Ian pointed me to this posting by James Avery, who seems to really like ScrewTurn wiki, an open-source, .NET-based wiki engine just like FlexWiki. But James' statement
I have been using FlexWiki for sometime and I have to say that Screwturn really blows it away. It has built in security, one-click backup, its extremely customizable, and much more.
sort of caught my eye, as you might imagine. :)
Contrary to what seems to be the unfortunately frequent open-source practice, I'm not interested trashtalking ScrewTurn wiki. In my ideal world, ScrewTurn would do everything that FlexWiki does, plus more, and there'd be a syntax converter. Then I could switch to ScrewTurn wiki and spend my limited free time making it (or something else) better. Since that doesn't seem to be the case (it looks like they both have features the other lacks), I guess I'm going to stick with FlexWiki for now. :)
At any rate, if you're in the market for a .NET-based wiki, I highly recommend you check out ScrewTurn. I haven't installed it yet, but I've skimmed the docs, and it sure looks like they've got a solid project. It looks like for now the choice between FlexWiki and ScrewTurn depends on your particular requirements and preferences, so it's good to know about the options.
And to any ScrewTurn devs that read this - if there's anything FlexWiki can do to help, or if you have suggestions about what we can do better (there's lots), or if you can think of interesting ways to work together, just let us know.
This is the beauty of Open Source. Rather than get defensive and start a war with Screwturn, you look for ways to collaborate and make both your products better.
ReplyDeleteAs the old saw goes, a rising tide rises all boats.
The same thing is happening with Subtext and DasBlog. Instead of getting into some fierce competition, we have an outward friendly competition, while at the same time sharing code like nobody's business.
Yeah, I thought specifically of you when I wrote this. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't mean to diss FlexWiki, it served me well for a long long time. I was just very impressed with Screwturn.
ReplyDeleteOh don't sweat it: I don't take "I like X better than Y" to be a dis. If you like it better - great! It's not like I make money when you use FlexWiki. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat about it do you like better, though? If we added those things, would you switch back?
I think the Admin features are the major differentiator. This is crucial when using it in the enterprise. Screwturn includes security, easy backups, etc.
ReplyDeleteI would always be open to switching back. :)
-James
OK, that's good to know. I have to rework some of the admin stuff eventually because of the changes I'm making for 2.0. Maybe I can have a look at what ScrewTurn has done before I do, and see if I can improve FlexWiki along those lines.
ReplyDeleteThere are two big differences that I see:
ReplyDelete1) ScrewTurn looks better. Yellow color is ugly and the navigation is better laid out.
2) Editing pages is easier due to the fact that there are the "helper" buttons on the top of the edit window. While not exactly WYSIWYG, this helps people not have to type in syntax.
I think image is an important issue, like Willie said. Flexwiki needs the queer eye for the ITguy makeover for a bit of eyecandy treatment. First impressions count. I know the backend is the serious side of the business but it all starts with the interface...
ReplyDeletewere is screw turn wiki avalible for download ///..???
ReplyDeleteUmm, there's a giant download link on the page referenced in the article. Failing that, Google tends to be useful for finding stuff like that.
ReplyDeleteGreat comment haacked. When it gets down to it, if some of the already good solutions out there work together, it'll keep them from disappearing altogether. We'll all win out that way.
ReplyDelete> haacked wrote re: ScrewTurn Wiki
> on 10-23-2006 9:01 AM
> This is the beauty of Open Source. Rather than get defensive and start a war with Screwturn, you look for ways to collaborate and make both your products better.
> As the old saw goes, a rising tide rises all boats.