Wikia

Collaborative Publishing Platform

Published 05/01/2012 and rated 5 out of 5 stars by AppAppeal Editor

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Wikia is a wiki building website that lets people create a single resource that covers a topic they are passionate about. Multiple users can contribute to a single wiki. The wiki can be customized to maintain a specific style or theme that matches the topic. A built in search bar helps visitors find specific topics within the wiki. The user can make updates and changes or view past edits and logs for each wiki. A wiki activity feed can also be accessed as well as a random article feature that takes the user to an article in the wiki to help them jump into the content. Hot spots highlight popular or significant events or items in the wiki. All Wikia wikis are sorted into entertainment, gaming and lifestyle categories.

Wikia was founded in November of 2004. The original version was named WikiCities, which was an attempt to compare the application to GeoCities. The name officially changed on March 27th, 2006 to its current “Wikia.” The website was noted as having spent a mere $5.74 on marketing in November of 2006. That same month, the website generated 40 to 50 million page views. Wikia later acquired the sports wiki, ArmchairGM, for $2 million. The site’s popularity continued to flourish, with its 100th wiki being created on February 3rd, 2005. By July of 2007, the site boasted more than 3,000 wikis covering 50 languages. The application’s 100,000th wiki was created on April 7th, 2010.

One of the most notable characteristics of Wikia is the sheer size of its user base and wiki collection. The site covers an enormous variety of topics, making it appealing to almost anyone. It is a challenge for users to find a topic that isn’t already covered by one of the many user created wikis listed in the site’s database. The design options allow users to customize their wikis so they match the theme and style of the topic being covered.

Each Wiki created by Wikia users has its own personality and style. A unique background can be added while common links are found at the top of each page. Visitors can find a familiar layout with unique personality that highlights the overall experience. Building and managing wikis are also easy. The application has created a user friendly environment that lets the user get as detailed and creative as they want with their wikis.

A new user can join the Wikia community by clicking the white “Sign Up” link in the upper, right hand corner of the homepage. Users can also click the blue “Connect” button to sign up with a Facebook account. Users who prefer the form are asked to provide a username, password, email address, preferred language, date of birth and a word verification. The user is automatically logged in after submitting the form.

Wikia is available to all users for free. Visitors do not have to log in to browse the user created wikis. Anyone can create a free account and access all current features. There are no costs and no purchases are required. This is definitely a good thing because it encourages more users to stop by and contribute, view or create wikis. The site includes advertisements which help pay for the costs of the site.

Wikia is ideal for anyone who wants to share what they know on a topic as well as those who are looking for information. The site provides a wealth of information on many topics that are very popular today. Searching is easy and the user can browse for specific articles or jump to a random article to enjoy the content for entertainment purposes. There are no limitations and users can explore as much as they like.

• Users can build their own wiki pages on any topic
• New users can sign in with a Facebook account
• Wiki backgrounds can be customized
• Built in search tools help visitors find specific articles and wikis
• A community forum is available to all users

Wikia video

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