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Leech

What is it?

A leech takes content out of the wiki and sends it to people another way, usually by email. This reduces peoples' inclination to visit it, and potentially creates confusion because information is coming from multiple sources.

How do I notice it?

Look for email with content that's been taken from wiki pages.

How do I fix it?

Talk to the leech about the importance of keeping content on the wiki. Suggest that instead of taking content off the wiki, s/he might just email people with a link to content on the wiki.

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Related Patterns

  • Champion - a champion will watch for leeching and talk with people about the importance of keeping content on the wiki to build its value.
  • WikiGnome - a WikiGnome constantly works to improve the quality of content on the wiki, thus making it the best possible place to collaborate.
  • Magnet - this pattern involves putting content exclusively on the wiki as a way to build its value.

Further Reading


Comments  (Hide)

Is the pattern truly one of removing content from the wiki? Or is it more a copy and paste behavior?  I'm guessing it's the latter, because I doubt that such a person would take the time to actually edit the wiki content.  If my guess is right, this description could stand clarification.

Posted by Teresa Ruano at Feb 13, 2008 10:55

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