Wiki danger zones

Purpose

This page highlights common pitfalls that can reduce the usefulness of the toolkit.

Avoiding these “danger zones” helps keep the wiki accurate, practical, and easy to use.

Policy Dump

Avoid copying official policies, bylaws, or governing documents into the wiki.

• Link to official sources instead

• Summarize only what is needed for practical understanding

If the same information exists in multiple places, one of them will eventually be wrong.

One True Way

There is no single “correct” way to run a Local Group.

• Avoid presenting one approach as the only option

• Show alternatives when appropriate

• Highlight tradeoffs and flexibility

The goal is to support different approaches, not replace them.

Museum Effect

A wiki that isn’t maintained becomes outdated.

• Update content regularly

• Remove or revise outdated guidance

• Archive content that is no longer current

Archiving is supported by the Leadership Development Committee.

Inside Knowledge

Avoid assuming prior knowledge.

• Explain terms, acronyms, and processes

• Avoid region-specific or group-specific shorthand

• Write for someone completely new to the role

What seems obvious to you may not be obvious to others.

Overload

Too much information can be as harmful as too little.

• Avoid long, unstructured text

• Break content into sections or subpages

• Keep pages focused and scannable

If a page feels overwhelming, it probably is.

Duplication

Avoid repeating the same content across multiple pages.

• Link to existing content instead

• Maintain a single “source of truth” for each topic

Duplication creates confusion and inconsistency over time.

Over-Prescription

Avoid turning guidance into rigid rules.

• Use flexible language (“consider,” “may,” “often”)

• Allow room for variation between Local Groups

This toolkit supports decision-making — it does not replace it.

Key Takeaway

When in doubt, aim for:

• Clear

• Practical

• Flexible

• Maintainable

These principles keep the toolkit useful over time.

Related

• What Belongs Here
• Contributing to This Wiki