> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://sftpmag.gitbook.io/sftp-publishing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://sftpmag.gitbook.io/sftp-publishing/style-guide/introduction.md).

# Introduction

*This is a living document! We update terminology based on feedback from editors and authors. If you have a change or addition to the style guide, email <editors@scienceforthepeople.org>*

We follow the latest edition of [Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary](http://www.merriam-webster.com) and the [Chicago Manual of Style](https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html) (now in its 17th edition). This style guide highlights either a) (rare) deviations from these, b) clarifications of issues of particular relevance to SftP (e.g. colonialism, etc.), and c) issues that arise often and that you should be vigilant for.


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# Agent Instructions
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