Wikis: A Collaborative Internet Tool
By Annie Auch
From the technologically savvy to those stuck in the stone age, anyone can create a wiki page. Wikis are a way for large groups to effectively communicate using interconnected web pages accessible through internal links. Simply put, wikis are the most incomplex websites ever created. Overall, a wiki’s primary function is to help coordinate collaborative efforts.
Wikis have many strong points. They are user friendly, allowing a diverse group of people to use them. Unlike e-mails, wikis assure that each group member sees the same information as everyone else. It also allows members to edit content on the page at any time, and since editing is done through a word processor many are familiar with, it's not a complicated task.
In addition, group members can keep track of changes by notification options or by viewing the history. Another feature of wikis that adds to their strength is people can attach and store files for group members to view.
Lastly, wikis allow creators much freedom. For instance, a creator can determine if their wiki will be private or public, who can be a member, and if a page can be edited or not. All these features make wikis excellent communication tools.
However, nothing is perfect. Wikis have their weaknesses too. Wikis usually involve many people. These people may have contrasting goals or opinions, which can cause editing wars or loss of focus. This can distract members and visitors from what the page is trying to accomplish, causing confusion and frustration. Also, some may use the page like a journal, documenting their every thought. Given the extreme openness of wikis, it is easy for anyone to come in and edit or delete pages. Although this type of vandalism can be fixed and blocked, it’s still a hassle for members. Another weakness is navigation of a page may be hard to get used to for new users.
All in all, wikis are extremely easy to use and offer many services that make them great sources of communication. With wikis’ organizational, collaborative, and user friendly capabilities, anyone with a vision and a need to communicate can benefit from wikis.
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