FamilySearch Wiki:Technical Meeting Agenda 27 July 2010/Questions and Answers about the Migration

[Users: a PDF copy of the presentation (ppt) has been uploaded to the MeetingPlace, where it can be downloaded.]

Why the changes?

The sponsoring organization is creating a better user experience. We are doing this by integrating with the new FamilySearch product which is in beta. Doing this will increase the traffic to the research wiki, including more contributors. It also bring more features to the community as well. Finally, it provides a one-stop shopping experience in the FamilySearch world. We also want to make the new user interface available so you can use it

The changes:


 * 1) The Learning Page (http://learning.fsbeta.familysearch.org) will NOT be pointing to the Research Wiki beta (https://wiki.fsbeta.familysearch.org) The Research Wiki beta is a temporary site with updates NOT being saved. The Learning Page will point to the Research Wiki production site (https://wiki.familysearch.org). Updates and new pages will be SAVED and available.
 * 2) The Research Wiki’s default skin will be changed to the new FamilySearch beta skin. Again, the FamilySearch beta skin will be the DEFAULT for the Research Wiki (https://wiki.familysearch.org) You will be able to change back to the blue skin if you desire through ‘My preferences’.
 * 3) The new FamilySearchbeta Learning page will also be getting a face-lift. Remember the links on this page will point to the Research Wiki production site.
 * 4) There will be two entry points into the Research Wiki. First, through the new FamilySearch beta Learning page (http://learning.fsbeta.familysearch.org) Second, through the current URL for the Research Wiki (https://wiki.familysearch.org). Eventually, the new FamilySearch beta Learning page will replace the Research Wiki main_page. This is expected to occur at least by the end of this year.

Most of the functionality that is currently in the ResearchWiki Main_Page is also available in the new FamilySearch beta Learning page. We enlist your help in providing feedback about missing or new functionality that needs to be added to the new FamilySearch beta Learning Page. Eventually, the new FamilySearch beta Learning page will replace the Research Wiki Main_Pagebut not today.

Please provide comments through the FamilySearch forums. There is already an existing thread regarding this at http://forums.familysearch.org/en/showthread.php?t=3242 so please use that. The sponsoring organization encourages you to use the new FamilySearch beta skins but, if you choose, you can switch back to the blue skins by changing your preferences via ‘My preferences &gt; Skin’.

The following questions were asked during the meeting.


 * Q. What effect will this have on content? :It will affect layout, but not content. You will be able to change back in your preferences.


 * Q. Interlanguage links missing on the Learning page? :This was discovered and they will be added back.


 * Q. Are Spanish/Sweden getting reskinned right now? :Currently just the English.


 * Q. In the new skin, what does process look like to find/edit my page? :On the How To page, search for your article, click Edit (which will be at the top), and begin editing.


 * Q. When we type the URL, will we have to do the https://? :Just type wiki.familysearch.org and we will take care of the protocol.


 * Q. Will the Forums thread make a difference? :Don will jump on them quickly.