Wiki

sgt_doofey · 29-01-2010, 03:57 PM

Just been wondering why the AFF site doesn't have a wiki yet?
For those of you that don't know what a wiki is, take a look at Wikipedia.
I would think it would be a good idea, would replace a lot of the stickies throughout the different forums. Can easily be maintained by the users. What do people think?
I also frequent the Aussie Frogs web site for French cars, and they have a wiki but don't use it much. I've been trying to encourage them on a few things as it just makes sense rather than having threads on the same subject over and over again. They also use vBulletin so there must be a wiki that integrates in there somewhere?

ThePistonHead · 30-01-2010, 04:45 PM

Excellent idea. I too had thought such a section would be a necessity, as much of the knowledge here is assumed to be known by all, especially about the older falcons intricate details which were past many of our times.

I'm sure there are those willing to share knowledge, all we need is some action by the mods

gcg2503 · 30-01-2010, 06:41 PM

It does, its called the search function

Cam · 30-01-2010, 08:19 PM

I too think its a great idea, especially for newbies to the car world!

Not everyone knows what a BBM or PCM is, or how they work..

It could be run in conjunction with the "rep power". As someone posts useful information on the wiki, they should be rewarded with rep points..

It would need start with the basics, like how an engine works, and gradually progress into more tech stuff, like the difference between a MAF and MAP etc etc

johnny351 · 30-01-2010, 10:26 PM

yeh this is a great idea cause the normal Wikipedia dont have much about the falcon ....i actually had to change the muscle car wiki once cause it said holden had a ute and didnt mention ford at all

sgt_doofey · 31-01-2010, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcg2503

It does, its called the search function

The search function doesn't allow people to update the information should it be wrong, misleading or has been updated. Wiki does. As an example, what about a thread which lists mechanics in a certain area? Mechanics come and go, details about them change like phone numbers and addresses. A thread will have the wrong info should an address change, but a wiki can be updated with the new information.
Anyway, I've just thrown it out there to see what others think.

Hords · 31-01-2010, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcg2503

It does, its called the search function

George, the search function is pretty limited. I don't know how many times I've been frustrated with it.

Riksta · 01-02-2010, 12:49 PM

I'd be happy to try help organise something should it go ahead. I've got too much time on my hands atm, and would be a good learning curve for me.

sgt_doofey · 01-02-2010, 04:56 PM

The AussieFrogs web site uses http://www.nuhit.com/products/vbwiki-pro.html. Cost is USD$60. I wouldn't know if there is a free alternative that integrates as well?

Geez Louise · 01-02-2010, 05:11 PM

There is alot of technical information in the technical section all continuosly updated by Russellw. So what would the advantage be of having a seperate "wiki"?

I dont really understand what "Wiki" is or how it works...I must be getting old...

Jason[98.EL] · 01-02-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

There is alot of technical information in the technical section all continuosly updated by Russellw. So what would the advantage be of having a seperate "wiki"?

I dont really understand what "Wiki" is or how it works...I must be getting old...

i was thinking the same.............

must be getting old

sgt_doofey · 02-02-2010, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

There is alot of technical information in the technical section all continuosly updated by Russellw. So what would the advantage be of having a seperate "wiki"?

It means that anyone can update it. Saves having Russellw do all the work. It's a community updated web pages. A good example would be the engine weight thread in the Pub. Create a wiki page listing engines and their weights. Anyone can then edit it later on should more engines come along or if the information is incorrect. It's not just up to one person to maintain. It's for the whole community to look after. It's about spreading the load of maintaining information and making it more readily available.

Quote:

I dont really understand what "Wiki" is or how it works...I must be getting old...

You've never used Wikipedia to look up something? How about wiki ;)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia

flappist · 02-02-2010, 06:44 AM

A good example of why it may not work so well can be seen in many of the LPG, Supercharged BOSS, T3, P Plate etc etc threads.

sgt_doofey · 02-02-2010, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

A good example of why it may not work so well can be seen in many of the LPG, Supercharged BOSS, T3, P Plate etc etc threads.

Builds and the discussions on different topics should stay as threads as they are now. It's the wealth of information that exists in how-to's and technical information that would be best suited to a wiki situation. We have a wealth of knowledge with the vast amount of different people that frequent these forums, the only problem is that the information could be buried on page 34 of a 61 page thread. (An exaggerated example, I know, but you get the idea)
A wiki could even supplement the Tech Doc threads. As you know, they are all mixed in together for different models. A wiki could have links to different Ford models and then have the links to that model's tech docs. Would make it a bit easier to find.
Have a look at the Aussie Frogs one as an example of how it applies to cars.
http://www.aussiefrogs.com/wiki

I'm not trying to say that we need one here at AFF, I just personally think that the site would benefit from the use of one to help organise all the vast amount of information that is contained here in a nice, easy to use way.
We use one at our work (IT) and it really helps us find information easily, considering that our IT is spread out over 4 different states in Australia over a vast amount of different projects.

ThePistonHead · 02-02-2010, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

A good example of why it may not work so well can be seen in many of the LPG, Supercharged BOSS, T3, P Plate etc etc threads.

I don't think it's intention is to 'discuss' these topics, rather to give information to those unaware about the topic,

e.g. the difference between a clevo and windsor (I'll admit i have no idea), changes to the I6 engine since the beginnings (introduction of fuel injection etc.), The history of the falcon GT, the list goes on.

I think the members here share a great wealth of knowledge and we have a lot of potential for a good knowledge base.

**russellw** · 03-02-2010, 10:59 AM

We are gradually migrating all the individual how to's to the Tech section so that they don't get buried in the middle of threads. When there are sufficient numbers there I will break them up into individual models but for now they can be sorted alphabetically anyway.

Cheers
Russ

**russellw** · 04-02-2010, 08:59 AM

Further to my post above, the Tech area has now been extensively reworked as follows:

Specifications - General / AU / BA-BF / E_Series / FG / X-Series / Non-Falcon / Vehicle Standards

Technical Docs - General / AU / BA-BF / Car Care / EA-EL / Territory

If anyone would like to submit an article or is aware of a post that should be included then please PM me the details.

Regards
Russ