How to write the perfect guide!


What is a guide?

We've all been there. Trying to figure out how to do something, and ultimately giving up and googling "guide+[insert problem]". Many times, however, we end up with poor problem solvers and just plain confusing steps on how to sometimes get something so easy done.

A guide is rarely a strict solution to a problem you might have, and you might have to look at several guides just to get a good image of what you're dealing with. But a guide is just that, a way of introducing you to often basic stuff, and get you started towards higher levels!

Guide guidelines


  • Keep it simple. There's nothing more frustrating than a guide that's a history lesson, an orgy in difficult words, or just plain inaccurate. Keep phrasing easily understandable, and stick to the subject!
  • Inform yourself! If you plan on writing a guide, and by doing so claiming yourself to be the know-it-all, be an expert! Is your information outdated? Update it! Guides in general, and especially game guides, needs their information updated regularly as games gets updated on almost a weekly basis.
  • Make sure your information is relevant! There's no point in posting useless information that the reader can actually figure out for themselves.
    Example: "If you go with herbalism, you can gather herbs. If you choose mining, you mine nodes." Try to overlook sentances that can be simplified and actually made into useful information, such as "Two of the gathering professions are herbalism and mining"
  • Keep the text easy to read. You want to use paragraphing and very good English, to keep the read intrested in what you have to say.
  • Use images! You know what they say, pictures really do say more than a thousand words! If you're able to, use as many pictures as you can to describe your solution! However, keep in mind to always keep your text easy and paragraphed, and not too cluttered with pictures mixed in with words. Often pictures really can be the difference between an excellent guide, and a poor one.

    For example, when posting an image, try and keep your object focused. Remove (if possible) any unnecessary disturbance such as irrelevant UI, names, open bags etc. Don't forget to add a good explaining text to you image, to make sure people understand what your intention was. Also, try not to zoom in too heavily. If people are looking for a certain NPC or item, it might be easier to get an image of the surroundings to navigate more easily in game. All of the above mentioned steps should be applied to image posting, as well as the text.

    (I tried using imgur to upload a few examples, but mmo-champion wouldn't let me post those pictures since I'm a new user so, ironically, the guide how to write perfect guides is not the perfect guide.)
  • Don't advertise! For example, don't tell the reader that you can only succeed using this item (unless there is only in fact one way to do it), or you can only succeed doing this way. A guide is supposed to be leading, and merely a guide.
  • Expect critiscism. Often bringing in a second pair of eyes can help, and bring you constructive criticism. You will always get input on your words, try to keep it professional!
  • Have patience! Don't stress something you are not sure about! Make sure all your information is correct, well put and coherent before posting it. Always read it twice (atleast)!

Remember to always write about something that you're passionate about! The worst mistake someone can make is not caring, and not putting any love into the words!

Thank you and good luck!