Does WikiTribune Use Proprietary Wiki Software or MediaWiki?

When considering the implementation of WikiTribune, the technology stack chosen can greatly impact the site's functionality and community engagement. This article explores the software choices that went into WikiTribune's development and its approach to open-source software. We'll delve into the specific details of whether WikiTribune uses proprietary wiki software similar to Everipedia, or relies on MediaWiki as used by Wikipedia. Additionally, we'll discuss the evolution of WikiTribune's technology and its future plans, keeping in mind the importance of free and open-source software (FOSS).

Initial Tech Stack: Wordpress

During the prototyping phase of WikiTribune, the platform relied on Wordpress. This decision was made due to the familiarity and versatility of the Wordpress platform, which is widely used in the blogging and content management space. Wordpress provided a familiar and user-friendly environment for the development team to experiment with different features and functionalities. However, as the project evolved, it became clear that Wordpress was not the ideal choice for a news-focused site with a time-based workflow.

MediaWiki: The Ideal Candidate?

MediaWiki, the software that powers Wikipedia, presents a compelling alternative for WikiTribune. MediaWiki is known for its robust features, particularly in managing large volumes of content with a structured, evergreen workflow. However, its strengths in supporting an encyclopedia-like structure make it less suitable for a news site where content is time-sensitive and requires rapid updates. News articles often have a finite lifespan, which does not align with the persistent nature of an encyclopedia. Therefore, MediaWiki, although a powerful option, was not the optimal solution for WikiTribune's needs.

Proprietary Software Alternatives?

Everipedia is one of the few platforms that offer proprietary wiki software tailored to news and the media industry. Unlike MediaWiki, which is focused on maintaining a static, reliable repository of knowledge, Everipedia is designed to support the dynamic nature of news reporting. This platform allows for more interactive and real-time updates, making it a better fit for a news organization. Given WikiTribune's focus on timely and updating news stories, it might seem logical to consider Everipedia as a potential alternative. However, the choice would come down to balancing innovation with the principles of freedom and openness that WikiTribune aims to uphold.

Future Plans: Custom Development and FOSS

Recognizing the limitations of current platforms, the WikiTribune team is considering building a custom platform from scratch. This new platform would be tailored specifically to the needs of a news-focused wiki, ensuring seamless integration of real-time data and robust dynamic editing capabilities. The primary goal is to create a platform that can support a time-based workflow, ensuring that news articles remain relevant and up-to-date. There is a strong emphasis on releasing this custom software as FOSS to encourage transparency, collaboration, and widespread adoption within the community.

Conclusion

The tech stack behind WikiTribune plays a crucial role in its ability to serve its mission effectively. While tools like Wordpress and MediaWiki have their strengths, the evolving needs of the platform and the need for real-time news updates point towards the development of a custom solution. At the same time, the commitment to releasing any new platform as FOSS highlights the importance of maintaining an open and collaborative environment. As WikiTribune continues to evolve, the choice of technology will remain at the forefront, balancing innovation with the principles of open-source and community-driven platforms.