Skip navigation

Wiki Charter

What is it?

A Wiki Charter is a document that sets guidelines for community collaboration and respectful, productive activity on the wiki. The charter should be created at the start of a new wiki so that new members have the benefit of community guidelines as soon as they begin to collaborate.

Usage

The charter is a good way to introduce people to the wiki so that they can become exemplars of good wiki practice right from the start.

In communities where the membership is mostly or all virtual, the charter is especially important because people only know each other online. Groups where there is some element of physical interaction typically have fewer problems with online collaboration because the basic structure of community is already in place.

Example

The BTECNationalsinSport Wiki has a charter that emphasizes collaboration, accountability and respect. Since the wiki is also used by students, the Charter contains a classroom specific charter that emphasizes preparation and attitude, in addition to the characteristics above.

Rate this pattern?

Related Patterns

  • Champion - A wiki Champion often models the behavior described in the charter, and encourages other community members to do so as well.
  • Invitation - When inviting people to collaborate on a wiki, make the Charter one of their first stops when they first visit the wiki, so they understand the guidelines from the start.

Further Reading


Comments  (Hide)

This is a really good move.

If you havn't you should check out www.ebaywiki.com they have some brilliant WikiCharters

Posted by Nick Cliff at Dec 12, 2007 18:57

FYI — ebayWiki is no longer available

Posted by heather at Apr 10, 2008 12:49

Unfortunately the linkused in example doesn't work anymore.

Posted by sup at Apr 27, 2008 15:07

Please Log in or sign-up to discuss the pattern.