View Full Version : Wikipedia stub?
Mr Nemo
10-02-2006, 10:55 PM
I was over looking at the Alice listing on Wikipedia here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_%28software%29), and I noticed that it was nothing but a stub. I was wondering if we couldn't organize a group to edit and upkeep the listing(volunteering!) so that it is that much easier for people to learn about this programming system and how useful it can be as a teaching instrument?:D
Nemo,
This sounds like a *great* idea. Would you like to head the effort?
Just let me know what I can do to help.
DrJim
10-03-2006, 07:29 PM
Count me in to help - I agree with Gabe that it's a great idea.
Think the first step is to figure out what needs to be added - not something I would be good at. Since I'm neither a student nor a teacher in the field, I really don't know what would be important to emphasize to really attract people to the program. (I can go on at length as to why it is important! :) )
JIm
Mr Nemo
10-03-2006, 08:38 PM
Sure, if you want me to lead the effort, I'll take the responsibility. I'd really enjoy the task!:D
But I'll need feedback, could anybody who cares post what they'd like to see on the wikipedia site here on this thread? I'm thinking that we need to cover the history of Alice, including the prior version(an area in which I'm completely lost), and its future: Alice 3.
I'd also like to see some code handling examples on the site, but I don't know if wikipedia would allow such a site.
Mr Nemo
10-04-2006, 08:39 PM
Just a few questions that I think the Wikipedia article should cover:
1) What is Alice?
2) What is Alice's target audience?
3) What are Alice's potential uses?
4) What resources exist for Alice users?
Mr Nemo
10-04-2006, 08:43 PM
1) Alice is an open-source, freeware program that was designed to teach programming to beginning programming students.
2) Alice is suitable for everyone, male and female, from elementary school all the way up to college level students.
3) Alice can be used for a variety of things, from building virtual worlds, to programming games, to creating movies.
4) Various resources exist for Alice users. These resources range from the Alice textbooks, to Alice's online community.
lanceA
10-05-2006, 08:55 PM
In the spirit of "honesty" we need to define "open-source" - has anyone been able to compile the source code? What is meant by "open source"?
We should cite sources for any references to "elementary schools" and "females/males"?
Wikipedia is "banned" from being used as a reference source, at least at my school - and for the exact reasons I just stated. Anyone can walk-in off the street and author on Wikipeida.
I think we need to give this more thought.......just my thoughts
Mr Nemo
10-05-2006, 09:18 PM
As far as using it as a reference source, I never intended it as that. It's just that if someone does a Wikipedia search on Alice, I want there to be something substantial there so they know that somebody out there cares about Alice. But I must agree with you, any sources about suitability must have references, otherwise the article may even be "speedied."
I would really value your opinion, Lance. Perhaps you would be so kind as to assist us?
p.s.: I usually take "open-source" to mean that the source code is freely available for anyone to edit, and compile.
In the spirit of "honesty" we need to define "open-source" - has anyone been able to compile the source code? What is meant by "open source"?
We provide the source code for anyone to see, use, or modify. We do not provide support for compilation, not because we don't want people to compile, but because we just don't have the resources to do so at this time. We are a small group and are focusing the majority of our time on 3.0 development and trying to get it out the door in the timeframe we set.
lanceA
10-07-2006, 01:22 PM
Sorry if my post was misunderstood. I was NOT implying anything other than what was stated. Normally when some one mentions open-source it brings to mind that the source includes .mak, .bat, .ant, or other files, etc. I am fully aware that the necessary maps/hierarchial files are not included with the source, but others may not be aware and would continue to ask the questions. That was all I meant by the statement :(
Shadow Sovereign
11-09-2006, 07:28 PM
There's something creepy about wikipedia, guys... After watching X-play, I looked something up on Wikipedia, and it was *staring* at me...
I swear, Wikipedia is all-knowing or something....
On a serious note, why not urge the Wikipedia reader to follow a link on the site to download alice and look at some sample worlds or something? A little bit of that got me interested in the first time, thinking ,"Wow, let's see what I can do with this thing!" :) Just an idea...
DrJim
11-09-2006, 10:40 PM
The links on the page, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_%28software%29 , are actually very good and do include a link to the Alice home page. There is also a link to Alice 99 which I personally find very interesting. :)
What MrNemo was trying to do was get an effort started to put more detailed information actually on the Wiki site itself.
Shadow Sovereign
11-14-2006, 07:37 PM
What MrNemo was trying to do was get an effort started to put more detailed information actually on the Wiki site itself.
Well, I know that, and I personally support the idea. I think alice should be described a little more on Wikipedia than it currently is, because although some people like the "Short, Sweet, Right to the Point" approach, I'm one for details. Trust me when I say, "There weren't very many details on that site". :rolleyes:
It still stares at me, though. :D
Mr Nemo
03-05-2007, 04:48 PM
I'd still like to see an effort get put together to do this...
madden
03-09-2007, 08:02 PM
Ill join if you'll have me:confused:
p.s this is the best thread I've seen in a while!:D