Some thoughts from foggy Luleå
As I really don't know how to use the Wiki, I will just try whatever and see what works. Thank you for the nice photos from US west coast. Luleå has +2 C and foggy weather today. We miss you dearly - the corridor is empty without you. I hope that you learn new stuff constantly, you can sleep when you're back in Sweden.
I work together with John on finalising his licentiate thesis on experience feedback right now. I notice that the Wiki could be a tool to gather experiences, the only thing bothering me is the computer skills with the workers at our companies. Something to think about.
Discussion
We actually have talked a bit about this “over here”. How good a tool you have, it is of no value if it is not being accepted and used. And it is probably not just a question about having adequate “computer skills”, it is also a matter of attitude (to share with others or not, to present your “foggy thoughts”…).
See you soon!
I believe the threshold is not so much in computer skills per se but rather in transitioning from document-based to information based thinking where the information is collectively owned. Teaching someone to edit a wiki is relatively easy compared with getting people to be less territorial and 'let go' of their data.
I wish I could believe you completely. I talk about persons who barely cope with Microsoft Outlook. Sending an e-mail with an attachment is a minor project for them.
I do agree with the sharing problem, though. A tendency I have noticed is that company culture and size affects this “sharing proneness” to a high degree. The more unstructured way of a Wiki, I believe is helpful here. It is more of a conversation than a standardised document, which at least I am very attracted by. The Wiki tears down many of the obstacles in documentation, it is very similar to writing a note and putting on your desktop.
It would be an interesting study/class in itself to study wiki-like behavior and organization in construction industry. Much of what we do is relatively ad-hoc but follows common patterns so having a mechanism for concurrent information gathering and processing that tolerant to ad-hoc self forming structure seems sensible. Wiki-like construction management…