Do you know you can create your own Wikipedia? It may surprise you, but you can. All that you need to do is to set up a Wiki.
#What is a Wiki
A Wiki is an Internet application that enables collective writing. What it means is that once you set up a Wiki, you or any other individual can change what you have written, add new pages and create new sections.
Your Wiki will grow exactly like Wikipedia.
#Kinds of wikis
Private Wikis: The private Wikis are close ended. They can be changed by you and only those who have been authorized by you. The other Interent users can visit your Wiki but they cannot change anything.
Public Wikis: The public Wikis can be changed by any Internet user. All that they need to do is to become a member of your Wiki, and start adding pages.
# Key features
Easy to set up: Wikis are like blogs. They are very easy to set up. You can set up a Wiki in less than five minutes, and start posting content immediately.
Simple to use: Wikis are powered by user-friendly content management systems. To add or change content, a user simply needs to click on the edit button. He can then modify the text, and click on the Save or Upload button. The world will now see the modified page.
Several Design Themes: Each Wiki software comes with several free themes. You can decide which theme or page design suits your Wiki most.
History section to record changes: Each change is recorded in Wiki history in a chronological order. The Wiki owner can check these changes for accuracy, and relevance and delete those that are irrelevant or incorrect.
On-the-fly publishing: The Wiki editors need not be confined to a single location. You can post content from any part of the world as long as you have an Internet connection.
# When to use Wikis
Team projects: Wikis are especially useful for a group of people passionately interested in a subject but living far apart. For instance, a group of bird watchers can create a Wiki where they can start posting photographs and articles about birds. A huge database develops, where every bird watcher benefits. Changes are made by the group to ensure that all information stays accurate.
Internal communication: Companies can use Wikis to develop a vibrant information database where each member chips in with useful information. The Wiki can also be used to relay advice or changes in HR rules to team members.
School lessons: You can use Wikis to set up school assignments. Your students can post from home or even a restaurant. You too can correct the assignments from any place of your convenience. The parents need not wait for the child to come home and show their copies. They can visit the Wiki and learn everything.
Meeting notes: Wikis can be used to manage a meeting. Members can suggest agenda items that can be modified by the Team Head. Discussions and minutes meetings can be posted back on the Wiki for future reference. Mistakes in the Minutes can be instantly corrected, making Minutes accurate and far more useful.
# How to create a Wiki
You can create Wikis using free or paid software. Click here to learn about the ten most popular Wiki software platforms.
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