m (Appropedia:Questions about us moved to Appropedia:FAQ: reflect the content now on the page, & use a common term)
(rearrange; headers)
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''Note that some of the other pages at [[:Category:About Appropedia]] may be useful in filling out this page - these can be linked and or quoted here.''
''Note that some of the other pages at [[:Category:About Appropedia]] may be useful in filling out this page - these can be linked and or quoted here.''


== the goals ==
== What is Appropedia? ==
 
Appropedia is an open platform for knowledge-sharing, is an extremely cost-effective tool for empowering and informing:
* the [[Bottom of the Pyramid]] directly (as more and more have access to the internet, and as Appropedia merges with Ekopedia and expands its non-English language content)
* agents of change who can use whatever means are at their disposal to spread the knowledge developed here.
 
== What are the purpose and goals of Appropedia? ==


See
See
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* [[Appropedia:Objectives]] (more detailed - work in progress)
* [[Appropedia:Objectives]] (more detailed - work in progress)


== organizations involved ==
== Who is behind Appropedia? ==


The Appropedia Foundation is an independent organization.  
The Appropedia Foundation, which is an independent organization, based in California but with an international membership and perspective.  


The [[Appropedia:Board of Directors|directors]] and other individuals involved in the Appropedia community have many other ties, including:
The [[Appropedia:Board of Directors|directors]] and other individuals involved in the Appropedia community have many other ties, including:
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* The [[Transition Towns]] movement, editing [[The Transition Handbook]] openly on the Appropedia wiki. The first edition was ported here, and the second edition will be based on the new version developed on Appropedia.
* The [[Transition Towns]] movement, editing [[The Transition Handbook]] openly on the Appropedia wiki. The first edition was ported here, and the second edition will be based on the new version developed on Appropedia.


== activities ==
== What are Appropedia's activities? ==
=== the main activities ===


Activities of the Foundation and the Appropedia community:  
Activities of the Foundation and the Appropedia community:  
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* Microblogging at [http://identi.ca/appropedia Identica] & [http://twitter.com/appropedia Twitter]
* Microblogging at [http://identi.ca/appropedia Identica] & [http://twitter.com/appropedia Twitter]


=== is Appropedia wholly virtual does it have some tangible activities in the real world? ===
=== Is Appropedia wholly virtual? Does it have any activities in the real world? ===
* "Appropedia" normally refers to the wiki, which is virtual. The power of knowledge means that by enabling the sharing of information, knowledge, wisdom and creative ideas, we make a powerful impact in the real world. Working together in the virtual world leads to synergies and face-to-face connections. These are confirmed as we hear of the real-life fruits of this in feedback from contributors to Appropedia.  
 
* "Appropedia" normally refers to the wiki, which is virtual - it exists only online or wherever it has been copied to an offline format or printed out (which are allowed under [[Appropedia:Copyrights|our open license]]). The power of knowledge means that by sharing information, knowledge, wisdom and creative ideas, we make a powerful impact in the real world. Working together in the virtual world leads to synergies and face-to-face connections. These are confirmed as we hear of the real-life fruits of this in feedback from contributors to Appropedia.  
* The Appropedia Foundation does engage in building relationships with other change agents, both in the virtual world and in real life:
* The Appropedia Foundation does engage in building relationships with other change agents, both in the virtual world and in real life:
:* It took the lead in organizing [[OSNCamp 2008]]
:* It took the lead in organizing [[OSNCamp 2008]]
:* In their travels, the directors seek out and engage with creators of written forms of knowledge, and other  "holders of wisdom" which  
:* In their travels, the directors seek out and engage with creators of written forms of knowledge, and other  "holders of wisdom" which  


== way of organizing the activities ==
== How are Appropedia's activities organized? ==


As a wiki, the most fundamental organization that occurs is "emergent," with contributors from around the world finding ways to work together without a hierarchical structure.  
As a wiki, the most fundamental organization that occurs is "emergent," with contributors from around the world finding ways to work together without a hierarchical structure.  
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See also [[Appropedia Foundation]].
See also [[Appropedia Foundation]].


== anything else of relevance ==
== You should have something about X, Y or Z on your site ==
 
You're probably right - and it's easy for you to add this information!


Appropedia, being an open platform for knowledge-sharing, is an extremely cost-effective tool for empowering and informing:
Others in the Appropedia community, especially the directors and admins, are here to help you. But please remember that there are thousands of important topics and millions of useful facts which need to be added, so please help out in adding the info which needs to be added. Appropedia is a platform for ''you'' to use.
* the [[Bottom of the Pyramid]] directly (as more and more have access to the internet, and as Appropedia merges with Ekopedia and expands its non-English language content)
* agents of change who can use whatever means are at their disposal to spread the knowledge developed here.


