Talk:Getting started
Introduction
I recommend rewording the lead introduction to:
Welcome to the wiki's getting started page! First things first. Don't panic! There is a lot of information available to help. Take your time and get organized.
Next, please remove the Charles Dickens quote. Is far too difficult to read, yet understand the intent.
--LadyGeek 12:37, 28 January 2023 (UTC)
Done. (The Dickens quote is nice, but we don't have 'pounds' in Canada, etc.) --Quebec 20:34, 29 January 2023 (UTC)
- Sorry but I strongly disagree with both actions. I would suggest examining the dictionary definition of panic to see if that is the appropriate word choice in the lead-in section. People generally do not panic when the begin their financial journey. IMHO using the phase "Don't panic!" is more likely to turn new readers away than to invite them to read further. So I looked at synonyms for alternatives and settled on anxious which I believe better describes how people feel when they begin their financial journey.
- The Dicken's quote is a classic way of expressing living within your means. It isn't to be taken literally but does express the consequences of choosing to either live within your means or spend beyond your means. --Peculiar Investor 21:08, 30 January 2023 (UTC)
- The phrase "Don't panic!" is from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy. Changing the phrase takes it out of context. When I first started investing, I did indeed get a feeling of panic. "Stay calm" is an alternative, but it has an entirely different context and I do not recommend using that phrase.
- As for the Dicken's quote, it's simply too lengthy and complicated to understand. New investors have no idea how to interpret that phrase. You have to stop reading and figure out that "ought and six" is the difference. Then, you also have to understand the British currency system. I strongly prefer to keep that quote removed. --LadyGeek 14:12, 31 January 2023 (UTC)
- An obscure reference to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy doesn't seem like the best lead-in to a financial article. I have read the book and didn't make the connection. The article title is not the Hitchhiker's Guide to the getting started investing so the context isn't relevant. Based on the dictionary definition, using the word panic in the context of getting started is just inappropriate and needs to be removed.
- If the articles intention is to have the reader "Stay calm" then as stated above I think that anxious is a much more appropriate synonym. It addresses the fact they likely are not comfortable with personal finance and investing and are seeking our help.
- Here are a couple of other examples, How To Invest and How To Get Started | Vanguard says
Investing might seem complex, but taking a little time to learn about it can really pay off. It's one of the best ways to meet your financial goals.
— Vanguard - And Getting started | Investing basics | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca
Getting started with investing is an important step in planning your future. Start here with the basics of how the market works and which types of investments may be right for your goals and investing personality.
— GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca
- Here are a couple of other examples, How To Invest and How To Get Started | Vanguard says
- --Peculiar Investor 14:59, 31 January 2023 (UTC)
I see your point and agree to removal of the phrase. If there is further discussion of quotations, I would not cite anything from a commercial source (endorsement implied). --LadyGeek 15:21, 31 January 2023 (UTC)
- The revised introduction looks good. --Quebec 19:35, 31 January 2023 (UTC)