What can Wikis be used for? Wikis have spawned some interesting uses, including development of knowledge bases on both intranets and Internet. Product documentation, tutorials and online FAQs are increasingly created using Wiki collaboration. Other collaborative Wiki projects that have been spawned include a Wiki dictionary and directory of famous quotes.

Wikitionary - Wikitionary, a collaborative project to produce a free multilingual dictionary in every language, with definitions, etymologies, pronunciations and quotations. - http://en.wiktionary.org

Wiki Quote - Wikiquote, a free online compendium of quotations in every language, including sources (where known), and translations of non-English quotes. - http://en.wikiquote.org

Ultimately, Wikis are ideally suited for internal corporate projects or committee groups, when all individuals participating have same goals in mind. Potential exists for significant abuse when Wikis remain open in competitive areas.

Overall, Wikis are influential, shaping collaborative online content development, and are likely to become increasingly popular. Sadly, as a Wiki's popularity grows, it is likely Wiki abuse will grow.

1. A website search tool - if they want it NOW they will search, not browse.

2. A website map - again if they get lost this is first place they will go.

3. Easy to read content - Don't use color combinations that are rough on eyes. If your information is long provide a easy access printer friendly version.

4. Fast loading pages - NO customer will wait around for 5 minutes to see your website. Remember over 50% of world is still on a 56k modem, in 2004!

5. A Privacy Statement - Any website that collects information (even email addresses) needs this.

6. Easy Navigation - surfers don't have time to try to figure out your neat navigation system. Keep it simple!

7. Accessibility Statement - Let those who are disabled know that you care about them as customers too.

8. Easy to Access contact information - If they have a problem with site or an order make it easy for them to be able to contact you.

9. Flow of design throughout site - Don't change page design from page to page. One intro page design and then a consistent inner page design is fine but once in your site make sure everything stays in same place.

10. NO, I REPEAT, NO pop ups! - These have become synonymous with ads, spy ware, viruses and porn sites. Do anything you can to avoid them.

OK, so #10 isn't a do, it's a don't but we really felt it had to be on list. Many of items on this list will not only create a better experience for your clients but they will also increase your accessibility to any disabled customer and will help get your website ranked higher in search engines. All in all it just makes good business sense.