Hi Chris, re "Features that enable groups to communicate", I recently posted to Wikia central with a similar idea, but no takers as yet.
My second posting gives a bit more detail of the kind of thing I'd been thinking (if you can read all that!) In summary if 'one big wiki' users could be tempted to use something like ning, or one of the suggested alternatives or something like WiserEarth wouldn't we stand a much better chance of getting better connected? Doesn't seem too be much mention of WiserEarth here (?) I'd be interested in any thoughts you might have about WE and the other alternatives mentioned Philralph 16:34, 20 May 2009 (UTC)
- I really like the idea of connecting the serious wiki users, a la "Society Gardens". My only problem with the "Society Gardens" idea is the obvious one, that it's for Wikia sites only. There's much more benefit in an open network, and I think it would be to Wikia's benefit too.
- The closest thing I know of to what you're talking about is the Ning site Global Swadeshi, started by Vinay of the Hexayurt, which brings people from various projects together. However, it's similar to Appropedia in focusdoesn't cover things like history or sociology.
- What I was actually thinking of was something internal to the wiki, but what you're talking about is also very interesting. Let's have a look around to see if someone is doing this already, or at least doing something compatible with it. If not, I'd be interested in discussing the options. Ning's probably the best solution I can think of now, but there may be other options to consider. Thanks for the great ideas! --Chriswaterguy 05:50, 22 May 2009 (UTC)
- After thinking about it, it really does make sense to make more use of WiserEarth. I haven't got into it deeply, but even so I have made good contacts through it. I'm not that happy with the interface (though I suspect they've improved since I last checked) but the more critical thing is the network size and the ability to find likeminded people, and it's fantastic for that. Have you (or has anyone here) used it as a place for forum-style discussions or other purposes?
- So my tentative suggestion is that we:
- Continue to develop in-wiki communication and social features (things that just make it easier to track what's happening within the wiki).
- Try using WiserEarth for broader networking and discussions.
- Continue to use relevant social networks (e.g. Global Swadeshi is very relevant for Appropedians) but think about how we can better mesh these with the wiki and/or WiserEarth. --Chriswaterguy 06:13, 22 May 2009 (UTC)
- So my tentative suggestion is that we:
- Hi Chris, Thanks for this. Re Wiser Earth, yes have used it via Workspace for Transition Network Web Project - get the impression that the tt crowd thought it worked quite well. Also using WiserEarth UK, though still relatively new, and not yet really very familiar with what WE can and can't yet do. Global Swadeshi looks good, think I'll try joining! Philralph 07:24, 22 May 2009 (UTC)
Hello Phil and Chris,
Bowo here in Jakarta, currently serving as chief editor for WiserEarth. Landed here after an alert (I think google's) for the word 'wiserearth'.
First of all, it's nice to hear people make a mention of WiserEarth, especially in a positive context like this one. So, thank you.
Second, I'd like to point out to the fact that Ning doesn't have a wiki and Transition Network folks migrated out of Ning and into WiserEarth precisely because of this. Global Swadeshi on the other hand, is built on top of Ning.
Third, I'd be happy to help provide some guidance and early setup if you'd like to try out WiserEarth a little bit more deeper. Chris, silahkan berkunjung lagi, lumayan banyak yang sudah berubah di WiserEarth.
Fourth, it's pretty obvious that our interface could use some improvement (which we're working on at the moment), and other areas could improve as well. We're all ears for suggestions to improve.
Feel free to drop me a line at bowo[at>wiserearth.org anytime. I'll also be sending you both a network invitation on WiserEarth now.
All the best, Bowo www.wiserearth.org/user/bowo