Thursday, January 31, 2008

A topic for discussion: wikis vs discussion forums

How do wikis differ from discussion boards or forums?

Also known as online bulletin boards or Internet forums, discussion forums are asynchronous tools to facilitate group discussions. They automatically maintain a log of all messages in a threaded, hierarchical structure. Users find a topic of interest, read the postings under it, and enter a response. Discussion boards are often used to post questions and answers and to enable an on-going conversation about a topic. All visitors can view the dialog and benefit from the material discussed without actually participating. However, some users often find that the threads are hard to follow.

How do wikis differ? Well, a wiki is a type of website that allows anyone who can basically use a word processor or send e-mail to develop or to edit content on the site, with no special tools or programming knowledge. Wikis may be used by a group to build a website, each person contributing information on the subject. A wiki permits the aggregation of the views of the many participants. Unlike on a discussion forum, each wiki user may actually update the content posted by other visitors on the website. The content is an evolving work-in-progress by the group, collaborating. However, many wikis also allow their visitors to comment on the content and postings of others through discussion threads or forums. For example, visitors can ask questions about the content posted on the site or make comments about it. The questions and comments and replies posted to them would be typically displayed with the page. Discussion forums are often used by content authors too -- to discuss the approach and development of the content.


Image credit: New York State Music Teachers Association, Inc

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm curious to find out what blog system you have been using? I'm having some small security
problems with my latest site and I'd like to find something more secure. Do you have any recommendations?
my web page :: auto stroker

Anonymous said...

My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different website and
thought I may as well check things out. I like
what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to checking out your
web page repeatedly.
Also see my site: Click Here

Anonymous said...

I comment whenever I like a post on a website or if I have something
to contribute to the discussion. Usually it is a result of
the passion communicated in the post I read.
And on this post "A topic for discussion: wikis vs discussion forums".
I was actually moved enough to drop a thought ;) I actually
do have a few questions for you if it's allright. Is it only me or do some of the remarks look like coming from brain dead folks? :-P And, if you are writing on additional places, I'd like to
follow everything new you have to post. Would you
make a list all of all your shared sites like your twitter feed,
Facebook page or linkedin profile?
My site - cheap Vikings jersey

Anonymous said...

Thanks for every other excellent article. The place else may
anyone get that type of information in such an ideal way of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such info.
Feel free to visit my site coaching management Assessment

Anonymous said...

Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this
write-up and also the rest of the website is also very
good.
Also visit my weblog ... Click Here

Anonymous said...

Hey there this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG
editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Also visit my web blog - equipos de estetica miami

Anonymous said...

Thanks to my father who informed me about this webpage, this webpage is truly awesome.



Here is my page ... Slots bonus

Anonymous said...

I love what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the excellent works guys I've added you guys to our blogroll.

My web blog - cheap back braces for scoliosis

Joe Root said...

I continuously livelihood on upcoming to your parcel again retributory in containerful you have posted new list. vmware hybrid cloud hosting

daren sammy said...

Outstanding blog you guys have preserved there, I totally valuate the effort. best wp themes

Sharon Stone said...

I really like this great job folks. www.hr.com