Information Systems: Jason's Web Site Tips:
What's a Wiki?

July 4^th, 2008
By Jason Levy

What's a Wiki?  According to www.wikipedia.org -

"A wiki is a collection of web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content, using a simplified markup language. Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites and to power community websites. The collaborative encyclopedia, Wikipedia, is one of the best-known wikis. Wikis are used in business to provide intranets and Knowledge Management systems."

So, you may ask yourself, is a Wiki similar to an Encyclopedia?  Yes, sort of, except anybody can edit a Wiki, which can lead to incorrect information posted for the world to view.  Inaccurate information is usually not posted for any length of time though.  Perhaps the most famous Wiki of all is www.wikipedia.org. I encourage you to visit this web site and research any topic you desire.  Additionally, feel free to edit a page!  A few weeks ago I searched for "Bollinger" at www.wikipedia.org, and to no surprise found the champagne company.  Instead of ruining a rather interesting read about Jacques Bollinger, I just added a link to www.BollingerInsurance.com towards the bottom of the page.  As of today, it is still there.  Hopefully it will drive some referrals to Bollinger Insurance!

Overall, Wiki's are extremely cool, user generated information just a mouse click away.  If you find some free time over the holiday weekend, boot up your computer and check out a wiki!

Please feel free to contact me with questions/comments.

Thanks,
Jason