I took the liberty of adding some begginner's suggestions (and an variation
on Phil's method) to the Wiki.

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=Plastering_Beginner's_Guide

Slight tweak to formatting to help set the two apart and a couple of other
minor bits.

Whilst my method (wot I learnt from Ron the Builder):

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=Plastering_Beginner's_Guide#How_to _skim_-_variation

seems to work for me, I have not the experience to know if there are any
stupid or wrong bits in there.

Anyone with plastering knowledge, please comment!

It's basically the same as Phil's method, but includes a flattening in stage
after the first coat rather than the second. And more detail for beginners
from a beginner.

Cheers

Tim