information repository

[Munsterman]

I tend to agree - the Wiki is not so user friendly. I certainly have no special IT skills but I do see that it needs some work done if the uptake is to be increased.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by thewayitwas

1. Improve the Navigation Bars on the left make them more prominent as per 'normal' web pages.

Unfortunately the changes we can make to the navigation bar are fairly limited. We can add to it but not significantly change the layout. Look at wikipedia and you'll see that it's essentially the same navigation bar - just with different links.

Originally Posted by thewayitwas

2. Divide the 2 main paras on the 1st page into 2 separate pages. Making the 2nd para a section in its own right

3. Make the para 'Other Useful Pages' into a "Links" section

I'd agree with these changes. The main page is unprotected so if anyone feels like making the changes go ahead.

Originally Posted by thewayitwas

4. List the Main Category Headings in the Navigation Bar

I don't know if this can be done but I'll look into it.

Originally Posted by thewayitwas

5. Make it look as though it is easy to use. The main Category Page is awful. It puts me off from using it and I am no stranger to web pages or web page design.

The main categories page is unprotected so if anyone thinks they can make it better feel free.

Originally Posted by thewayitwas

In essence: Make it user friendly: as it is now it would positively discourage many of the IT newbies from using it IMHO.

I totally agree with this sentiment - but I'm not going to do it on my own. The wiki is intended as a community driven project. I'm not going to write a user friendly encyclopedia on my own. Other members need to help - if they don't then this project is a dead duck.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Dave

Have a look here

http://www.archery-interchange.com/f....php/Main_Page

All we have to do is convince people that it's easier to add to it than it looks; which I believe Tom is working on this weekend

I've done a basic guide to the wiki, which can be found here: http://www.archery-interchange.com/f..._the_AIUK_Wiki

[Murray]

Great job as always Tom!

It does take a bit of getting used to, but it's worthwhile to get to grips with.

If even 1% of our membership regularly contributed to the Wiki, it would be an amazing resource (and do the archer's reference out of a job ) so come on guys, don't be afraid, help us make it the best resource on the planet.

[TWIW]

Originally Posted by Murray

Great job as always Tom!

It does take a bit of getting used to, but it's worthwhile to get to grips with.

If even 1% of our membership regularly contributed to the Wiki, it would be an amazing resource (and do the archer's reference out of a job ) so come on guys, don't be afraid, help us make it the best resource on the planet.

Good Intro Tom.

The problem I have with the Wiki, is that it can be edited by anyone. Therefore it can contain absolute nonsense or at best unreliable information or opinion, but, because it has been published in a semi official encyclopedia people will accept it as fact. There should be a system of error checking and moderation to any and all entries onto this and, IMHO, any Wiki that is freely available to ensure the accuracy of the information.

Personally I wouldn't trust information I found on a Wiki unless I could verify it from reference sources and if I was going to do that why go to the Wiki in the 1st place?

[Dave]

Originally Posted by thewayitwas

Personally I wouldn't trust information I found on a Wiki unless I could verify it from reference sources and if I was going to do that why go to the Wiki in the 1st place?

Because the wiki article (if done properly) would be referenced and save you the trouble.