Why write a conference paper using a wiki ?

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VALA 2008, here I come. Well, if I can write one paper and co-author another one in the next 6 weeks. Ulp.

I’m using a wiki to write both papers – even the one I’m writing by myself. Why? One spot where I can record what I submitted, the acceptance email, upload the files they sent me about submitting the paper and draft each section.

For the co-authored paper, there is a table where we can record deadlines and who is doing what – and then we can read and comment on the separate wiki page for each section. When I’ve done this before, the wiki has been a place where co-authors could upload final, formatted WORD documents for others to download and check/correct.

The wiki I made for my paper is here, VALA – Do we remove all the walls. You can watch it as I write it over the next few weeks if you are really voyeuristic.

valawikipic.jpg

Here’s a “how to”

1. Get a free wiki at pbwiki

2. Copy and paste the text of the following to create a new wiki page. Link to them from the main page.

2.1 The abstract you sent

2.2 Author biography

2.3 The acceptance email

3. Upload any files, style guides, forms sent as pdfs or attachments. Link to them on the main page.

4. Create a table outlining each section, number of words, date due, proof read, notes, who will do each section.

5. Stop procrastinating. There is now no excuse. Get writing.

Oh you cain’t getta man with a booooook!

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Oh yes you can..if you live in Victoria.

The State Library of Victoria is running “Text appeal” bring-a-book speed dating sessions. I can’t explain it any better than the library itself:

Love is in the air at the State Library of Victoria this summer.

Text Appeal is a new take on the traditional dating formula. Each person brings a book they love, loathe or have recently read to act as a conversation starter. Jane Austen may find Patrick O’Brien, Salman Rushdie could be captivated by Zadie Smith, and JK Rowling – can take her pick. The books people bring may reveal who they are, who they aren’t and perhaps who they are looking for, all in a three-minute conversation.

Text Appeal will run once a month from December 2006 to February 2007, with the final event being held on Valentine’s Day. 6 Dec 2006, 17 Jan & 14 Feb 2007; 7-9.30pm
Venue Experimedia
Bookings Registration is essential. Fill in the form below, tel +61386647555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost $20 per session – drinks, entertainment and the promise of a bookish romance included (a three-for-the-price-of-two discount applies to group bookings

Now, I’m not looking for love..but I am really nosy about other people’s reactions to their reading. I’d love to take part in something like that, particlularly listening to those who just hate my favourites.

My Co-Pilot has pointed out that if I did go along, I’d probably end up with my nose in the book and ignoring the person on the other side of the table. Hmmmm…after that comment, maybe I am in the market for lurve!