IForgeIron Wiki

[Glenn]

IForgeIron has added a wiki.

The members of IForgeIron are welcome to post, add, change, and edit the wiki to make it the best blacksmithing resource possible.

Go to the IForgeIron wiki

[m_brothers]

I like the idea of members being able to add to the Wiki or edit or correct others mistakes on it.

[Ted T]

Not having an education with computers and such, I am left with a question about how this concept works.
Doe’s someone write (post) an opinion or provide information about a topic, then leave it open for anyone with an opposing opinion or concepts to re-write over it?
There are a lot of ways to skin a cat. Not that one way is always best.
How about a little more simple and complete information about how this works for un-informed people like me.
I would hate to see someone over-write a factually correct article with their un-informed opinion.
I am sure I don’t understand the concept, so please help me to understand it correctly!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

[Glenn]

The IForgeIron Wiki is a build-it-yourself resource, dictionary and encyclopedia.

Any member can search for a key word and each time that key word appears on the wiki, it is referenced for you.

If you type in a key word and click "go" it will look for the "page" dedicated to that word. If the page does not yet exist, it invites you to start one.

If you find a spelling error, bad information, mis-information, or want to make an addition to the page to make it more complete, you click on the edit button on that page and make the changes. The changes are recorded so that they can be undone easily. This way the users can self-moderate the content.

For instance: If there is a blacksmithing myth posted, there is no need to delete the myth, just post additional material that corrects the myth. There may well be opposing opinions, in this case you should add an "alternate" way of doing things. The resource is more valuable when you get several definitions or ways to do the same thing.

Starting out, you have only the first page. By adding more and more pages you make chapters, books, and then a library which is wonderful resource full of information. We are developing that resource.

[Ted T]

Thank You for the rapid responce Glenn.
The explaination you gave is understandable. It will head me in the right direction to get a better understand as the concept is put into action and the effective use of the concept unravels.
The older I get, the harder I find it is for me to accept change and new concepts. Thats just me.
Glenn Thank you again for helping us to come into the new age of technology.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

[HWooldridge]

I expanded "forge" in a couple of areas so it looks more like a dictionary entry. Don't think you have to do this on every definition and feel free to edit my changes if they need it (I minored in English and write lots of reports at work so it comes naturally for me). Just try to make certain that your information is not 'hearsay' and can be factually substantiated.

[Glenn]

HW, improvements are welcome. It makes things easier to find.

[Ted T]

Concerning the issue of Wiki,
I feel it is time for me to eat crow along with a large plate of humble pie for desert.

By not comprehending what the concept of Wiki was, it alarmed me.
I incorrectly thought it gave other people the resource and the ability to access and correct our normal on-line posts for spelling, punctuation, and over-write with their opinions after we had entered them. I knew everyone may post their own opinions about anyone’s opinion with their own post, and thought that was already sufficient. I was wrong in my thinking about what Wiki was.

After Glenn gave a more detailed explanation of what Wiki was, I understood it better. Now that I have checked out the existing Wiwi examples, I do stand corrected.

In fact, I hope my questioning of what the program was about, did not deter anyone from giving it a try.
Now, I am very impressed and excited about Wiki being added to I Forge Iron.

Wiki Rocks!

Glenn, thank you for your explanation that helped me understand what a practical and useful tool Wiki is for us who use I Forge Iron.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

[Glenn]

Ted,
I am glad I was able to clear up the confusion of the true purpose of the Wiki, that of a dictionary / encyclopedia that every one can contribute to and improve.

It takes a big man to stand up and say he was wwww, wwwr, wwwroooo, mistaken. (grin).
As to the crow and humble pie, may I suggest you make posts to the Wiki and improve the resource instead.

[MJ Hofbauer]

One suggestion, and this is how other larger wiki's tend to operate. Only post a record in a definitive narative if the topic is widely agreed upon. If various parties have a different way, material, or believe something came to be from different historical contexts make sure to note that as you add information. Otherwise you can start some nasty arguments among various schools of practice. One instance would be what the best material that Widget A can be made out of. Instead of writing what one thinks is the best material, one could write.

Widget A is made out of Material B by various blacksmiths as it's strength and resistance to (yada yada) are believed to be ideal for Widget A's usage.

If multiple views are out there, enter them in weighted by the percentage of those that share that point, without referring to the lesser as 'wrong' in any way. Regardless of your own personal opinion.

-MJ