Wiki danger zones: Difference between revisions
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== Purpose == | == Purpose == | ||
Highlight common pitfalls that reduce the usefulness of the toolkit. | |||
Avoiding these | Avoiding these helps keep the wiki clear, practical, and maintainable. | ||
== Guiding Principle == | |||
When in doubt, prioritize clarity, usefulness, and flexibility over completeness. | |||
== Policy Dump == | == Policy Dump == | ||
Avoid copying official policies, bylaws, or governing documents | Avoid copying official policies, bylaws, or governing documents. | ||
* Link to official sources instead | * 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If information exists in multiple places, one of them will become outdated. | |||
If | |||
== One True Way == | == One True Way == | ||
There is no single “correct” way to run a Local Group. | There is no single “correct” way to run a Local Group. | ||
* Avoid presenting one approach as the only option | * Avoid presenting one approach as the only option | ||
* Show alternatives when helpful | |||
* Acknowledge tradeoffs | |||
The goal is to support decision-making, not replace it. | |||
The goal is to support | |||
== Museum Effect == | == Museum Effect == | ||
Outdated content reduces trust. | |||
* | * Update content regularly | ||
* Revise or remove outdated guidance | |||
* Archive when appropriate | |||
== Inside Knowledge == | == Inside Knowledge == | ||
Do not assume prior knowledge. | |||
* Explain terms, acronyms, and processes | * Explain terms, acronyms, and processes | ||
* Avoid local or region-specific shorthand | |||
* Avoid region | * Write for someone new to the role | ||
* Write for someone | |||
== Overload == | == Overload == | ||
Too much information | Too much information reduces usability. | ||
* Avoid long, unstructured text | * Avoid long, unstructured text | ||
* Break content into sections or subpages | |||
* Keep pages focused and scannable | |||
If a page feels overwhelming, simplify it. | |||
If a page feels overwhelming, it | |||
== Duplication == | == Duplication == | ||
Repeated content creates confusion. | |||
* Link | * Link instead of repeating | ||
* Maintain a single source of truth | |||
* Maintain a single | |||
== Over-Prescription == | == Over-Prescription == | ||
Avoid turning guidance into rigid rules. | Avoid turning guidance into rigid rules. | ||
* Use flexible language (“consider,” “may,” “often”) | * Use flexible language (“consider,” “may,” “often”) | ||
* Allow variation across Local Groups | |||
* Allow | |||
== Key Takeaway == | == Key Takeaway == | ||
Aim for content that is: | |||
* Maintainable | * Clear | ||
* Practical | |||
* Flexible | |||
* Maintainable | |||
== Related == | == Related == | ||
* [[Contributing to This Wiki]] | * [[Contributing to This Wiki]] | ||
* [[Local Group Toolkit | Main Page]] | |||
Revision as of 14:46, 25 March 2026
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