Wiki
From Wikiprogress.org
Contents |
What is a wiki?
A wiki ‘is a website that allows the creation and editing of any number of interlinked web pages via a web browser using a simplified markup language or a WYSIWYG text editor.’ (Definition taken from Wikipedia) [1]
In other words, a wiki is a type of web platform that allows user-generated content. Wiki content is created by a community of users who work together to develop information on a particular subject or within a particular field. It is essentially a database of information that can be browsed, searched, created and edited.
But wikis are more than just a web-based tool for collective contribution- they are the force behind a new era of mass collaboration and participation that is shaping the way we work together in dealing with global issues. Information is now created and shared by a multidisciplinary community, facilitating for the democratization of information.
A recently coined term Wikinomics, describes this movement as ‘the new force that is bringing people together on the net to create a giant brain’.[2]
How do wikis work?
A wiki is a hybrid of tool and community[3]
In order for a wiki to function, it must have a community of users who read, edit and create the information on the platform. A wiki is only ever as strong as the community who nurture it see more on the Wikiprogress community
Creating and editing articles
See How to create an article and how to edit an article for instructions and help on developing Wikiprogress articles
Creating a new article is simple. Lets say for example someone decides a new article needs to be created on the Human Development Index. The author does not necessarily need to be an expert in the area; all they need to do is begin the process of an article. They can contribute by adding just one sentence: ‘The Human Development Index is a composite statistics used to rank countries by levels of human development.’
The articles is then viewed by readers who edit and develop the article bit by bit to add as much information as possible.
Editors can either contribute a significant amount of information, by adding the complete HDI ranks for 2010, or writing about the methodology of the HDI, or they can simply add a reference, correct a spelling mistake or add a picture. Bit by bit the community works together to develop the article.
A wiki article is a process, not a product, and as a result it is never finished.[4]
This is one of the key differences between wikis and other information gathering tools, as it is in a permanent stage of development. This function of the wiki allows for a wide variety of individuals to contribute to a single article, gathering information from many different users. As articles are never finished, each edit can be seen as a provisional change.
On quality and vandalism
Wikis operate with a publish then filter system, which has added fuel to the fire for the argument against the quality of wiki articles and in theory should leave the platform open to vandalism. This is not the case.
As explained earlier, wiki articles are a process and as such each little contribution, published in real time, allows for the development of the article to happen with no interruption or delay.
Vandalism is rare on any wiki platform, and there are a few reasons for this. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to erase vandalism or mistakes by simply ‘reverting’ the article to what it was before the edit. The same goes if an entire article is deleted- it can simply be reverted back to what it was before the vandal deleted it. The history of every article on the wiki is open for all to view, showing how the article has been developed, who edited what and if there have been any attacks of vandalism.
Additionally, a feed of activity on the Wikiprogress home page shows articles as they are edited, allowing a team of dedicated Wikiprogress quality assures to review the new article or edit and ensure it is valid. If in doubt, the quality assurance team can contact a relevant expert.
Division of labour
There are two key types of contributors to wikis; however this is quite vague, as there is little to no equality in the participation of those contributing. Studies have shown that these two groups represent the only prominent patterns of contribution.
One off editors
One off editors generally correct mistakes, add references, add templates, write short sentences etc.
Dedicated contributors
The dedicated contributors create the bulk of the content on wikis. They are often experts from a particular field or are assigned the task of developing content on a particular subject.
Why would anyone contribute?
Many studies have been conducting to understand what motivates an individual to contribute to collective participation tools such as wikis; the majority of which use Wikipedia as a case study. The results show contributors are motivated by the following 3 reasons:
- Doing something with the knowledge you have
- Getting recognised (a user name is associated with each edit/article creation)
- The desire to contribute to a project that serves the greater good – as the sum of all contributions will be something of global significance.
Wikiprogress fosters these motivations by showcasing article creation and editing on the homepage under the heading recent activity. Like other wikis, Wikiprogress also keeps a history of editors on any given article, showcasing who has edited what.
Why wiki
Joseph Stiglitz, pioneer of the progress movement, has called for a ‘global dialogue’ on measuring progress; ‘part of the objective of rethinking our measurement systems is to generate a national and global dialogue on what we care about.’[5]
A wiki is an ideal platform to facilitate for this dialogue -in developing new indicators of progress we need to have a conversation with people from all areas of society – this conversation needs to be developed and produced by a collective effort.
The wiki platform allows for citizens, policy makers, organisations and initiatives to work together in developing information and sharing knowledge, it aims to centralize the flurry of activating happening around the world to harness the knowledge and relevant work of all organisations and individuals.
See more
References
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki retrieved 09.09.2011
- ↑ Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams, Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything
- ↑ Shirky, C. 2008, Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations, Penguin Press HC
- ↑ Shirky, C. 2008, Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations, Penguin Press HC
- ↑ From Measuring Production to Measuring Well-being, Joseph E. Stiglitz, Presentation to the Productivity Commission, Melbourne, July 29, 2010
