topics were picked, they needed to checked to make sure there wasn’t an article already similar to it.
Once the three topics were checked and ready, the outline stages began. After outlining the topics in detail, two topics were too abstract to be put in a step-by-step instructional and there were no ingredients or products needed for a list; therefore, another topic was needed which began the process all over again. Again, this article was very precise and, overtime, time consuming. The topic chosen was the most significant article since it had products and they were able to squeeze into steps. In addition, it was more colorful and more fun to pursue than every other topic.
The idea of “how to create the ideal spa bath” came to mind after a stressful week. Baths have always been relaxing after a rough time and when done with the correct products, it can have beneficial health outcomes for multiple people. College students are usually up to their eyes in stress whether it is with essays, homework, exams, work or lack of sleep; therefore, the tutorial of “how to create the ideal spa bath,” is great and will have positive outcomes for anyone wanting to relieve their stress for a little while. Sometimes taking those few minutes can be healthy and improve production in anything that someone was struggling with. It is a break from, “writer's block.”
When creating the wiki, there were numerous ways in communicating this project. For example, photos were taken of each step to display and to demonstrate certain aspects of the project. Some readers enjoy visuals because it assures them that they are on the right path. No matter how simple a task may be, it is always helpful to have visual aids in interesting the article and the reader. Another form that was used to communicate was a step-by-step instructional list. First, it started off with what products the user would need such as a bathtub, a towel, bubble soap, bath bomb, bath salts etc. Then it slid into the steps for preparation and how to set up the bath. To get the steps in the correct, smooth order, it took numerous attempts at the bath to get it just right. Each step was put in detail. For example, when speaking about the bath salts, the step went into description about the benefits of using the product instead of plainly explaining how to shake them into the bath.
This idea came to mind when searching for ideas for the wikiHow article. Some of the other articles, who dealt with baths, went into more than steps. They included a description of what the author sought necessary for the reader to know, which is why the descriptive aspect was demonstrated in the “how to create the ideal spa bath.”
Furthermore, creating a wikiHow article was a different experience because of many aspects. One was creating the step-by-step instructional. This was a very hands on sort of project. It was not just blindly creating steps, it was based on personal experience. Another aspect was creating coding. To see how the simple aspects of coding worked, since there is definitely more demanding coding than what is being used in this article, was interesting. For example, “#Once dissolved, sprinkle bath salts. Usually it takes a handful and shake like a salt shaker up and down the tub. Bath salts relieves pain and muscle cramps.” The pound sign demonstrates a number which showcases the step it is. When published, it will show the numerical number. Working with coding opened up a new genre of information. It was difficult to understand at first, but to notice how precise the coding had to be really puts in perspective the different ways to communicate a message especially when dealing with technology. In addition, another aspect that was different was taking photos by oneself. It was not simply taking different photos from another source online, but it was the physical aspect of taking the most professional photos someone could by themselves. Furthermore, once the photos were taken, there was an editing process through Adobe Photoshop. This was an exciting part since Photoshop enhances the photos so they stand out and make for a great example. After the photos were finished, they had to be uploaded into the article which was fairly simple. They were a few clicks away. Afterward, everything was complete. All there was left to do was publish.
However, sometimes the administration of wikiHow may think that the article is too similar to another one and redirect the page. This can get extremely irritating if there is no proper communication in what is happening with the article. All that happens is it gets redirected to the page it believes it relates to; however, the article created will not be there. This link is to the wikiHow page that the "How to Create the Ideal Spa Bath," was merged with. This article was simply too similar to this page; therefore, it had been merged with "How to Take a Bath." https://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Bath
Overall the article was different. New ideas and forms of communication were learned and applied. Creating this article is a great experience for work that may be done in the future. It utilizes photoshop, coding and personal photography. These are great characteristics to have in the future if they are taught properly. WikiHow articles are simple and entertaining to create; however, they may have a few draw backs every once in a while which are frustrating, but it showcases patience. When it comes to creating an article, it is important to have an idea that will have steps and will be able to create pictures to demonstrate what the user will be doing. The topic cannot be too abstract where certain criteria will not be accessible. This will benefit by not having the article be difficult or boring.
Here is a reference about Wikis:
Here is a reference about Wikis:
