Wikis are good for:
- Projects with limited timeframe and required lost of information sharing in documents (though Basecamp/similar might be better for many projects like this).
- Refining a shared text in a trusted group.
- Testing a concept on a vocal audience or market.
- Collecting dispersed knowledge of certain types -- see http://elothtes.pbwiki.com for an example -- into a single document. Criteria: (1) evolving data/narrative, (2) no need for a final polish.
Wikis won't:
- Create community where it doesn't already exist (or can be easily defined from existing networks).
- Manage conversations as well as a blog or other technologies.
- Provide a well-organized data structure or design. They're more friendly potluck tha elegant meal.
Pros
- Informal and unmonitored
- Public, to at least some degree (people take public content more seriously)
Cons
- Users do not write, edit, design, or create navigation with consistent rules--even if you try to set them out at the beginning. This is because people vary in how much they _care_ about structure and consistency. (The "Odd Couple" effect.)
- Poor writers and people with trite ideas _do not_ necessarily realize it.
- People whose skills or knowledge are superior often want this recognized--the best and brightest may be the least likely to contribute to a wiki.
Good reading
http://del.icio.us/hrheingold/wiki