Approaches to managing wiki access, particularly for senstive information
- Wiki Contribution Access Models
Most city-focused wikis use one of these access models:
1. **Open Contribution** - Anyone can make edits without an account (like traditional Wikipedia)
- Examples: Many LocalWiki projects, earlier versions of WikiTravel - Pros: Maximum community participation - Cons: Requires more vigilant moderation
2. **Account-Based Editing** - Most common model where users must register first
- Examples: Berlin Life, Aarhus Internationals, most modern community wikis - Pros: Creates accountability while maintaining broad participation - Cons: Small barrier to entry that might discourage casual contributors
3. **Approval-Based System** - Edits are reviewed before publication
- Examples: Smaller expatriate wikis with sensitive information - Pros: Better quality control - Cons: Slower update process, more administrative overhead
4. **Core Editor Model** - Only approved community members can make changes
- Examples: Some neighborhood-specific wikis, specialized sections of larger wikis - Pros: More consistent quality and tone - Cons: Limited perspective and potential for outdated information
- Handling Sensitive Recommendations
For sensitive topics like doctor recommendations, most wikis employ these strategies:
1. **Disclaimer Approach** - Clear statements that recommendations are personal experiences, not endorsements
- Most common for expatriate wikis
2. **Criteria-Based Listings** - Doctors listed based on objective criteria (languages spoken, specialties, locations)
- Used in larger city wikis to avoid subjective quality judgments
3. **Community Validation** - Multiple independent recommendations required before listing
- Common in medium-sized communities with active moderation
4. **Anonymous Reviews** - Allow users to share experiences without names attached
- Used particularly for healthcare recommendations
5. **Moderated Sections** - Special editorial oversight for healthcare and other sensitive recommendations
- Berlin Life and other larger expatriate resources use this approach
Most successful wikis balance openness with accountability through their community guidelines, which typically emphasize factual information over subjective assessments for sensitive topics.
