This is somthing I’m asked every now and again, and I’m still not able to give a definite answer. I know I can say that it won’t be before the end of May, because that’s when the new MediaWiki release is due. By the way, this is a very time-consuming project. I spend over an hour a day working on it, and have to wake up at 4am to fit it in my day. (I don’t really have time for this, so I’m making time!)
Another reason why it’s going to take so long is because I want to do a professional job. It’s easy to set up a content management system and get your website up in a day, but a site like WikiStudent needs a lot of planning, and I really want to do it properly.
To give you an idea of some of the work I still need to do:
- Content for the module pages. I’ve copied all the old wiki text across, but still need to re-read and re-organise these pages.
- Content for the non-module pages, which include sidebar links such as “Community portal”, “Current events”, “Help”, as well as a privacy policy, About page, disclaimers…
- Research. This is an ongoing task that involves seeing how other wikis are used and how to make collaboration easier. I can’t wait till my new MediaWiki book arrives next weekend!
- Finding and installing suitable extensions. There are hundreds of extensions for MediaWiki, and it’s such fun going through all of them and getting ideas for the site. Sometimes I get a bit carried away and come up with all sorts of creative uses for these extensions. This is my favourite aspect of developing the new site
- Usability testing. Yes, I’m going to be inviting people to test the new site and look over their shoulder while they try it out! I want to test with all sorts of user groups, including students, non-students, technically-minded people, and people who know hardly anything about the Internet! This is such an important aspect of website development, and almost never gets done because people don’t have the time or the money to do testing. Well, I’m going to make the time, and I know a couple of users who will do testing for me for free
hi
could you please let me know when your website will be up and running so i could download the past exam papers.
Good luck with the site,hope everything goes well.
thanks
If you were a member of the old site I have your address and will mail you when it goes live. Non-members will just have to keep checking.
At the moment my estimate for completion is… June… well hopefully. If you need help for a May/June exam, don’t count on me for that
[...] is the question to ask; not “When will it be up again?”. The reason: when it is up, two thirds of the module pages will be blank, and the pages that do [...]
Hi Bronwen,
The fact that you are going all out updating and spending your time insuring that the new site is in order is stupendous.
Big ups man!
Well I’m sure there are many many angry people out there who would disagree with you, but I can handle that. (Start your own site if you think I’m taking too long!)
The thing is, this had to be done. The site reached a point where it had to either close down or be completely re-built with a new architecture.
I’ve now also realised the importance in communicating with members, which is why this blog is (hopefully) helping everyone understand what’s happening.
I think it’s better than not having any site at all, at least for Oct/Nov exams all will be in order. A bit of appreciation goes as long way..
Peops just have to be patient..
WORD!
Guys chill…….The site will be up and ready when its ready.Stop whining…….