FAQ
From George Washington University Wiki
[edit] What is GWiki?
A: GWiki is a collaborative encyclopedia for everything related to The George Washington University. The wiki format allows anyone to create or edit any article, so we can all work together to create a comprehensive database for students, alumni, faculty, and fans of The George Washington University.
[edit] Is GWiki affiliated with The George Washington University?
A: No. Articles and other opinions found throughout GWiki do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University. GWiki is a free and uncensored online encyclopedia about all things pertaining to The George Washington University. Its authors are independent writers who may not have any connection to the University whatsoever.
[edit] When was GWiki born?
A: GWiki was created on February 28, 2008.
[edit] Who made GWiki?
A: You, the independent editor and writer, made, is making, and will make GWiki. User Davidwigl first started GWiki and created most of the beginning outline and articles, but anyone can edit and add information to GWiki.
[edit] Why was GWiki made?
A: The creator of GWiki was frustrated by the inaccessibility of information regarding all aspects of GW. He was especially interested to know more about the university from the perspective of the students and therefore decided to make this wiki.
[edit] Isn't there already a free online GWU encyclopedia?
A: Yes. The George Washington University and Foggy Bottom Historic Encyclopedia is maintained and edited by a George Washington University archivist. At the time of GWiki's creation however, the online encyclopedia was not functioning properly and was assumed to be offline indefinitely. About a month after GWiki's creation, it was discovered to be functioning fine, but could only be edited by writers approved by the university. Also, it focused primarily on the history of GW and not necessarily other aspects that might be of use in an all-encompassing encyclopedia. GWiki, therefore, is an encyclopedia that is free and uncensored; it can be constantly updated at any time by any one individual. The George Washington University and Foggy Bottom Historic Encyclopedia can be found at encyclopedia.gwu.edu.
[edit] Why doesn't GWiki look like Wikipedia?
A: Originally, it did. However, in 2009, the Wikia company (they host this site) decided to disband the allowed use of the Wikipedia look. This look was created using the Monobook skin, which is no longer supported as a site-wide format. The new format is called "Monaco" and allows for Wikia to advertise on our pages (grrr...). The good news is that you can make GWiki look like Wikipedia if you so desire by creating an account, logging in, and setting "Monobook" as your skin preference under My Preferences>Skins. Make sure to unclick the "Let the admins override my skin choice" option.
[edit] What's a wiki?
A: A wiki is software that allows users to create, edit, and link web pages easily. Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites and to power community websites. These wiki websites are often also referred to as wikis; for example, Wikipedia is one of the best known wikis.
[edit] What does wiki mean?
A: Wiki Wiki (/wiːkiː wiːkiː/) is a reduplication of wiki, a Hawaiian word for "fast". In English, "wiki" is an abbreviation of it.
[edit] Why name it GWiki?
A: The University has a tendency to personalize anything that starts with a "W" by adding a "G" to the beginning of the word. GWorld, GWireless, and GWork are some examples. Why stop now?
[edit] What are Wikia?
Wikia are wiki communities creating free content with the MediaWiki software. These are hosted for free by Wikia, Inc., the company which runs the project. Anyone is free to start a new Wikia in accordance with the Wikia creation policy and terms of use.
[edit] Who can edit or add to GWiki?
A: Anyone! Although it is recommended, there is no need to make a Wikia username or sign up in order to edit or add to GWiki. However, if one does not edit or add under a Wikia username, their IP address will be documented with any changes that they make. Very few pages may be restricted in two ways: restricted to editing by only those with a Wikia username or restricted only to administrators.
[edit] How can I report vandalism or misuse of GWiki?
A: The goal of GWiki is to be as open as possible to editing by users. However in the case of misuse, one may simply change or delete offensive or inappropriate material him or herself. However, in the case of widespread vandalism, one may contact an administrator.
[edit] Who are the administrators and bureaucrats and how can I contact them?
A: Admins (also called sysops) and bureaucrats are wiki contributors with extra access. This lets them perform necessary tasks like deleting unneeded pages. Usually, bureaucrats are also admins. Go to the GWiki info page on administrators for more information. A list of current admins for GWiki can be found on the [Special:Listusers/sysop] page. To talk to any admin, go to their user page and follow the discussion link (page top) to leave a public message, or e-mail this user link (page left) to send them private e-mail.
[edit] What if I've never edited a wiki before?
A: It's ok! We all start out new at some point. If you want to help out, you can follow instructions found in the bottom box of the GWiki main page. What we recommend is to find an article that you can contribute to and then add text and information. After you become more experienced you can try out formatting and templates as well as adding your own articles.
[edit] Why aren't articles on GWiki in other languages like on Wikipedia?
A: If you want to make an article in a different language, check out Wikia's language page.
[edit] How can I contact an administrator of GWiki?
A: Send an e-mail to gwiki.gwu@gmail.com.
