Bureaucrats, Check users, Interface administrators, Administrators (Semantic MediaWiki), Administrators, vuser
9,362
edits
Changes
MyWikiBiz, Author Your Legacy — Saturday April 27, 2024
Jump to navigationJump to search
mLine 3:
Line 3: − + Line 59:
Line 59: − + Line 91:
Line 91: − + Line 144:
Line 144: − + Line 172:
Line 172: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Reverted edits by DrPerson (Talk); changed back to last version by Nathan
----
----
<br>
<br>
{{WaterCoolerPages|Proposals|The '''proposals''' section of the water cooler is used to discuss new ideas and proposals that are not policy related (see [[Centiare:Water Cooler (policy)]] for that).}}
{{WaterCoolerPages|Proposals|The '''proposals''' section of the water cooler is used to discuss new ideas and proposals that are not policy related (see [[MyWikiBiz:Water Cooler (policy)]] for that).}}
</noinclude>
</noinclude>
===Citation templates===
===Citation templates===
I would like to see Karl enable the 10 citation templates that are found [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_templates at Wikipedia]. I believe that these 10 should cover any attempt any user should have to factually cite and article or Directory page. I currently updated [[Directory:Gregory J. Kohs]] with a <nowiki>{{cite news}}</nowiki>, but it isn't rendering. --[[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 10:08, 2 January 2007 (PST)
I would like to see Karl enable the 10 citation templates that are found [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_templates at Wikipedia]. I believe that these 10 should cover any attempt any user should have to factually cite and article or Directory page. I currently updated [[Directory:Gregory J. Kohs]] with a <nowiki>{{cite news}}</nowiki>, but it isn't rendering. --[[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 10:08, 2 January 2007 (PST)
:Done. Please see [[Centiare:Citation_templates]] - let me know if there's anything else you need. [[User:Centiare|Centiare]] 11:32, 2 January 2007 (PST)
:Done. Please see [[MyWikiBiz:Citation_templates]] - let me know if there's anything else you need. [[User:Centiare|Centiare]] 11:32, 2 January 2007 (PST)
===Gadgets and Widget===
===Gadgets and Widget===
===Web 3.0===
===Web 3.0===
*this site promotes the POV so here I go. You're business model is flawed. The Ads on centiare weaken the overall feel immensely putting the site dangerously close to a geocite/xanga. Instead, go on attack of the show a few more times, get interviewed my a magazine. Once a base of 50,000 (just throwing out a number) members join charge 4.99 for a personal page and 19.99 for a business. You're selling this site, make it cool to have a page. Ipods are no better than roxio players but which one is cool? Exactly. Down the road I see Centiare:The <s> free </s> Directory
*this site promotes the POV so here I go. You're business model is flawed. The Ads on centiare weaken the overall feel immensely putting the site dangerously close to a geocite/xanga. Instead, go on attack of the show a few more times, get interviewed my a magazine. Once a base of 50,000 (just throwing out a number) members join charge 4.99 for a personal page and 19.99 for a business. You're selling this site, make it cool to have a page. Ipods are no better than roxio players but which one is cool? Exactly. Down the road I see MyWikiBiz:The <s> free </s> Directory
:Monthly billings are so Web1.0 - think Web3.0. That means transactions.
:Monthly billings are so Web1.0 - think Web3.0. That means transactions.
[[User:Wygk|Wygk]] 11:59, 5 March 2007 (PST)
[[User:Wygk|Wygk]] 11:59, 5 March 2007 (PST)
:I like your ideas. What type of improvements would you include/modify on these existing [[Centiare:Listing/Add|forms]]? [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 12:21, 5 March 2007 (PST)
:I like your ideas. What type of improvements would you include/modify on these existing [[MyWikiBiz:Listing/Add|forms]]? [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 12:21, 5 March 2007 (PST)
::I will bet 10 to 1 that what [[User:Wygk|Wygk]] was envisioning is something like what they have [http://wikicompany.org/wiki/Special:WCPublish over at Wikicompany.org]. Our "forms" aren't really forms, they are templates. --[[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 13:59, 5 March 2007 (PST)
::I will bet 10 to 1 that what [[User:Wygk|Wygk]] was envisioning is something like what they have [http://wikicompany.org/wiki/Special:WCPublish over at Wikicompany.org]. Our "forms" aren't really forms, they are templates. --[[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 13:59, 5 March 2007 (PST)
:::::Buzz is probably a little too ambitious right now. It works for WP since they're ranked almost #1 on every search, regardless of topic. Your observation about plotting what will hit big is better suited to where we're at right now. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 21:10, 6 March 2007 (PST)
:::::Buzz is probably a little too ambitious right now. It works for WP since they're ranked almost #1 on every search, regardless of topic. Your observation about plotting what will hit big is better suited to where we're at right now. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 21:10, 6 March 2007 (PST)
===Build it and they will come.===
I agree with the proceeding contributions that viral marketing will drive Centiare growth and build an internet powerhouse. Part of what I would like to see Centiare become is something that WP cannot: an online community of clients/members for commercial and advocacy organisations... the author ownership of the Centiare directory page linked to MySpace-type comments/YouTube videos/Blogs could create powerful online communities. I am planning to work in new media (online delivery of news commentary via blogs and video) and believe that Centiare could be the Unified Field Theory of wiki directories, blogs, and video. Nonetheless, what I intend to do in the mean time, is get every line of business in my family company to get a directory and write an article on every issue I have expertise in. We need to build content so that when people discover Centiare, they aren't disappointed with a lack of content. I like the idea of news items to drive traffic; could Centiare expand into the same area as Topix or Newsvine? [[User:Bnagroup|Bnagroup]] 16:25, 8 March 2007 (PST)
:Centiare supports all sorts of [[MyWikiBiz:Extensions|embedded scripts]], including [[Iframe]], which means we can run almost any program from within Centiare. The person who's the real expert in this area is [[User:OmniMediaGroup|OmniMediaGroup]] - take a look [[Directory:Allbritton Communications|here]] to see just one example out of hundreds(?) she's created.
