How to Wiki Well

How to wiki well is a guide to using wiki? as a tool for collaboration?, deliberation?, seeking truth? and a better way to do politics.

Why do we use wiki?

Policywiki? uses wiki software because, as a tool to support participation in public policy issues, it rocks. Unlike politics as usual where adding large numbers of people to a decision making process usually makes things worse; the more people you have working on a wiki, the better the result. Wiki supports the massively parallel development of issues, positions and pro and con arguments, all of which can influence political thinkers, be used for citizen initiatives?, and support participatory democracy?.

How the wiki works:

In a wiki, each page is dedicated to deliberating on a specific topic, which is determined by the page name?. Any registered user is welcome to edit? the content of the page, making contributions in any way that (they think) helps. If others agree your contribution was helpful it will stay there - a "good edit?."

by maintaining the correct Point of View . . .

A page that has been collaboratively written by dozens, if not hundreds of people will be quite a mess unless the participants all agree to write from a point of view?. Policywiki uses a neutral point of view? - when talking about Climate Change as an issue, one should not say whether they are for or against whatever actions - hold off on stating your opinion? until you get to the position? pages..

and separating issues from positions and arguments.

Separating issues from positions system is a crucial step toward constructive political deliberation and debate. Politicians are incredibly bad influences in this aspect: they will always try to be framing the issue? to suit their point of view. For example in the abortion debate the issue is either "choice" or "life" depending on which side you talk to. In the wiki we pretty much force both sides to work on the same page to define what the problem is, then have separate pages for proposed solutions to the problem.

Be Bold

Wikis are designed for collaboration, so please be bold?. Provided you understand the basics (which you will if you've read this whole page) you should boldly edit any page in which the edit button appears. As long as you are being constructive, others will appreciate, assist and applaud your effort. Your feedback and opinions are essential to understanding the truth? about an issue. People will respect you for what you contribute, particularly when you bring solid facts and help with research. Avoid rhetoric and unsubstantiated opinions. Always try to be editing toward the final version of the page. Don't put asides or comments in that people will have to remove later. Rather than make a comment, (which is passive) make a change, edit freely.

Be Helpful

Wikis are like kitchens, they need to be cleaned up all the time, even if all the cleaning only serves to provide an opportunity to mess things up again. The wiki is one big living document?, constantly self organizing? - where the self includes you. If you encounter messy pages that don't clearly articulate issues, positions and arguments, follow existing naming conventions? or other guidelines? feel free to refactor? them, and give everything its proper simplest name. Wikis are also always growing - when you see an open link?, this is your chance to add a new branch or leaf to our tree of knowledge.

Be Respectful.

Policywiki has high standards for debate and civil discourse. If we wanted to participate in name calling and ad hominem? attacks, we could visit our legislature?. As an editor, you can relocate, revise or remove any content or contributions which give offense or are out of place. Participants who have differing points of view are invited to issue challenge?s to each other - a formalized competition of ideas which serves the public interest? by allowing detailed head to head comparisons of differing positions on an issue.

Become Wise.

People become wise by continuous learning. On the other hand, people who never listen and don't try to understand others take tend to stay stupid?. In a wiki, some of the things you write may be edited mercilessly, and this is usually a good learning experience. Absorbing the criticism, praise, and the best ideas of others will strengthen your intellect, and broaden your perspective.


Thank you for taking these few minutes to read about how to wiki well.

Now why not proceed to the list of positions?.


See also: wiki etiquette?, position guidelines? and if you need it, get help?.