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A wiki that isn’t maintained becomes outdated.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- Remove or revise outdated guidance
- Archive content that is no longer current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.