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WikiPatternLanguage

The WikiPatternLanguage is a PatternLanguage in the tradition of ChristopherAlexander. It describes structural elements that can be observed in wiki communities and that may be reused over and over to strengthen existing communities or to build new communities. Currently there may be about 100-200 patterns available, but they havn't yet been systemetically identified and described. A PatternLanguage is usually defined by a formal "pattern form" creating a "pattern database entry". Currently there is only a draft for such a WikiPatternForm (see also WikiPatternFormTemplate). It's important that patterns are always optional, they inform and thus prepare autonomous decisions of those involved. It also makes no sense to combine them ALL into a single new or existing system. Also, not everything that's useful or repeated is a pattern. A pattern must have a structural aspect, so that something remains, even when people move on. Activities, strategies, processes or relationships are not patterns in themselves.

For more background information see PatternTheory. In case of questions please discuss them wherever it fits or contact HelmutLeitner (who initiated this rudimentary endeavour).

By the way, you will often find patterns in two or more categories, because they resonate with more than one aspect or category. There is no strict hierarchy, you can look at the patterns from different perspectives.

Orientational patterns:

Single page patterns:

Page group patterns:

Information scaling eases access / readability:

Behavioural patterns and rituals:

InvolveTheVisitor patterns:

Cultural patterns:

Modes of collaboration:

  • DocumentMode -- collaboration towards an neutral point of view summary of a topic
  • ThreadMode -- linear discussions or conversations in a wiki
  • BrainstormMode -- seeking new ideas, temporarily creating a page of questionable quality
  • MaintainerMode -- publishing aricles combining the traditional author role and wiki features
  • AgreementMode -- to act towards consensus in the wiki, create a framework replacing real world time+space
  • ProcessMode (for example: BusRouteDiscussion) -- define rules for a process that does not result in wiki content
  • RefactoringMode -- how to organize the rewriting of a page, avoiding conflict and avoiding the loss of information

Communication patterns:

Structural patterns:

WikiInformationScaling patterns:

Rhetorical patterns:

  • ThereforeBut -- give advice but also mentions exceptional cases (SYMMETRY)
  • ProAndConPattern -- arrange space for positive and negative arguments (SYMMETRY)
  • WikiPatternForm -- try a formal description of patterns that are recognized (ECHO, REPETITION)
  • ...

User identity patterns:

User role patterns:

Role model patterns:

Reader oriented patterns:

Wiki identity patterns:

Online system patterns:

Wiki growth patterns:

  • WikiMission -- the shadow of future as driving force
  • InterWiki -- a wiki is not an island. The neighbourhood is a nourishing environment. (BOUNDARIES)
  • GimmeFive -- balance and beauty in internal growth (STRONG CENTERS)
  • WikiIdentity -- make it something that people can be proud to be part of it, that people can talk about (ROUGHNESS)
  • ContentAndCommunity -- the balance between texts and humans (SYMMETRY)

Wiki mechanics patterns:

Wiki application patterns:

CategoryRoadmap CategoryWikiPatternLanguage

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