Bonsai Help Wiki

TimO · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:59 pm Post subject: Bonsai Help Wiki

Hi All,

I have been thinking about this more and more recently,

What are peoples thoughts on adding a bonsai Wiki to the site.

I think this could be a very useful utility.

Sorry Admin and moderators if this would mean more time on but I would certainly be willing to commit some time to this project on a permanent basis.

Peoples thoughts?

Tim

daryl · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 9:13 pm Post subject: Re: Bonsai Help Wiki

Sorry TimO Embarassed

Please explain to us oldies what a Bonsai Wiki is ?!

Daryl

TimO · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 9:25 pm Post subject: Re: Bonsai Help Wiki

Hi sorry yes,

A wiki is exactly what wikipedia is online.

It is basically a database online that people can add information to. Administrators add topics such as type of bonsai and members are allowed to add information under each title.

Say repotting for example.

Admin list a topic called repotting.

Anyone can then add pictures etc to show how to repot. Anyone else can then edit this so in the end you get a procedure for repotting that everyone agrees with. for e.g, you could input if repotting with pines the procedure is.........)

Obviously you don't want anyone on the web being able to edit things so it may have to be a benefit to paid members but the idea being you could search the wiki for anything to do with bonsai.

If there is nothing under the subject, add a little to the topic until someone else adds more!

I know I'm not explaining it that well but if you look at wikipedia you will get the idea. You can add and edit it as you wish.

I've confused myself now.

lol

Tim

TimO · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject: Re: Bonsai Help Wiki

Actually a better way of putting it.

This thread we are making now, instead of lots of different replies we turn it into a informative paragraph or even eventually a chapter instead.

So instead of how to repot a juniper-

you go to wiki

repot juniper

a explanation comes up saying how to repot a juniper. If someone feels there is something beneficial to add to that chapter, they add to it.

This wouldn't stop people posting threads as a lot of questions are different but it would end up a wealth of knowledge.

Makesense?

Tim

daryl · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 9:44 pm Post subject: Re: Bonsai Help Wiki

Yes Thank you. I'm much wiser now - but not wise enough to say whether it would be a good idea on here!

Daryl

Stymie · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 10:37 pm Post subject: Re: Bonsai Help Wiki

This site is okay as it is. You'll find that any changes will only be made by the administrator if at all.

yamadorinige · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:03 pm Post subject: Re: Bonsai Help Wiki

I'm with Don, although it is a good idea in principle it would virtually kill the forums as any information that was required would be in the wiki

mo's bonsai · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:46 pm Post subject: Bonsai Help Wiki

Tim, It sounds good and I'm glad people are always coming up with new ways to improve this forum but I will have to agree with Stymie and Nige, not to say that wouldn't work because I really have not worked with a wiki before but I kind of like just looking up to the top and picking my subject like Talk bonsai, potting shed, the classroom etc. and asking a question and receiving a reply. with a wiki from my understanding all the information will be there and no one to speak to per say. Besides, here if a question is asked it is answered one on one or many on one or many on many, my point is not to say your idea is not a good idea but I don't like to jump from site to site to ask a question, I am just not too computer savvy. It will just confuse me and I will probably loose my place. sorry but that's my opinion. But don't give up, keep brain storming and maybe you'll convince others or even me.

Mo

steve · Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:10 am Post subject: Re: Bonsai Help Wiki

The problem I see with something like a wikipedia is that bonsai forums are "how to" not "what is" so not only would you lose interaction but the ease of clarifying people's confusion about something would be maddening.

TimO · Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 6:03 am Post subject: Re: Bonsai Help Wiki

Stymie,

I completely agree, this site is fantastic as it is and also understand that it would have to be an administrator that would implement this, I just meant if it was something that people were interested in then I would be willing to help out if necessary.

Also I was thinking it would just be an extra feature on the site, posting topics would still be what this site was about and no different to what it is now.

yamadorinige,

I personally don't think it would take anything away from the postings in the slightest, we all own books on bonsai, many of us quite alot, but we all still post on here, my thoughts on it were more a long the lines of.

You go and buy a pine, then you need to look after it, not everyone can afford a book from stone lanterns at £25 a time to advise on the best way to look after it.

This is where I feel a Wiki would be handy, because it would be a massive book that all the community on bonsai help would have made.

Mo,

I was thinking it would be an extra tab at the top like 'potting shed' not an external site.

I do however respect all of your opinions and understand your concerns on the effects it would have on future posts.

I would also like to add that this was in no way meant as a criticism towards the way this sight is at the moment. I think this sight is fantastic and just wondered if people would see it as a benefit.

Smile

emorrin · Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 7:29 am Post subject: Re: Bonsai Help Wiki

TimO,

I am familiar with wiki's and think this would be a good idea. It probably would not be suited for this site unless another tab is created.

I tend to keep notes and photos on what works what