Long Island WIKI (LIWIKI): Part One

So what's the first step towards a collaberation between the various Long Island entities? Perhaps a Long Island WIKI? A simple chart and definition may be of some assistance.

A WIKI is defined as "a website that allows visitors to add, remove, edit and change content, typically without the need for registration. It also allows for linking among any number of pages. This ease of interaction and operation makes a wiki an effective tool for mass collaborative authoring. The term wiki can also refer to the collaborative software itself (wiki engine) that facilitates the operation of such a site, or to certain specific wiki sites, including the computer science site (the original wiki) WikiWikiWeb and online encyclopedias such as Wikipedia."

We're taking about something much more advanced and interactive than this.

Obviously there would need to be some ground rules in place to prevent the entry of "non-productive data" and the ability of any group to alter another groups data, but these are reasonably simple fixes. Additionally, it is possible the entire project could be self-sustaining through corporate and foundation sponsorships.

1. Level one is to identify organizations in a number of diverse fields capable of providing both primary source data and analytical skills. This intitial set of organizations will have the duty of "de-bugging" the process and laying the groundwork for additional organizations to be added. Agree on the design of the LIWIKI and the methodologies to be employed.

2. In addition to the data, arrive at a number of prescribed formulae to initially analyze incoming data. "Ad hoc" reporting capability in "virtual" real time is the ultimate goal.

3. Level two of the LIWIKI is an "ideas" forum for those not yet admitted to level one, but believe they have important information that should be included as a level one participant. Level two participants always have the option of participating through Level One participants or informally on the LIWIKI.

4. Identify external data (data not generated by Long Island organizations) and determine how to integrate it into the LIWIKI process.

Obviously, a LIWIKI is just one idea for beginning the collaberative process. We will expand upon this idea as well as others in upcoming entries.