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FamilySearch Wiki:Introduction: Difference between revisions
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:This information was presented at the BYU Computerized Genealogy conference in March 2008. The following is copied almost verbatim from the syllabus, which is available on this site. | |||
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People seeking research advice have to search many sources to find it. FamilySearch Wiki is a Website where the community can write and update research advice for all localities. Here's an overview of our vision and an invitation to join us. | People seeking research advice have to search many sources to find it. FamilySearch Wiki is a Website where the community can write and update research advice for all localities. Here's an overview of our vision and an invitation to join us. | ||
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A common misconception about community sites like Wikipedia is that they are built by huge teams of volunteers. While it’s true that a massive number of people have contributed to Wikipedia, it is interesting to note that 75% of its content edits are made by only the most active 2% of its users.<sup>1</sup> So in a community Website, a few good people make a huge impact. | A common misconception about community sites like Wikipedia is that they are built by huge teams of volunteers. While it’s true that a massive number of people have contributed to Wikipedia, it is interesting to note that 75% of its content edits are made by only the most active 2% of its users.<sup>1</sup> So in a community Website, a few good people make a huge impact. | ||
Another surprising fact about community Websites is that only 1-5% of their users contribute. Most people use community sites to find information, not to contribute. If only 2.5% of our 50,000 family history consultants worldwide contribute content to FamilySearch Wiki, we’ll be gaining 1250 contributors! Imagine how fast we will generate research advice for all places and time periods! | Another surprising fact about community Websites is that only 1-5% of their users contribute. Most people use community sites to find information, not to contribute. If only 2.5% of our 50,000 family history consultants worldwide contribute content to FamilySearch Wiki, we’ll be gaining 1250 contributors! Imagine how fast we will generate research advice for all places and time periods! <!--{12056805651096} --> | ||
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== Combining a wiki and discussion groups == | == Combining a wiki and discussion groups == | ||
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On Wikipedia, the most active 2% of users contribute roughly 75% of the edits.<sup>1</sup> One person can make a huge difference, and other users need your knowledge! Adding content is easy – a significant portion of our content is added by senior citizens who have little computer experience. They can do it because it’s simple: Using the site’s editing tool is much like using Microsoft Word or Wordpad. Give it a try! | On Wikipedia, the most active 2% of users contribute roughly 75% of the edits.<sup>1</sup> One person can make a huge difference, and other users need your knowledge! Adding content is easy – a significant portion of our content is added by senior citizens who have little computer experience. They can do it because it’s simple: Using the site’s editing tool is much like using Microsoft Word or Wordpad. Give it a try! | ||
Probably the easiest way to contribute your knowledge is to add new information to an existing article. Find an article that deals with some type of information you’d use often, and then add to it. For instance, if you know a good Website for tombstone inscriptions in Pennsylvania, you can add the link to an existing article called Pennsylvania Cemetery Records. You can do it in only a couple minutes – it’s that simple! | Probably the easiest way to contribute your knowledge is to add new information to an existing article. Find an article that deals with some type of information you’d use often, and then add to it. For instance, if you know a good Website for tombstone inscriptions in Pennsylvania, you can add the link to an existing article called Pennsylvania Cemetery Records. You can do it in only a couple minutes – it’s that simple! <!--{12056805651097} --> | ||
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== Subjects outside the wiki’s scope == | == Subjects outside the wiki’s scope == | ||
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Which little facts do you use often in your genealogical research? Could another researcher benefit from your hard-won experience? Join us on wiki.familysearch.org and help build a storehouse of information that you and others can use to learn how to find your ancestors! | Which little facts do you use often in your genealogical research? Could another researcher benefit from your hard-won experience? Join us on wiki.familysearch.org and help build a storehouse of information that you and others can use to learn how to find your ancestors! | ||
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Notes | Notes | ||
1. Aaron Swartz, ''Raw Thought: Who Writes Wikipedia?'', http://www.aaronsw.com/weblog/whowriteswikipedia accessed 4 Mar 2008. | 1. Aaron Swartz, ''Raw Thought: Who Writes Wikipedia?'', http://www.aaronsw.com/weblog/whowriteswikipedia accessed 4 Mar 2008. | ||
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