LibraryTechtonics

This should be a totally natural fit for librarians, but I know some of my not-librarian readers out there might be hip to this.

Answers.com hosts WikiAnswers, which is sort of like a super low scale, training wheels version of MetaFilter, where anyone can post a question, and anyone can answer a question. It’s way simple to use, you just create an account, pick a question, and answer it using the super simple rich text editor. Answers aren’t meant to be long, academic diatribes, it’s really like answering ready reference questions. Your answer can be built upon or changed by anyone, so even if you start with a little answer, it could turn into something pretty cool with a little help from whoever wanders by. The questions are categorized into general categories, so that you can pick and choose where to start, or you can search by keyword for questions in your areas of interest (you might be out to learn something new) or expertise (to share what you already know).

I must say, it’s really, really easy. I created an account, browsed the question categories, picked a question, and answered it. I also have a simple bio page, so people know who I am.

WikiAnswers is hosting an AnswerThon midnight March 1 until midnight March 3. Over the course of 48 hours, the goal is to answer as many questions as you can. The person who answers the most questions during the AnswerThon will win a $500 Amazon.com gift certificate. Second place is a not-too-shabby $250 Amazon.com gift certificate, and third place is a still honorable $100 gift certificate.

Sadly, my login timed out when I submitted my answer to the “What is Boston brown bread?” question, so it’s not attributed to me, and since I changed it when I was logged in, it looks like I scammed off someone else’s answer. *sigh* So, for the purposes of the contest, be sure that you’re logged in when you post your answer.

I think this is a nice option for people who aren’t sure how to use a wiki, aren’t really too hip to the crazy moon language that is wiki code, but still want a way to get their feed wet in the ways of the wiki. And, there’s an added incentive of, say, prizes! I might try to get some answers in this weekend, we’ll see. If you end up competing in the contest, let me know what you think, how it goes, what problems you’re having, I’d love to hear about it.

Tags: Answers.com, contest, wikianswers
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