Wikis – The Disadvantages

A wiki is a tool allowing several users to join forces with each other by means of a group website. Each user can insert or vary the wording of the text as well as upload files, by merely using a web browser. Whilst there are many advantages to be had by using a wiki, it has to be said there are some disadvantages too.

• A wiki is web based which means that once put into cyberspace it can easily be found by others. Wiki’s can be made more secure by the use of a password but that will not guarantee that no-one else will be able to hack into it. It only takes one password holder to trust someone else, and before you know it your password will be know by all and sundry. Therefore, it you are working on a project which you really do not want anyone else to view, a wiki is probably not the best option for you.

• Although wikis do simplify matters when several people want to brainstorm and work together on projects by adding content to a group website, it still requires someone to keep tabs on what is being put on and this can get quite confusing. The great ideas of the team may turn into one big mess if no-one is controlling the content of material. It may help to solve this problem by designating one particular person to organize the wiki and its contents.

• There are always going to be less tech-savvy members of the group but they should be helped and encouraged by others in the team, to avoid the whole group losing out on the ideas they may have but are not confident enough to add to the wiki themselves

• It often happens that a particular member of the group is lazy about carrying out their share of the necessary work. This is when ideas get stolen and people not due to take the credit reap the benefits for ideas they are not really responsible for.

• What would happen if whilst traveling you lose your internet service or simply cannot find a connection? As the wiki is web based, you will not be able to access your work as you have no internet connection

• Another disadvantage is the fact that there are so many different types of wikis to pick from. How to install and back it up can sometimes cause bewilderment.

The above mentioned disadvantages are just a few of the things that can go wrong with a wiki and it is essential to realize that using a wiki can have many great advantages as well. You need to weigh up both the positive and negative sides before you decide on whether or not to use one. You may choose to dabble with one, maybe on a personal level in the beginning before progressing to the use of one for your business.