FAQ
From Minnewiki
Why did Minnesota Public Radio create Minnewiki?
MPR is hosting this collaboration to support the region's music community and serve music audiences.
What kinds of music information are you looking for?
We're seeking to build Minnewiki around Minnesota musicians, performing groups, and venues -- at least for starters. Informative and insightful biographies, discographies, histories, and more are all welcome.
What kinds of Minnesota connections are you looking for?
We'd like there to be some real ties to Minnesota in what gets posted. For example, if a songrwriter or band isn't from here, we'd expect the state to be a regular visit on their tours or to have had a mark on their career. Venues that get included should draw Minnesota artists or audiences if they're not within state lines.
Where do I begin?
We recommend you start by poking around. You can search for your favorite performers and venues and see what's been posted. Click around on different links to see how Minnewiki is structured. If this is your first encounter with a wiki, it may take some getting used to, but give yourself a chance to get comfortable!
To watch Minnewiki grow and change, check out recent changes for updates or take a look at the new articles. If you like surprises, ask for a random article.
How do I add and update articles?
The first step is to register. Once registered, you can log in and begin collaborating with other Minnewiki authors and editors. The "Help" documents are a good place to get started.
Hey, I’m in a group. Can I add my group?
Sure, but keep it informative and to the point. Start with a short description for context and include basic information such as band members’ names, line up changes, discography, venues played, and history. Avoid flowery descriptions, glowing reviews, and marketing language – it detracts from the information people are coming to see. See tips for writing a good article.
Can this be my group's/band’s Web site?!
Well, no. Because Minnewiki articles are supposed to be fact-based and direct, you don't have the opportunity here to be as promotional as you might like, plus other people can step in and edit or add to what you've posted. Still, you're encouraged to add information about your group, and you can link to your band’s official Web site and contact information. (To announce shows please use the MPR Events Calendar.)
I wrote an article and someone changed it. Why?
Everyone who registers may author and edit Minnewiki articles. People can add information, corrections, or clarifications on any page they wish in ways large and small.
If someone adds or refines information to a page you began, consider that person a contributor!
If someone vandalizes your page – that is they delete all the content or add unrelated information or absurdities, as an editor you can revert the page to a previous version. When this happens, please report the page.
I write on other wikis and find that Minnewiki has pages I can't edit and only a single view. Why is that?
We're starting cautiously, trying to make Minnewiki easy to use for everyone and to make it as informative as possible.
The help documents and Terms of Use reflect MPR's interactive standards.
MPR staff may prevent changes to pages that have been subject to repeated vandalism. MPR may also temporarily protect pages while doing background maintenance to prevent content loss.
Why was my show review / music review / brilliant manifesto changed or removed?
Minnewiki has been established to provide straightforward information, like an encyclopedia; opinions can get in the way of this objective. Your thoughts and opinions are welcome in the MPR Forum and Commentaries and some of our sponsored blogs. (See MPR's Your Voice for a listing)
Hey, an MPR person posted about a musician, a group, or a venue! Are they endorsing it?
Nope. Many MPR staff are just as engaged in the Minnesota music scene as you are so they have lots of information to share.
MPR staff are asked to use a wiki signature showing they are MPR employees. You can read about their job and background on their user page. MPR employees will not divulge information or content given to them off the record; MPR employees may link to related media coverage, both from MPR and other sources.
Would you block someone from adding or editing information?
Yes, but only as a last resort. Vandals and spammers will be blocked from adding or editing pages as part of our goal to keep the pages clear and informative. Keep to the terms of use and guidelines and focus on sharing quality information. (You can always check out tips for writing a good article)
Why do you want my real name and an e-mail address?
Although we allow you to use a screen name with your articles, we want your real name and e-mail address for those occasions when we need to communicate with you about an article or your involvement in Minnewiki. You will not receive other e-mails from MPR unless you’ve agreed to elsewhere.
Do you sell my personal information from Minnewiki?
No.
