Add more 'how to contribute' documentation

README.md

@@ -1,10 +1,62 @@
 # developer-guide
 
-This repository contains the source code for the LASP developer guide. For more information about purpose, motivation,
-scope, and contents, see the developer guide here: http://lasp-developer-guide.readthedocs.io/.
+This repository contains the source code for the LASP developer guide. This README serves as a guide for those who wish
+to contribute. For more information about purpose, motivation, scope, and contents of the developer guide, see the
+developer guide homepage here: http://lasp-developer-guide.readthedocs.io/.
 
 ## Contributing
 
+### Markdown
+
+This project uses the Markdown language as the source code for all documentation.
+[This Markdown Guide](https://markdownguide.org) is a good resource for learning/troubleshooting Markdown syntax (google,
+StackOverflow, and ChatGPT are also useful for this). Additionally, new contributors are encouraged to look through the
+existing documents for examples on how to use Markdown and how to contribute with consistent formatting.
+
+### Organization
+
+Documents in this developer guide are mainly organized by topic, and is subject to change as more documents are added
+and the project evolves. If it is not clear where to place a new document, feel free to open a GitHub issue so that the
+larger group of developers can discuss it.
+
+### Consistency in formatting, language, and tone
+
+We aim to have a consistent tone and use of language throughout the documentation. Some things to keep in mind when
+contributing:
+
+* Avoid sharing opinions about topics without supporting facts
+* Stick to third-person language and avoid using first-person
+* Avoid jargon, acronyms, or abbreviations unless they are defined
+* Keep sentences and paragraphs concise; break up long blocks of text
+* Follow a consistent capitalization style for headings, code terms, proper nouns, etc.
+* Format code snippets consistently (indentation, language tags for syntax highlighting).
+
+### What is out of scope
+
+* Do not include any credentials, usernames, passwords, etc.
+* Do not include any material that is considered Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
+* Do not include informal meeting notes
+
+### Template
+
+Please refer to the
+[guideline template](https://github.com/lasp/developer-guide/blob/main/guideline_template.md) markdown file as a
+template for new guidelines. This template should be considered as guidance, and not a hard rule -- sections may be
+removed, added, or edited based on the contributor's discretion and what makes sense for the topic.
+
+### How to view the documentation as it appears on ReadTheDocs
+
+It is often helpful to view what the final product will look like while developing. To do this, one can build the
+docs locally and view them in a local browser:
+
+```bash
+cd docs/
+make clean && make html
+open build/html/index.html
+```
+
+### git Workflow
+
 If you would like to contribute changes to the content of this repository, do the following:
 
 1. Create a fork of this repository