What is a wiki?

A wiki is a type of web interface that allows users to quickly and easily access and edit web pages. Editable by anyone, wikis encourage input and collaboration amongst many users, facilitating the development of content that is greater than the sum of its individual parts.

CISC has partnered with Wetpaint.com to host this wiki.

Lee LeFever of CommonCraft.com has created these highly illuminating and entertaining YouTube videos to explain the basics of how wikis and Wetpaint wikis work. These videos explain it better than we can. Click on the "play" button in the video boxes below to view.

"Wikis in Plain English"	"Wetpaint wikis in Plain English"

What is the URL of this wiki?

The web address of the Urban Earth wiki is currently http://ciscwiki.wetpaint.com. A customized CISC domain name linking to this wiki will be created soon.

Who can view and edit this wiki?

This is a public wiki, so anyone with internet access can view all pages of this wiki. Only registered users, however, can contribute content or edit this wiki. If you would like to contribute to this wiki, please follow the registration and sign-in instructions below.


How do I register and sign in?

Registration:
To register to join Urban Earth for the first time, please click on the orange button that reads "Join this wiki" on the upper-righthand corner of the homepage. Then click on the "sign up now" button on the following screen. Or, click here.

You will see a registration screen asking you to enter your log-in information. Please enter a user name. Since we envision Urban Earth as an open and transparent community of sustainability enthusiasts, we suggest that you use a screen name that reflects your real name and identity. Please enter a proposed password as well as an e-mail address where you can receive messages about this wiki.

CISC and Wetpaint takes your security seriously and works hard to keep your private information private.

Signing in:
To sign in, please click on the "sign in" link found on the upper-righthand corner of the homepage. Enter the username and password you used to register for Urban Earth.


How do I start contributing to Urban Earth?

Check out this YouTube video below, courtesy of kbfseattle, for a very brief overview of some of the basic functions of the Urban Earth Wetpaint interface, including instructions on how to start editing Urban Earth!

"Wetpaint wiki demonstration"

Wetpaint Orientation
Our wiki service provider, Wetpaint, provides a orientation tutorial series for all new users. This handy orientation includes three helpful flash videos, which can be accessed via the "My profile" link at the upper right hand corner of the screen. Make sure to check these out!

More wiki video tutorials:
Check out more video tutorials here.

How do I do _______? I need more help.

For more help and tips on how to use the Urban Earth wiki, please consult the HELP pages, or click here.

Much of the Wetpaint wiki interface that Urban Earth uses is quite simple, intuitive and straightforward. For instance, you don't have to know any special "wiki code," HTML, or other markup language to edit pages. Instead, a WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) editor is provided for page editing. If you know how the basics of word processing programs like Microsoft Word, you can start editing these wiki pages right away! If you are familiar with other wikis, social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook, blogs, message boards, and document and media sharing sites like Google Docs and YouTube, you should have no trouble figuring out how to navigate and use this wiki. The learning curve for those who have never used these kinds of web tools should still be pretty gentle! Once again, check out the help pages for more information.