Blog v Wiki

Although both blogs and wikis are created and edited by individuals, they have their fair distinctive traits. One of the main difference between blogs and wikis are the way in which they are used and presented. Wikis involve individuals collaborating to present information by editing the site while blogs allow users to leave feedback and comments to the blogger’s post. Blogs can be presented on a more informal and personal level being that they usually reflect the users own opinions and narrative. Anyone can comment on a blog leaving positive or negative feedback whereas on a wiki page, users can edit the information which can lead to the site presenting incorrect details. It is expected that a blog will have a personal touch which is usually what makes users interested in reading the bloggers opinions. On the other hand, it is usually expected that a wiki would present accurate information rather than biased or opinionated information.

The quote, “People will say, ‘I have something I want to post; I want to check before I do it.’ And we say, no, no, put it up.” From “An Internal Wiki That’s Not Classified” by Noam Cohen shows the value and appreciation of users being able to share their information collectively. Another article by Noam Cohen called, “An Internal Wiki That’s Not Classified” discusses the growth of the State Department’s wiki, Diplopedia. Cohen explains that the wiki has had tremendous growth and that users are able to share their information without being unreasonable and causing “flame wars” or mindless arguments over minor disagreements on the format or wording presented on the wiki.