:I have discussed with her the possibility of linking up blogs, auctions (eBay), classified (Craigslist), videos (YouTube), etc. to create a true Web3.0 e-commerce environment at Centiare. Perhaps you would like to touch base with her - the three of us (+ whoever else was interested) could probably pull this project together pretty quickly.
:Btw, it needs to be said, so I guess here's as good as anyplace: collectivist systems like Wikipedia '''''have always failed''''' wherever & whenever they've been tried because they subsume self-interest to the "common good". In comparison, free markets '''''have always succeeded''''' wherever & whenever they've been tried because they elevate self-interest over the "common good".
:The grand irony is that, even though capitalism is inherently selfish, due to productive efficiencies stimulated by self-interest, private property systems always generate more wealth, taxes & public funding. In a Web 3.0 environment, the seemingly novel construct of allowing users to control their own contributions will produce more and better quality information. That is, Centiare will deliver more utility and value to end users. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 17:16, 8 March 2007 (PST)
::I think ''that'' is the huge potential of MyWikiBiz: the power to unify these extensions; if the owner of a directory page can protect that page from vandalism, it can be used to tie together these web extensions and create a dynamic web-based community. If someone doesn't like the APOV let them set up an counterpoint directory listing--instead of the Wikipedia suppression of dissent. On a side note, as an alumnus of Adam Smith's alma mater, I wouldn't say that Capitalism is inherently "selfish" but is inherently "self-motivated'. I know I am parsing words but selfishness is a sin, Capitalism is not. Capitalism is morally superior to collectivism. But you are right: the paradox is that the common good is better served by the freedom of individuals to achieve their goals. [[User:Bnagroup|Bnagroup]] 18:39, 8 March 2007 (PST)
:::The Directory space, by default, cannot be accessed by any other users except page owners/originators & sysops. Since it is in effect, virtual "private property", owners can utilize their Directory listings/space to engage in all manner of legal activities, including advocacy, e-commerce, etc.
:::The only alternative a competitor or someone with an opposing viewpoint has is to establish a countervailing listing. Main space is reserved for NPOV, which means articles can only state the most fundamental information. Aficionados is the mechanism whereby users can provide links to their listings/contributions for further reading.
