Definition
Wikis are dynamic web pages that may be edited by users. Editorship can be open to anyone or certain members, as designated to the admin. Wikis can be either entire sites, or parts of a site. Many wikis offer a form of layout code different from html, and many offer “wysiwyg” (what you see is what you get) editing interfaces. Most wikis offer a page that can be edited along with a connected “talk page” for discussion about what should be on the page in question. The best known example of a wiki is the aptly named Wikipedia. Those who wish to see the simultaneous best and worst that wikis are capable of are suggested to have a look at it.

Wikis really are one of the best ways to create collaborative documents, as everyone is always looking at the same version. Wiziwig wikis require little coding knowledge, allowing anyone to make a site quickly. Having a wiki also makes a statement about a commitment to user involvement in the site process. Also, many free options exist, making wikis a free, quick, and easy method of collaboration. Due to this fact wikis should be considered by anyone planning a serious collaborative effort.

However, while anyone can quickly hammer out a wiki page, to do it really well requires knowing either HTML or leaning the wiki code, aswysiwyg interfaces are almost never perfect. Further, since some pages do not offer html editing options, this can mean learning another tagging structure. The largest problems, however, come from the nature of the medium. A page is only as good as the sum of its contributors, meaning that since everyone can help out, anyone can be detrimental. Mostly because of this fact, there can be a prejudice against wiki pages among those searching for serious information, information on wikis as unreliable.

Examples
Wikipedia (existing wiki site)
PB wiki (free wiki hosting)
Wet Paint (free hosting)
Socialtext (paid hosting or host yourself)
Mediawiki (free program, host yourself),

Why Use It?
Wikis offer interesting opportunities for collaboration as they can be used in a number of ways. They can be used as a space for discussion, with users adding their thoughts directly. Wikis can also be used as a space for knowledge sharing, as well as for direct collaborative creation of documents.


Ratings
Cost: $ - $$$$, Many free pre-hosted options exist, but other versions require users to run the software on their own servers.
Start-Up Time: TT-TTTT, Even the simplest require a registration, and some sort of framework to let users know how the discussion will follow is a good idea. Programs that require a server will require much greater set-up time.
Maintenance time: T- TTT, varying amounts of administrative intervention and cleanup are required, depending on user conduct.
Complexity for Creators: **-***
Complexity for Users: *-**
Broadband required for effective use?: N
Readability: Set by Admin
Writability: Set by Admin
Traffic: depends
Bling: 5-9
Blingability: 7-9, while the content of wikis are extremely easy to edit, different programs will give different options as to layout editing, with many offering very few options.


How-To
There are two main options to consider when utilizing a wiki. The first is to use wiki software to host it on a server. Both free and pay options exist, see individual documentations for system requirements. However, both require you to own or rent a server, a cost that must be taken into account. The second option is to take advantage of one of the wiki hosting sites available online.

During the creation process, creators are prompted to choose control levels to determine who will be able to edit the page, ranging from invitation only to anonymous editing by any visitor. Some sites will offer different page templates.
Most wiki programs feature pages that can be edited and created by those capable of editing the site, “discussion” or “talk” pages for discussing the content of these pages, and revision histories for dealing with inappropriate changes.

Helpful Links