Wikis for Genealogists

Dick EastmanMarch 22, 2014

Today’s slides are available at:

http://www.eogn.com/handouts/wiki

What is a Wiki?

According to www.dictionary.com:

"a Web site that allows anyone to add, delete, or revise content by using a web browser."

What is a Wiki?

According to inventor Ward Cunningham:

"The Simplest Thing that Could Possibly Work"

What is a Wiki?

According to Wikipedia:

“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. Wikis are typically powered by wiki software and are often used collaboratively by multiple users."

What use is a Wiki?

According to Wikipedia:

“Examples include community websites, corporate intranets, knowledge management systems, and note services. The software can also be used for personal notetaking."

What use is a Wiki?

In other words, a wiki is a publishing system

What use is a Wiki?

A wiki can be used to publish nearly any kind of information.

It works well as an encyclopedia.

What use is a Wiki?

Examples: genealogy information, news, newsletters, club bulletins, historical information, schoolwork assignments, music, videos, pictures, and almost anything else you can think of.

Why use a Wiki?

SimplicityAnyone can do it.Anyone can contribute.Everything can be in hypertext.Can include pictures, music,

videos, or more.

Why use a Wiki?

A wiki is a great replacement for your society’s publications!

Why use a Wiki?

A wiki also can contain a database of census records, tax lists, paymaster records, or other records of historical interest.

Why use a Wiki?

Your society can publish genealogical and historical information at very low expense.

Remember: it is a publishing tool!

Why use a Wiki?

In most cases, ANYONE can add or update information in a wiki.

It is a great collaboration tool.Remember: it is a publishing

tool!

Let’s Look at a Few Typical Wikis

Wiki-Wiki Bus at Honolulu Airport

Today’s slides are available at:

http://www.eogn.com/handouts/wiki