== Appropedia needs you! How to participate ==
== Can I participate? ==


Yes - Appropedia needs you!
* Contribute your knowledge
* Contribute your knowledge
* Slightly technical: Help with [[porting]] to Appropedia the many resources we have permission to use, but need a little work to put them into wiki markup and upload the images.
* Slightly technical: Help with [[porting]] to Appropedia the many resources we have permission to use, but need a little work to put them into wiki markup and upload the images.

Revision as of 10:34, 5 June 2009

The Appropedia Foundation has been asked to describe Appropedia's role as knowledge brokers by answering the following questions.

This page is a work in progress and probably should not be quoted directly at this stage. --Chriswaterguy 10:42, 2 June 2009 (UTC)Reply[reply]

Note that some of the other pages at Category:About Appropedia may be useful in filling out this page - these can be linked and or quoted here.

What is Appropedia?

Appropedia is an open platform for knowledge-sharing, is an extremely cost-effective tool for empowering and informing:

  • the Bottom of the Pyramid directly (as more and more have access to the internet, and as Appropedia merges with Ekopedia and expands its non-English language content)
  • agents of change who can use whatever means are at their disposal to spread the knowledge developed here.

What are the purpose and goals of Appropedia?

See

Who is behind Appropedia?

The Appropedia Foundation, which is an independent organization, based in California but with an international membership and perspective.

The directors and other individuals involved in the Appropedia community have many other ties, including:

What are Appropedia's activities?

Activities of the Foundation and the Appropedia community:

  • the wiki. The main role of the Foundation is to make available the platform for knowledge-sharing. The actual work is taken on by the community, with people from around the globe, including "bottom of the pyramid" countries such as India and the Philippines, sharing their knowledge, designs and ideas through the wiki, and using it as a way to make connections with other (makers/workers...?)
  • promotion of open content for development
  • facilitating the transfering of information from other sources to the wiki (see Porting
  • development and support of the Appropedia community of contributors and users
  • engagement with other organizations and communities
  • blog
  • Microblogging at Identica & Twitter

Is Appropedia wholly virtual? Does it have any activities in the real world?

  • "Appropedia" normally refers to the wiki, which is virtual - it exists only online or wherever it has been copied to an offline format or printed out (which are allowed under our open license). The power of knowledge means that by sharing information, knowledge, wisdom and creative ideas, we make a powerful impact in the real world. Working together in the virtual world leads to synergies and face-to-face connections. These are confirmed as we hear of the real-life fruits of this in feedback from contributors to Appropedia.
  • The Appropedia Foundation does engage in building relationships with other change agents, both in the virtual world and in real life:
  • It took the lead in organizing OSNCamp 2008
  • In their travels, the directors seek out and engage with creators of written forms of knowledge, and other "holders of wisdom" which

How are Appropedia's activities organized?

As a wiki, the most fundamental organization that occurs is "emergent," with contributors from around the world finding ways to work together without a hierarchical structure.

Certain sub-projects are more highly organized - notably the academic efforts (the work of students as part of their classes) and the porting efforts, bringing in collections of knowledge developed by external organizations.

See also Appropedia Foundation.

You should have something about X, Y or Z on your site

You're probably right - and it's easy for you to add this information!

Others in the Appropedia community, especially the directors and admins, are here to help you. But please remember that there are thousands of important topics and millions of useful facts which need to be added, so please help out in adding the info which needs to be added. Appropedia is a platform for you to use.

Can I participate?

Yes - Appropedia needs you!

  • Contribute your knowledge
  • Slightly technical: Help with porting to Appropedia the many resources we have permission to use, but need a little work to put them into wiki markup and upload the images.
  • Help find new content to bring in. It needs to be under a suitable open license, so request permission is an important step.
  • Spread the word. Blog about us, submit a story or story idea to your favorite media (e.g. tell your local media how you've applied knowledge from Appropedia in your home and community), tell friends, recruit professors to using Appropedia for their classes.
  • Very technical: Help develop the features of the site further - see Appropedia:Technical development plan.
  • Donate. Appropedia runs on the smell of an oily rag, and our work is severely constrained by a lack of funding. While we are committed to continuing this work, your finance will let us be much more effective in expanding the site and improving the ability of the site to serve you, the world community and the planet.
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