Re: Wiki madness

> > - it's hard to comment on stuff.
> Usemod-based wikis typically use subpages for discussions.

We have tried to use a wiki for discussion and it does not work. Restricting
yourself to commenting only at the bottom of the page or using another page
raises the need for a referencing system (eg "Re paragraph 27"). While you
can create such a system that you have to create one in at all indicates you
are using the wrong system.

A useful addition to a wiki would be a syntax for comments to be displayed
as marginalia. With this it would be much easier for the reader to be able
to choose to read the main text of heavily commented page with only being
peripherally being aware of the comments. For example

  We've also left a corner of the Wiki -- | The jungle does
  the "Jungle" -- with no structure. You  | suggest an US vs
  can put anything that you want in the   | THEM attitude.
  Jungle, regardless of whether it fits   | -- AJG
  nicely in the structured hierarchy or
  not. Ideas that are so visionary that
  they are probably not practical should
  go in the Jungle. The Jungle can also
  be used for ideas that clearly relate
  to a Topic, ...

And allow the writer to add comments inline.

    [comment The jungle ...] We've also left a corner ...

Since comments on comments should be allowed the common linear flow of the
wiki text formatting syntax does not naturally extend to this need. You need
a new syntax -- which everyone will dislike.

-- Andrew

--
Andrew Gilmartin
US Engineering Team Lead
[email protected]
401-743-3713 (cell)
andrewgilmartin (aim)


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