SWF Wiki

[gmann1139]

Has thought ever been given to creating a SWF Wiki?
A good portion of the knowledge that is passed around here would be well-captured in a Wiki format, and the already-developed SWF community would be well-suited to managing a Wiki to contain a lot of the information.
The only thing that is really needed is an application server, which SWF already must have access to in order to run the website and message board.
Here's a link for people to read up on if they don't know what a wiki is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki

 

[mkzimms]

i think thats a great idea!

 

[spiderwoman]

The bad part of the Wiki is that SWF would have to have moderators keeping an eye on every single entry in order to keep the content clean.

 

[gmann1139]

Would they? Or would responsible members such as yourself edit it out?

 

[spiderwoman]

If SWF didn't moderate it, I doubt they would release something like to the public. It's the same thing as the chat feature, requires moderation. You can't count on the membership to moderate all of the content.

 

[nano reefer]

wiki's can IP ban people, so if people put up bad info/profanity/advertisements the person who put it up would be banned so that they couldnt even get back on to SWF, even if they got a new username.

 

[mkzimms]

the whole point of a wiki is that it is moderated by the community as a whole.
the main problem with the official wiki is that it is run by a group of top-level members which edit information for their own personal gain. i would propose in a SWF wiki there would be no top-level members who could permanently over ride the rest of the members unless a post did not jive with SWF official rules... like advertisements and such.

 

[mkzimms]

if anyone is interested i setup a wiki on my home server to gauge interest in this project. you are all free to use it as you wish with the notice that all SWF rules will apply. Especially No Advertisements.
For those who do not know, a wiki is a informational database maintained and moderated by its users. Anyone can add information or edit that information with a running log of changes made. You may start a page on anything having to do with the hobby in an encyclopedia format. Please only add well researched information and no copywrited information with out accurate citation.
http://home.mkzimms.com:580/wiki/phase3/
To add a new page you will need to logged in. Please register with your SWF name so everyone knows who you are and where the information is coming from. First search for it using the search box on the side panel. If no topic exists it will give you the option of starting the topic. If you have any questions you can PM me and i will be glad to help.
The basic application is up but needs some fine tuning which will be done while it is in use. It is very no frills at the moment. If anyone is interested in being a sysop and helping me maintain it, shoot me a PM... i would prefer more experienced members. This is purely experimental for now and if it takes off we can discuss its merits further. Please do not abuse the privilege.
I have tried to contact one of the mods about this without response so i'm just going to run with it for now. If there are any issues please let me know.

 

[boricua]

It is a nice idea / project however you should know that this is already being done ( not by swf.com).
Does not mean you can not do another one.... just like the 100's of forums out there ... but if your intentions is solely for the benefit of the hobby and not a personal goal then I would just recommend participating in the one that already exists instead of trying a new one.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[gmann1139]

mkkzimms, you're my new hero. LI all the way.
I'm quickly checking in right now, but I'll get in touch with you this weekend about putting money where my mouth is.

 

[beth]

Its looks like wikipedia. Is it connected to that?
I'm checking with SWF.com regarding this project.
this is already being done ( not by swf.com).
Please link the exisiting one.

 

[boricua]

Originally Posted by Beth
http:///forum/post/2673594
Its looks like wikipedia. Is it connected to that?
I'm checking with SWF.com regarding this project.
Please link the exisiting one.
Its not connected but wikipedia is one of those open projects (Encyclopedia) and they also offer their wiki type software so that is why it looks like wikipedia
I do not think I can link here but google it.
reef pedia

 

[beth]

So, I'm wondering why not just work off of wikipedia? They already have the connection to www search engines. Can't people add topics directly to wikipedia?

 

[mkzimms]

sure. i just felt it would be more productive if it was specifically for reef topics. it looks like wikipedia because i am using the same wiki engine as they do.

 

[beth]

I'm just throwing out questions. As I said, I'm checking with SWF about it for input.

 

[mkzimms]

thats cool with me, i'd love to have their blessing even if it was from a hands off approach. it would be like a permanent sticky thread. obviously its not to take the place of the forums, just something to compliment it. if the SWF guys have any questions they are more than welcome to shoot me an email or pm.

 

[beth]

I like the idea. I saw the example from reef pedia and it does look interesting.