From EnviroWiki
Contents |
What the wiki is it?
EnviroWiki.org.uk is a new form of social network. Using the same wiki software as Wikipedia, it allows us to map activity in two different ways: geographically (breaking down UK content into regions, counties and London boroughs) and by category, which shows how networks and organisations interrelate.
Unlike Wikipedia, EnviroWiki doesn't claim to be impartial. In fact, we actively encourage companies, organisations and councils to use their EnviroWiki page as PR, and are quite happy to lock any pages that the owners would rather the general public couldn't edit. However, there will always be an open discussion page next to every entry, allowing visitors to comment on the content and giving a platform for engagement.
EnviroWiki.org.uk is a project from Change is Coming (ChiC)
What's EnviroWiki's 'unique selling point'?
There are already dozens of networks linking businesses and third sector organisations, and dozens of social networking sites trying to facilitate communication between different groups.
This profusion of networks is an indication of the vitality of the sector, and we certainly don't wish to replicate or replace the valuable work already being done.
However, it is precisely because there are so many networks that EnviroWiki can be so useful, as an overarching tool that allows us to see how different organisations and levels of governance relate to one another.
How is the site structured?
The basic distinction on the site is between category pages and entry pages. Exactly what the conventional division between them becomes will depend on how users respond to the system, but broadly speaking the entry page is the equivalent of the 'about us' section on a website (or PR blurb for a book, or CSR for a company etc.), while the category page acts as a guide to the contents of that category. In time we may use a screen tint to help users distinguish the two.
Current EnviroWiki.org.uk projects
Category:MP Profiling - A mapping and accountability project for campaigns and candidates in the lead up to the UK general election 2010.
Coming soon: collaborative lists on fish to eat/avoid, palm oil products and plastic recycling projects. Email to find out how you can help us with it.
Who is it meant for?
EnviroWiki.org.uk is for everyone! You could be a curious individual, an organisation looking for support with your own changes or outreach, or a member of the scientific, activist and political communities. The nature of EnviroWiki allows you to create comprehensive real-time updates and gives you instant access to growing networks of environmentally minded organisations and movements.
Creative collaboration
Entries can be added to as many categories as users think suitable, much like tagging systems on sites like youtube.com that allow an organic 'folksonomy' to emerge rather than a top-down taxonomy. This is particularly valuable when dealing with organisations and initiatives at the cutting edge of social development, which don't fit into traditional frameworks.
What makes EnviroWiki.org.uk different from other wikis is its use of categories at the centre of the resource-sharing. The category system of EnviroWiki uses the same principle as that of 'tagging' - entries can be added to as many categories as users think suitable, to allow for an organic 'folksonomy' to emerge rather than a top-down taxonomy.
Like tags, these categories can cross themes, subjects and (most especially in the case of EnviroWiki.org.uk) geographical location. Grounded by a few ‘top’ categories, users of EnviroWiki have the freedom to organise their content as they like.
Getting involved
Like other wikis, EnviroWiki allows for users to add to and edit content. In fact, the success of the site entirely depends on it. Please help us to make EnviroWiki a useful tool for the environmental sector as a whole by adding in information about your own campaigns and research.
If you are unfamiliar with wikis, find basic step-by-step guides on how to use and edit EnviroWiki, or visit EnviroWiki Help:Contents for more.
Contact
If you would like to contact those involved with the running of EnviroWiki, please email us.
