Response to Pamquist's Chapter 17

This article really helped me understand the concept of a hierarchical organizational pattern as it pertains to making a website. It is something that we don't usually think of as viewers of websites, but now as creators of websites, it can become an essential part of the structural decision making process. I also enjoyed reading the Web Page Guidelines section and agreed with most of what was is there. I feel I won't have too many issues with the consistency aspect of my page since I always consider consistency to be one of my strong points and something I implement often. I also like how he talks about keeping important information on the screen, which hadn't really dawned on me until reading this article. There have been many instances where I became impatient because I couldn't find what I wanted and left for another site. This is detrimental to us as web designers.

Wikitravel in Retrospect

I have just put the finishing touches on my entries for my wikitravel page. I really like the feedback I got from my peers and one group mate in particular. I wasn't sure if including external links was going to work for my page, but the feedback reassured me that all the great wikitravel pages have them. Whatever information I didn't provide could be better provided by the websites I linked to the page, and I think its great how they are supplements to each other. I looked over my entries and made sure the grammar and sentence structure was well pulled together. I felt that I kept a consistent tone and talked about things that showed I was knowledgeable about places, which should help the readers feel more confident in going there. I guess I could have talked about a few more places of interest, but I put a lot of thought into it, and these are the ones that deserved the most consideration and ended up making it on the page. I learned that the places that should be included don't need to be forced onto the page, and writing about them comes naturally if they are is great as people say they are.

Thoughts on Wikitravel

So far I've had an enjoyable time working with Wikipedia, more so than I anticipated I would have. I think I can use the passion I have for my interests to write about places in my town that will give them a good idea about the kind of place it is. I am getting used to the Wiki markup and after a few listings it becomes second nature to you. I do find it a little troublesome adding to an already existing wikitravel article because it isn't always consistent with what I think, but I don't want to contradict it in any way. I am still in the process of adding more but I feel I've gotten the bulk of my entries included. I'm interested to hear the feedback I get from the group review.

3 Drafts for Wikitravel

Eat

Wildfire Brick Oven Pizza and Bar-(1-401-353-7110)Formerly Stuffies Bar and Grille, Wildfire has great selections of personal specialty pizzas reasonably priced and loaded with flavor. Seafood and pasta dishes are also reasonably priced and serving sizes are more than enough to leave you stuffed. The establishment's structure allows for privacy and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Entrees range from flame-grilled rib eye to lobster ravioli, and the selection of cocktails and alcohol beverages is one of the best in the area. The price range of most dishes is between 14.99 and 18.99. Get in at a good time (between 5 and 6) before it gets busy, and you'll have a satisfying dining experience.

Buy

Brands:The Hobby Place (1-401-231-5380)If you are looking to have some fun with remote control planes, cars, and other vehicles, then this may be the place for you. Brands has all the parts you need to successfully maintain any remote control vehicle and takes pride in customer satisfaction . Whether it's a hobby or something you just want to try, Brands will find that items that will suit your preferences and have you walking out of the door a happy camper.

Do

Gold's Gym (1-401-714-0786) Gold's has state-of-the-art exercise equipment, energy and fitness supplements, and various exercises classes taught by experienced instructors. With the ability to create a relaxed, yet energetic atmosphere, Gold's gym is a place where you can feel comfortable and still maintain the ambition to reach your fitness goals. Personal trainers are available, and the members that belong to Gold's are almost always helpful in offering their best advice and support while you're there.

3 Tips from Manual of Style

I think these are the three most important points in the manual of style:

1)Avoid HTML
2)Internal and External Links
3)Currency

I think using multiple output format is a great idea. HTML can be rather complex, and editing the Wiki markup is much easier. I also like the philosophy Wikitravel has in regards to not wasting time trying to use a system that is difficult to understand when valuable information can be created during that time.

Understanding how to use internal links to other Wikitravel content and external links to other websites are assets that a creator and manager can utilize. Including links to the most relevant and pertinent information allows Wikitravel users to have an opportunity to navigate and maximize how knowledgeable they are about a particular area.

Listing currency correctly is important also. It should be the creator or contributors job to use the appropriate nominal symbol in front of numbers and include cost for information that deserves it. Misusing currency can mislead users and that would be serving an injustice to Wikitravel.

Possibilities for Wikitravel

Three places I have strongly considered focusing on for the Wikitravel assignment are

North Providence, RI (my hometown)
Verona, NY
Kittery, Maine

There are currently no articles written specifically written about North Providence or Verona, although there was one written on Providence County. I think that my close relationship with the town will allow me to give some important information to travelers. As for Verona, I've been there a couple times for short stays and believe that I could give information about the entertainment aspect of it. Kittery already has articles written on it, but it's another place I've been to a handful of times and feel that I could explore the opportunities to shop and spend money, since that's what Kittery is all about. There are so many shopping outlets and restaurants to choose from, and I think I can help with that.

Initial Thoughts About WikiTravel

WikiTravel seems to be very serious about their protocol and policies according to the pages that I read. I agree with how they want you to be brutally honest about people and places, but the sole intent of the writing should not be to bash anyone or anything. I like the layout of the main page. It reminds me a lot of major news networks websites and how they section off different areas. At first glance it looks good. It looks to be easily accessible by people from all over the world and it appeals to the entire world by focusing on a wide range of culture.