:::Allowing readers to decide within a ''marketplace of ideas'' is fundamentally sound and greatly preferable to the mayhem that ensues at WP. It's amazing watching everything Hayek, Orwell & Rand predict come true. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 06:22, 9 March 2007 (PST)
==Revamp the tutorial==
I downloaded an extension called "faststone" which makes taking pictures of your computer screen really easy. I think the tutorial page would be alot more helpful to new users (the 1%) if every step had a captured image to explain exactly what we mean. [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 12:40, 24 April 2007 (PDT)
An example
[[Image:Template example.jpg|center|600px]]
:I'll see your screen capture, and raise you one [http://www.download.com/Easy-Screen-Capture-Video/3000-2194_4-10288386.html?tag=lst-0-1 live video capture]. After seeing some stock analyst post technical chart analysis in "video narrated" form on his blog, I knew that's what I have to do, to make Centiare come alive for the inexperienced. I'll be working on this. --[[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 22:32, 24 April 2007 (PDT)
==Facebook & Social Utilities==
Once we have met a threshold of content, how about a Centiare Users group at Facebook. It's amazing how viral it is. [[User:Bnagroup|Bnagroup]] 12:36, 28 April 2007 (PDT)
:I agree, but first we should decide on a title and what to include in the bulk of the group. [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 14:00, 28 April 2007 (PDT)
::I have a Facebook account, but I'm not familiar with "Groups" yet. I will look into it and be happy to take charge with the marketing message therein. --[[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 19:58, 28 April 2007 (PDT)
::'''UPDATE''': I have created a [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2327076196 "Centiare Users" group] within Facebook, and Garrett has already joined. By the way, there is a [http://www.myspace.com/centiare Centiare profile on MySpace], as well. --[[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 22:26, 28 April 2007 (PDT)
==Map embedding extension==
The mapquest gifs i've uploaded are okay but a dynamic embedded map from google or mapquest would be awesome in small business's showing off their location. Any suggestions on how to render a map - I vaguely remember a tourismpedia with a working one a few month ago. [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 18:54, 29 April 2007 (PDT)
:I thought there was a widget for this, wasn't there? Check with OMG. --[[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 21:38, 29 April 2007 (PDT)
==Centiare RSS feed==
How would I go about creating a centiare rss feed with maybe 10 articles refreshed daily? [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 18:52, 6 May 2007 (PDT)
:I'll add an extension later today that handles this capability. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 06:49, 7 May 2007 (PDT)
::I looked into some extensions but I'm not sure which one works best - why don't you do a little research and get back to me? [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 10:00, 7 May 2007 (PDT)
:::Turns out we can just use the embed command to wrap any existing RSS XML scripts. Check out the [[RSS]] page. You may want to explore a little more about specific extensions that will assist in formatting. For now the feed works great - especially on refresh. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 14:10, 7 May 2007 (PDT)
::::I can't get the centiare rss page to render in my java creator [http://www.rss-info.com/en_rssinclude-simple.html] [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 14:46, 7 May 2007 (PDT)
:::::Looks perfect [[RSS|here]]. Could you add this to the [[MyWikiBiz:Extensions]] list along with a brief write-up & example? [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 14:54, 7 May 2007 (PDT)
::::: O - no I was talking about having our own RSS feed, not embedding anothers. I envisioned a [http://rss.centiare.com/rss/featured articles] type situation with the feed refreshing every day with each new article. [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 19:30, 7 May 2007 (PDT)
::::::[[RSS|Done]] - just take a look at the code & documentation for further explanation. Would you like to post both of these to the extensions list? Even though you are interested in the outbound RSS, the inbound RSS is perfect for building dynamic content. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 09:58, 8 May 2007 (PDT)
:I'm probably getting in over my head, but does [http://www.centiare.com/index.php?title=Special:Recentchanges&feed=rss this link] help you in any way, Garrett? Maybe merging that with the RSS "external" widget that Karl described?
:Actually, this feed of Centiare's [http://www.centiare.com/index.php?title=Special:Newpages&feed=rss newest pages] would probably be more interesting. --[[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 11:30, 8 May 2007 (PDT)
I think we have somewhat of an idea of what we're doing but it still renders really weird. [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 12:46, 8 May 2007 (PDT)
==Centiare 2.0==
People aren't creating content because they don't know what to do. Squidoo is on to something but they don't allow nearly enough personal freedom plus c'mon how hard is HTML if regular joe's can't tackle metawiki.
Let's say we have a page where you check a box for business, personal, non-profit, or professional creation. Page two check a box for what color you want your page (we can create a <nowiki>{{red}}</nowiki> template really easy) if you want a photo gallery, rss feed, put in your google adsense number, youtube video number then generate a preview with sanford milson's info. Page three is a video how-to that shows them what to do with the pre generated code right underneath
.... or if they click the "professional creation" have page two as my autofill template that e-mails me directly with a price list and ask query of clients. [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 13:21, 10 May 2007 (PDT)
:I think scripts, widgets, gadgets, etc represent the easiest methods for users to create content. I've mentioned to Greg that we could add tips & pointers to the 'quick add' form to guide users in building-out meaningful content relevant to their respective directory listings.
::I highly underestimate users inputing scripts and videos unless it is a fill-in-the-form one step process.
:::It may be true that forms will have to incorporate templates.
:The question I posed to you in the context of Lawyer Direct, was what types of scripts exist in the legal biz besides RSS? There is a coming flood of specialized scripts as syndicators realize this is a very effective means of reaching a mass audience. These should be adapted to every type of listing at Centiare.
::I don't quite understand - could you explain further?
:::Script driven widgets, gadgets, etc are quickly moving away from tricks and into the sphere of ''useful''. The Alexa graph (that we couldn't get working) is a good example; I imagine similar scripts exist for different professions & business sectors. In the legal segment, there's RSS from court feeds, etc, but there are probably scripts covering specific professional requirements (eg MCLE).
:What we're faced with then, are constant updates & changes to incorporate the newest tricks. As page counts mount into the thousands, it will become impossible to maintain & move with the market on a manual basis, which is why I'm going to develop a bot library for select use.
::Like that autowikibrowser nazi on wikipedia?
