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06.09.05
What is Wiki?
 By Sharon Housley
Wiki is web server software that allows users to contribute
content. Collaboration is the key to Wiki, which is designed
as a powerful system for online communities to build web pages
and web sites. Unlike blogs and forums, all users are allowed
to contribute and edit existing content. Wiki is derived from
the Hawaiian term "wiki wiki" meaning "quick".
The concept behind a Wiki is that collaboration on projects
will move it along quicker.
Wikis generally allow web pages to be written, edited and created
collectively in a web browser. Wiki supports hyperlinks and
simple text. Most Wikis are open, and allow any user the ability
to edit the contents of a Wiki web page. While some say this
opens the concept to abuse, Wiki moderators and self-policing
in the Wiki sector appear to be taking hold. Wiki supporters
generally feel that it is generally easier to correct mistakes
than create the content from scratch. Wikipedia is a standing
symbol of what many would consider a succesful Wiki.
Wikipedia - Wikipedia is a popular content encyclopedia that
anyone can edit. http://www.wikipedia.com
Other topic-specific Wikis like Robin Good's RSS Wiki are proving
that collaborative efforts in niche markets can work.
RSS Wiki - http://www.masternewmedia.org/reports/
newsmasterstoolkit/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
It is true that Wikis are open to abuse, but by design, it is
very easy for a Wiki moderator or other editor to revert the
Wiki to how it appeared prior to edits, essentially rolling
back the Wiki and removing any content deemed inappropriate
or unrelated. Many Wikis track the IP address of visitors and
editors, making it easy to track changes and roll back any edits
from individuals that appear to be abusing their privileges.
In rare cases Wiki operators can protect pages, making them
read-only, which restricts any edits from occurring. While such
actions are against the true Wiki philosophy, restrictions can
be used to preserve the structure of fully-developed Wikis and
protect pages from abuse.
What can Wikis be used for? Wikis have spawned some interesting
uses, including the development of knowledge bases on both
intranets and the Internet. Product documentation, tutorials
and online FAQs are increasingly created using Wiki collaboration.
Other collaborative Wiki projects that have been spawned include
a Wiki dictionary and directory of famous quotes.
Wikitionary - Wikitionary, a collaborative project to produce
a free multilingual dictionary in every language, with definitions,
etymologies, pronunciations and quotations. - http://en.wiktionary.org
Wiki Quote - Wikiquote, a free online compendium of quotations
in every language, including sources (where known), and translations
of non-English quotes. - http://en.wikiquote.org
Ultimately, Wikis are ideally suited for internal corporate
projects or committee groups, when all individuals participating
have the same goals in mind. Potential exists for significant
abuse when Wikis remain open in competitive areas.
Overall, Wikis are influential, shaping collaborative online
content development, and are likely to become increasingly
popular. Sadly, as a Wiki's popularity grows, it is likely
Wiki abuse will grow.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net
and FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com. |
WebProWorld Marketing Forum
