1

Sometimes, in my articles, I create multiple sections and then steps, other times, I do the steps and then substeps afterwards. I am curious as to what the wikiHaus (and others) think that the general public prefers.

2

I mostly create multiple sections and subsections. Substeps can be a bit confusing for me.

3

I think it depends on the article, case by case. What I generally do is this: Subsections: when there are alternative methods, each having a bunch of steps (bunch being more than 3 to 4). Also when there are phases in the execution of the steps, each phase comprising a bunch of steps. Another case is when the article actually includes the literature-ic sections, for example steps and a section containing mathematical proof of the method used (in mathematics articles of course) and situations like that, where the explanation is necessary to actually executing the steps (my general understanding of the education process is we should not give the youth how to do something without them understanding why they are following these steps or how we got these steps in the first place). Finally, in the rare case where the article is about performing two intertwined tasks. For example, using and maintaining an old machine (in the since of fixing it when it breaks). Substeps: all other cases, especially when the “bunch” of steps is three or less. == Warnings == *This is my opinion and how I usually do it. It is not in any way based on solid policies. *Use at your own risk! lol What do you think?

4

So glad you brought this up! We’ll be releasing more wikiHaus Labs findings regarding writing and formatting in the next few months, but I have a few quick thoughts on substeps and subsections. Overall, we’ve found that readers like text that looks digestible, and substeps can do a lot to help. Lengthwise, I try to keep the main step text around 4 or 5 lines long (measuring inside the advanced editor) and use substeps after that. I also like to lean on substeps if there’s expository information that’s good to know for the step, but it looks awkward if it’s phrased as an action. On subsections, I think they work best on articles with multiple methods or on long pieces that can be divided into different parts. (Long, to me, usually means 12+ steps). One wikiHaus finding that I think is really cool: people really like it when we use “Method One: Medically Verified Remedies” or “Part One: Building a Strong Wardrobe.” I think having the methods numbered out like that indicates that even if the reader doesn’t want the first option, there are others waiting further down the page. If anyone has other formatting questions or wants to talk about this more, don’t hesitate to let me know! I love talking about this. =)

5

So, to be even more clear, this article would be better with subsections?? http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Images-from-Your-iPad-to-Your-Computer ^^^ is what initiated the discussion.

6

Yes, I think two different method sections for the USB cable and iCould would be perfect. =)

7

I would always be inclined to subsection a uniquely different approach to accomplishing the task which is the focus of the article, and as Loni said, break down complicated steps into substeps, for example, if you need to take more than one action to finish a step, but don’t want to break the action down into more steps, use substeps. The big picture is that there are a lot of articles (like Cure Hiccups) that actually have too many subsections to be useful to an average reader, in which case, it could be better to write articles based on each type of cure, but it would be a challenge…