Purpose: To bring people together and jumpstart work on the new wiki.

Before the Barn-Raising- It should go without saying that the wiki must be created before you can host a barn-raising. If you have not yet set up your wiki, visit our getting started with wikis page.

1. Scaffolding- scaffolds are the basic framework of a page. When users go onto a wiki and see a blank page, they get discouraged from contributing. Having a bit of structure there helps the user add the content he or she has and feel like they are contributing to a larger project- not just brain dumping.
2. Preparing content
   2. Ask people to write one frequently asked question to add to an FAQ page
   3. Profiles- having a profile page on the wiki encourages ownership, and results in a useful directory that each individual can update as needed. Some general items for the profiles include photo, email, position in organization, links to personal blogs, etc.
   4. Identify a Magnet- its important to have some information on the wiki that can’t be found anywhere else, a ‘magnet.’ The contact directory becomes a good magnet.
3. Establish roles- the barn-raising itself, as well as any future growth will benefit greatly if there are some key players involved with specific functions. They include:
   1. WikiGnome or Gardener- someone who makes small edits to continually improve its overall quality
      3. Cosmetic editing to keep the wiki from being overrun with "weeds" (typos, misspellings, poorly structured sentences and paragraphs)
         2. Add or fix links to make sure relevant content is navigable within the wiki
         3. Improve the flow and clarity of content improve the readability of the page
         4. Setting an example for other users of how and when to use the wiki
      4. Champion- passionate, enthusiastic person who will generate interest, give the appropriate amount of training, monitor growth and fix problems
         3. Thought leader who is a recognized early adopter and respected by peers
         4. Understands the nature of work involved in project, group, business, etc.
         5. Understands how to use a wiki - how to organize content, get others involved, make it easy to use and keep it organized as it grows.
         6. "Gradually they train everyone that information flow, at least as far as they're concerned, happens on the wiki." (from It's on the Wiki! )
         7. Encourages others, but doesn't push too hard or fast because an All wiki all the time approach can be dangerous, especially at the beginning when people are still learning how to use it.
         8. Gets people involved by informally training them and being available for ongoing support.
      5. Page Maintainer-
         1. Understands the overall concepts, tasks, and reference information that a reader may require
         1. Interprets new additions and contributions and carefully, with consensus, ensures a level of organization is maintained.
         2. Understands how to use a wiki - how to organize content, get others involved, make it easy to use and keep it organized as it grows.

4. Invitations- Invite people to the barn-raising – make it a social event (food, refreshments, etc) and include invitations/login information to the wiki (if its private) prior to the event. Ask that people sign up on the wiki before-hand, so any login confusion can be worked out before the event begins.

During the Barn-raising

1. Wiki training – Introduce the wiki, tour its sections and features, give brief tutorial on how to add, edit, remove, etc.
2. Barn-raising begins! People open up their laptops and begin adding information and content. If there are some who don’t have content to add, or who finish early, they can be designated editors (checking for spelling, typos, format, broken links, etc). Some may be designated graphics or links hounds.
3. During the barn-raising, the trainer/support person should be there to answer questions, resolve technical issues. This event is as much about making people comfortable as it is about getting content.
4. By the end of the event, everyone who attended should have a profile page and will have added or edited some content.
   1. Make sure participants leave with an understanding that adding content is a continual process. Even adding the fact that information is missing is a big help (Needed Items lists on pages)

After the event

5. Thank everyone and praise especially active participants
6. Review the content that was added, and make note of any gaps (add Needed Items lists to pages)
7. Sign up to receive notification when wiki content is added/edited – regularly praise contribution
8. You can monitor usage, but also consider future surveys to get feedback from users
9. Make a plan for continued monitoring, usage and building out of content.