What NEED does this meet?
Create a wiki that would allow for people to share their stories of their communities. Unlike wikipedia, this public wiki would focus on local stories from long-time residents. I
What is the APPROACH?
It would allow for communities histories to be shared and saved for the future. Many long-time residents would be willing to give their stories if asked. It’s like a time capsule for the future but you don’t have to wait 50 years to open it.
What are the BENEFITS to people?
It will let us know about the history of our community from the people who lived here (there) previously.
What is the COMPETITION?
Not that I am aware of…
What BUDGETS & LOGISTICS are required?
The biggest expense would be time gathering and transcribing histories from local citizens.
Open source wiki software could be used so that would be free.
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April 6th, 2006 at 1:41am
“Open source wiki software could be used so that would be free.”
Isn’t that they key to this proposal – and its flaw?
You can download some Wiki software today – put it on a server (Which will cost you £25 a year) and hey prest you’ve got the site you described.
Why does it need mySociety to do it?
April 6th, 2006 at 9:54am
I like the spirit behind this idea, but I think that MySociety may already have built the apparatus for this with gmaps mashup:
http://www.yourhistoryhere.com/
I guess the key is some effective footwork in your area to get at the kind of stories that will be lost if they’re not recorded. Perhaps your could set up a PledgeBank pledge for people to talk to 10 long time residents of an area and input their stories into this site.