| Forum → Semantic MediaWiki: The Rebirth |  Post
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Hey guys. With our newfound drive to get more references into the wiki, I thought it might be time to reawaken discussion of the Semantic MediaWiki (SMW) extension. (For the original discussion of the subject, which died down before a real decision was ever made, see here.)
For those unfamiliar with it, SMW is a very powerful extension for wikis that allows users to 'teach' the wiki certain things about the subjects on the wiki, using a mechanism called annotations. Annotations can be created in articles that allow the wiki to store certain 'traits' about a subject, and those traits can then be recalled and used anywhere on the wiki. This would allow us to do a lot of neat things, like lists/tables that can be automatically created, sorted and updated, and references that automatically pull up information about episodes without needing massive switch templates. It also would make it possible for users to do specialized searches, for example - searching for characters whose race is Human and that have the Flight ability.
Annotations can be easily integrated with infoboxes as well, which would allow the information that we have to enter into the box anyway to be recalled and manipulated for reuse anywhere else on the wiki. (Think: Automatically generated episode/chapter lists, that keep themselves updated whenever a change is made to the episode's information, and the same thing with references to those episodes/chapters.)
Dantman demonstrated some of SMW's usage in the first discussion, and you can see a list of other wikis on Wikia that use the extension here. To learn more about the extension itself, you can take a look at its webpage and manual.
Anyway, in order to get this extension included in our wiki, we need the community's consensus. There is a certain amount of learning curve associated with new extensions (particularly ones as powerful as this), and it has the potential to be confusing if misused. We need a few users who are willing to learn the ropes if the extension is going to help us. On the other hand, it also has the potential to be a great tool to ease searches and maintenance and enrich the wiki's contents if it's skillfully weilded.
So let's get the discussion (re)started, and be sure to say whether you support or don't support the inclusion of this feature on our fine wiki!
Speaking for myself, I support this and would gladly take the time to learn the usage of this extension if it means reducing redundancy and improving the functionality of the wiki. -- 
talk contr 05:19, July 27, 2010 (UTC)
I for one support this idea, I would gladly learn the usage of this extension. I use it on the Naruto wikia and it is great! 
SonikFan112 
05:26, July 27, 2010 (UTC)
- I'm kinda neutral here. I don't really have the time to take the lead on this, but I'll certainly adapt if we decide to add this. --
10X.Ka.me.ha.me.ha.....talk.....contrib. 06:25, July 27, 2010 (UTC)
I definitely support this, it would be a great way to have references neatly organized etc. I know many users, especially our new Citation Corps. would love this extension. You have my support.
 | talk contr |
06:42, July 27, 2010 (UTC)
Well, I don't really mind this idea, but if we all agree, I'm sure I'll come to support and appreciate it. User:SSJ2AJB/sig
- I'd be interested in getting read up on this so I know the in's and out's of it, and help other users to understand. SSJ4 Lewich talk contribs 10:40, July 27, 2010 (UTC)
Well, I'm not really familiar with all this, but I'll definitely be helping out on what I can.
13:49, July 27, 2010 (UTC)
I support. If it will decrease inefficency, then I am all for it. User:Brolythelegend/sig 13:54, July 27, 2010 (UTC)