Ask HN: If other people can't edit, is a "personal wiki" a wiki?

1 pointstslmy1y ago2 comments

By definition, "a wiki is a form of hypertext publication on the internet which is collaboratively edited and managed by its audience directly through a web browser."

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki)

Emphasis on "collaboratively edited" -- If only one person can edit the content, it by definition isn't a wiki, is it?

There are many "personal wikis" on the internet, each of which only editable to its owner only. I feel that it is an abuse of the term. If you agree with me, what do you think would be a better name for those kind of systems?

I myself is leaning towards "digital garden", but I would like to hear about your ideas.

2 comments

eesmith1y ago

If you instead emphasize the 'its audience' part, you may realize an audience may be only one person.

Personal wiki sounds like a fine definition to me.

bravetraveler1y ago

+1, especially considering the idea that me of tomorrow is not me of today.

"Wiki", if pressed, "documentation" and a curled eyebrow. A strange interrogation.

Closing thoughts: can a wiki not start with one editor? Must the people arrive before the application? Is the information destined for the first wiki it sees?

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