Values Sorter Style Guide

If you'd like to contribute values, activities, and advice as a contributor here's a few suggestions on style:

  • Avoid a prescriptive tone, focus instead on suggestions using phrases like "you might consider..."
  • Write advice with the assumption that the reader is currently engaged in the process/activity selected. This doesn’t mean sole use of present tense, but avoid “did you” in favor of “do you" in statements.
  • Try to use language that doesn’t rely on other underlying assumptions—for example, “relevant communities” assumes the reader has determined in some way what communities are relevant to their work. Opt instead for something like  “potentially interested communities” where possible.
  • Avoid the imperative. Not all advice will work for all situations. The sorter is meant to help guide. It is a tool, not a solution.