I was familiar with Wikipedia already and use it often, so it was interesting to learn about other wikis, our Auckland library website tries to encourage patrons to join it so that they can add their own book reviews and discussions.
A great way to use wikis is by getting a person's opinion on what a book was like to them so that you get real criticism instead of relying on publishers' reviews that are like press releases and are always trying to promote the good things about the book. So use wikis as a guideline but don't treat them as gospel. For example I use Amazon.com to decide weather a TV show or a new CD would be good to purchase based on reviews I look at the publisher and public reviews and then try to pick up on what the majority of reviewers think. Of course you can also listen to half tracks or watch episodes to get an even better idea.
Being able to read and write reviews can really help library patron's decide on what they would like to read next. If you really love a book you can create a real buzz about it if enough people join in on the discussion. However there are some idiots who abuse wikis but you just have to ignore them. Overall I like the idea of wikis and being able to start your own page on any subject you like so you could really use it as a promotional tool for the library.
I explored the ACL PB Wiki and added my blog to favourite blogs.
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Hi Blackcat
ReplyDeleteWell done for having a go at Wikis !! :-0