:::There's a whole family of bots - I think I'll design a simple one that select users will be allowed to utilize that will go through each of the pages they choose to modify.
:We've been frozen too long in tight, hand crafted pages. The time has come to not only ramp up content by leveraging external sources, but to be able to quickly adapt to new & interesting technologies & mechanisms. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 14:05, 10 May 2007 (PDT)
::I think we can accomplish this most easily through new templates after we build a better community space that can be like hey... {{this}} gives you a cool script or even better if while editing pages your template box can give you the embed video/ads/etc. code along with žĽĚΏú⅛⅛⅓ type stuff. [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 19:05, 10 May 2007 (PDT)
:::Forms & templates may be one method; yet they requirement mediawiki editing skills. I'd like to forge a mechanism by which casual users can quickly create meaningful content without learning how to edit wikipedia style codes. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 03:31, 11 May 2007 (PDT)
==Semantic Forms
I ran accross this new Semantic_Forms extension yesterday. It seems rather complicated to set up, but once it is, it might be the solution for casual users.
[http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Semantic_Forms Semantic_Forms]
--[[User:OmniMediaGroup|OmniMediaGroup]] 09:04, 11 May 2007 (PDT)
:Excellent - I see Yoran has finally released his forms package. I originally contacted him months ago in reference to some forms he was using at his wiki site. After reviewing his source code, we had numerous email exchanges that ultimately culminated in me convincing him to create a standard forms package and release it as a MW extension. I'll look into see how he's implemented these features. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 10:23, 11 May 2007 (PDT)
===Aesthetic wiki===
I've asked several people for input on what they think of centiare. They all really liked the idea or at least what they understood of it after I explained everything. However every single person immediately said, "O so its wikipedia", or even worse "wikipedia knock off" or "clone" when I pulled up the page. It's time to seriously start thinking about a new skin and overall a new theme. Is there a way we could each create a new main page and one listing in a sandbox and brainstorm a way to differentiate ourselves? (though I'll have to learn more about meta-wiking code)
This could coincide with a hugely revamped and improved new user integration effort with video tutorials. Currently If I was a 45 year old still using the msn search engine small business owner my page would look incredibly basic and would not take advantage of the embed, colors, or even an infobox. Of course the overall change of separating wiki code from the lay user through simple form boxes will hopefully give us a more squidoo like atmosphere yet not forcing ads down people's throats or trashy myspace like html.
I envision creating a centiare page somewhat like customizing your new car on the internet. Pick the color, options, accessories, then see a final preview before buying, if you don't like it just click different boxes.
[[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 09:04, 12 May 2007 (PDT)
This is the most unique wiki I've seen to date. [http://www.wikihow.com/Main-Page] I'm not advocating nearly this big of change but it's cool to see what's out there. [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 13:50, 13 May 2007 (PDT)
:Garrett, feel free to experiment all you want with the either the main page or the entire skin. You can simply create a main page under any one of your listings. Alternatively, you can perform wholesale changes with your skin. If you like the site you referenced above, just take copy/paste their skin to yours - it's that simple. Or, check out this [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Gallery_of_user_styles gallery of user styles] for other ideas.
:If you don't want to muck up your existing skin, you could create a new account for the express purposes of experimenting with various skins. Again, there's nothing Greg or I necessarily have to do to "allow" you to come up with any skin you design. All we have to do if we reach a general agreement is to change the primary default skin. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 06:54, 14 May 2007 (PDT)
::''Consultant Joel Kurtzman, who evaluated 350 startups for his book Startups That Work, found that successful outlets usually have a team of two or three founders who share a common vision; the success rate for this model was a remarkable 50%. The odds for solo founders were more like the oft-quoted one in 10'' - That's pretty good odds. [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 17:09, 14 May 2007 (PDT)
::How do I make my own skin for the whole site? The main page and really the whole site have everything placed really well. However all other wiki's (except the super unique wikihow) have the same boring gray background with 1px of darker gray border and green bullet boxes. I'll capture a few net pictures and see if we can code them into centiare. [[User:Garrett|Garrett]] 17:27, 14 May 2007 (PDT)
<center>
[[Image:Apple tabs.jpg|thumb|700px|these buttons/tabs have an embossed and shadowed look]]
[[Image:Wikihow box.jpg|thumb|700px|probably the easiest aesthetic change to look into as an actual wiki managed to do it.]]
[[Image:Firefox buttons.jpg|thumb|700px|more fancy embossed buttons. Could we make the * symbol into that awesome blue orb?]]
</center>
===Modifying Skins===
We can do anything we like as long as the overall look & feel presents a consistent interface and works with all extensions. Before we change anything, we need to experiment with a single user skin - here are some [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User_styles guidelines] to help you out. [[User:Snerfling|Snerfling]] 06:28, 15 May 2007 (PDT)
