Fraulein Sara's Teachings on WIKIS!

Wiki what? Wiki who? Wiki me! Wiki you!

Now that's just fun to say. When I say wiki, you think Wikipedia, and I don't blame you, even after researching wikis the first site my mind goes to is the largest of all wikis out there; Wikipedia. I used to use that site all the time in high school whenever I did my yearly science project on duck billed platypuses (also known as 'Ornithorynque' on french Wikipedia, seeing as I went to a french school). However, as popular as Wikipedia is, that site is only one of the many branches that are connected to the wiki tree.

To first create a wiki, you have to go to one of the many sites that host them. The best part is that you don't have to pay money for them! Free! Yay! We're students, anything that's free is accepted. There are three sites, which I will quickly go over, that you can use to create a wiki:

Wikia: I personally love this site. It seems to be geared towards entertainment, which I am all about. The first thing that popped up was a picture of Arrested Development, immidiately I was sold. The site is easy to navigate, and is simplistic enough that it's not too distracting. If I was going to make a wiki I'd for sure use http://www.wikia.com.

Wetpaint: Uh, this site is alright. ...hmm, that's all I can really think to say about it. It's bland and boring, kind of like porridge. It doesn't seem to have a theme or to be catering to any audience, such as Wikia and it's entertainment themes, but once again, easy to navigate and get around. I found it to be ho-hum, but if you're going to make a wiki just to make one, then why not use this site? Nothing wrong with sticking to something that's more basic. http://www.wetpaintcentral.com

PBworks: Not going to lie, I was not a fan. The minute I saw this site I got a headache, my mind immediately going to work and business. If you're going to make a business wiki regarding corporate and business-like information, I have found the site for you! Strait forward and very work oriented, I wasn't sold, because I like to bring more fun and excitement into whatever I do, even if it is work, but hey, it may work for you! http://pbworks.com/

Basically, if you want to create a wiki you have to put yourself in Goldilocks shoes. Which bed is too hard, too soft and just right. Find a site that works for you!

Do I like wikis? Would I make one? Should you?
I do enjoy wikis, I find them very useful for researching. Like I said, I'm frequently on Wikipedia and on muppet wiki. Will I create one of my own? No, probably not, I don't really have a need for it, seeing as I like my website edits to be nice and long (ie this wonderful blog). However in the future, I would not rule out the chance of me creating one. I'd do it, so you should you! Why not try something new?

Should my library, or any library, have a wiki? YES! I'm on a crazed rampage where I'm convinced that the library should have any and every new web technology out there to promote and advertise, however my insanity has not clouded my library-know-how, wikis would actually be good for them! You can update a wiki anywhere and anytime, just like a twitter it's fast and convenient, and the updates don't have to be long ones, unlike...say...my blog. All you have to do is sign in to your wiki account, any librarian, clerk or technician who has access to this same account can do this as well, and can insert the date of the library's book fair, or fund raiser. They could also upload a picture of the new 'Story Time Children's Room' to the site for everyone to see. It's actually quite a good idea for libraries, much easier to run, maintain and update than a website.

I spend too much time on wikis and I will say sorry in advance for linking you to this, but it's tons of fun, and you just learn so much about all of the lovable felt monsters. I'm addicted to the muppets, I even made one of my own at the Jim Henson Work Shop in New York, as you can see in the picture. His name is Lord Swaggle Horn. Enjoy! http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Muppet_Wiki.