What is a wiki?
A wiki is a website where multiple users can add, remove,and edit content on each page by only using a web browser. This makes it extremely easy to collaborate with people, even in situations where they cannot meet face to face.
Since the only tools needed to use a wiki are an internet connection and a web browser. There is no longer a worry if all the collaborators have the same type of software. Wiki will serve as a virtual, collaborative memory for all the users.
One of the best examples of a wiki is www.wikipedia.com, an open encyclopedia. It is one of the most widely used reference tools on the web and it has millions of collaborators. Anyone can add their own entries. You can find out information on just about everything, from building websites to how to choose adjustable beds.
Not all wikis are wikipedias, however. Some wikis are for private use and are simply communication tools between family, friends and co-workers. For example, a family of sisters may build a private wiki where each sister can have her own page and update the other sisters about family happenings or make plans for a family reunion.
On the other end of the spectrum, a major corporation may want to use a wiki to keep several employees updated on a project. The corporation may have offices in several countries. By using a wiki employees in each of these offices can collaborate, add data, modify data that was added by another member and even upload photos and files. A big project can be completed with out expensive travel or relocation.
There are many free wikis to choose from. Some of them have their own hosting and some would need to be installed on a server. In addition to the free versions, there are also paid ones. Compare the features of various wikis before you make up your mind on one.
Some wikis allow for a lot of formatting. In the beginning, you may want to stick to a basic wiki that serves as a way to communicate and collaborate with others. A wiki doesn’t have to look super fancy as you are not using it to draw customers. Once you get used to how a wiki operates then consider getting a fancier model with extra bells and whistles.
Using a wiki is supposed to make life easier, not more complicated. By keeping things simple and sticking to the basics, you will be able to use a wiki for many personal and professional uses.
For example, you may be able to use a wiki to help plan the school carnival you volunteered for, show your family the pictures from your last vacation, and work on a joint venture project with a partner that lives 3,000 miles away.
Wikis offer many benefits, they are easy to use and can certainly make life easier. Try experimenting with one and see how it can help you manage your business more effectively.
