PBwiki versus Wikispaces

Wikispaces and pbwiki are very similar in many regards. They’re both wiki creating programs that enable users to create wikis, add pages, edit pages, invite others to edit pages, insert links and images, etc. It seems to me that once a wiki from either service is established, it’s very easy to maneuver within and edit content (I haven’t had any trouble with my russl student page and didn’t experience much trouble with the WeKid wiki that Jacki initially designed and set up for our wiki project) . Therefore to me, the glaring difference between pbwiki and wikispaces has to do with creating and establishing the wikis. In order to compare and contrast pbwiki and wikispaces, I created two new wikis from scratch.

Wikispaces provides a thorough overview on how to use your new wiki with “Getting Started With Your Wikispace.” Although it was a lot of information to absorb at once (too much for me really), I appreciated that all of the information that I would need to work with my wiki was provided in one, easily accessible place. I found myself returning to the page whenever necessary.

Before setting up my new pbwiki account, I was provided with a 2 minute introductory video. Although the 2 minute video was easy to follow, it didn’t provide as much information as “Getting Started With Your Wikispace.” Nevertheless, I was also able to utilize the FAQ to help set up my wiki.

I found it easier at first to insert images onto wikispaces than onto pbwiki. The first time I tried to insert an image onto pbwiki, it deleted all of the text that I had on the page. I’m sure it was a fluke (it didn’t happen again), but it was frustrating. Also, on the WeKid wiki, I had a hard time getting everyone’s avatars onto the contributor page. I didn’t experience any problems putting images onto wikispaces.

I also found it easier to log in to my wikispaces account. I actually got temporarily locked out of my pbwiki account because I didn’t set up a site key when I created the wiki. Fortunately, I found another way to get back in (through the Home page at My PBwiki). I experienced similar problems with the WeKid wiki and again, found a way in through the My PBwiki page.

I’m sure as I become a more experienced wiki creator, moderator, and users I will easily be able to insert images and avoid deleting all of my text and getting locked out of my wikis. However, as a new wiki creator, I feel that wikispaces is easier and less frustrating to work with.