write some docs for how to make changes to the site

README.md

@@ -4,16 +4,82 @@ This repo includes markdown files for [the Anarchy Planet web
 site](https://anarchyplanet.org/) and tools to generate a static
 HTML site from the source files.
 
-You can see this method in action at
-[https://testing.anarchyplanet.org](https://testing.anarchyplanet.org).
-
 ## Contributing
 
 If you are familiar with editing markdown and using git, you should
-already be able to figure out how to contribute.
+already be able to figure out how to contribute. If not, or if you need a
+refresher, keep reading.
 
-TODO: write docs for someone who's not familiar with editing markdown
+There are two methods for contributing: direct write, and pull request. Direct
-and/or using git.
+write is best if you are already known in Anarchy Planet, and pull request is
+best if you are a newcomer.
+
+### Direct write
+
+#### Prerequisites
+
+You only have to do these steps once to get set up.
+
+Register an account on https://git.anarchyplanet.org.
+
+[Request](https://redmine.anarchyplanet.org/projects/anarchy-planet-support/issues/new)
+write access to [this
+repository](https://git.anarchyplanet.org/AnarchyPlanet/anarchyplanet-site).
+
+[Install a git client](https://git-scm.com/downloads).
+
+Configure git:
+
+```
+git config --global user.name <username>
+git config --global user.email <email>
+```
+
+Clone this repository.
+
+```
+mkdir ~/projects
+cd ~/projects
+git clone https://git.anarchyplanet.org/AnarchyPlanet/anarchyplanet-site.git`
+```
+
+#### Making an edit
+
+Edit the `.md` files in your preferred editor. They are written in markdown,
+which comes in different flavors. You you can [get an intro to markdown
+here](https://www.markdownguide.org/) or read the syntax of the markdown flavor
+we use [here](https://kristaps.bsd.lv/lowdown/lowdown.5.html).
+
+Change directory to the repository and commit your changes:
+
+```
+cd ~/projects/anarchyplanet-site
+git add -p
+git commit
+```
+
+When you do `git commit`, git will open an editor for you to write a commit
+message. Write a short summary of the changes you made.
+
+Push your changes:
+
+```
+git push origin master
+```
+
+### Pull request
+
+Follow the "Direct write" instructions, but with the following differences:
+
+* Do not request write access. Instead, visit [this
+  repository](https://git.anarchyplanet.org/AnarchyPlanet/anarchyplanet-site)
+  in your browser and click the green fork button next to the branch label.
+* When you clone, clone your fork.
+* After you push your changes, visit [this
+  repository](https://git.anarchyplanet.org/AnarchyPlanet/anarchyplanet-site)
+  in your browser again and click the green pull request button next to the
+  branch label.
+* Select the branch you made, and open the pull request.
 
 ## Dependencies