Wiki danger zones

Purpose

Highlight common pitfalls that reduce the usefulness of the toolkit.

Avoiding these helps keep the wiki clear, practical, and maintainable.

Guiding Principle

When in doubt, prioritize clarity, usefulness, and flexibility over completeness.

Policy Dump

Avoid copying official policies, bylaws, or governing documents.

• Link to official sources instead
• Summarize only what is needed for practical use

If information exists in multiple places, one of them will become outdated.

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 helpful
• Acknowledge tradeoffs

The goal is to support decision-making, not replace it.

Museum Effect

Outdated content reduces trust.

• Update content regularly
• Revise or remove outdated guidance
• Archive when appropriate

Inside Knowledge

Do not assume prior knowledge.

• Explain terms, acronyms, and processes
• Avoid local or region-specific shorthand
• Write for someone new to the role

Overload

Too much information reduces usability.

• Avoid long, unstructured text
• Break content into sections or subpages
• Keep pages focused and scannable

If a page feels overwhelming, simplify it.

Duplication

Repeated content creates confusion.

• Link instead of repeating
• Maintain a single source of truth

Over-Prescription

Avoid turning guidance into rigid rules.

• Use flexible language (“consider,” “may,” “often”)
• Allow variation across Local Groups

Key Takeaway

Aim for content that is:

• Clear
• Practical
• Flexible
• Maintainable

Related

• Contributing to This Wiki
• Local Group Toolkit