AIRwiki FAQ
AIRwiki FAQ
What is AIR?
AIR, the Association of Independents in Radio, Inc., is public radio's vibrant social and professional network of 880 producers and associates. You'll find our members working independently, at public radio stations, at the public radio networks, and well beyond. Members come from 44 U.S. states and nine countries. AIR was formally incorporated 21 years ago on March 30, 1988. The mission centers on the unique contributions of the maker, with a vision now extending not only to public radio listeners, but also to a diversifying America that engages via earbuds, computer speakers, cellphones, and emerging digital media. With its ranks expanding, AIR is recognized as the entry point for many newcomers who are passionate about public media and the craft of sound. There is promise on the horizon as more and more digital media makers, print journalists, and sound artists find a home in the spirit and practice embodied by AIR.
What is a wiki?
wiki is a generic term which is used to describe a certain kind of collaborative website that allows users to create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. Users can easily edit a page using “wikitext formatting,” even without knowledge of XHTML or CSS. Content is edited without deleting previous versions of the page, thus allowing the page to revert back to older versions as desired.
What is AIRwiki?
AIRwiki is an online editable database launched by the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) in spring 2010 to be a resource for its membership and the wide media industry. AIR’s "Awards Directory" and "Fellowship & Grants Directory" were moved from airmedia.org to the wiki in May 2010. AIR most recently added the "Sounds of Silence: Public Radio's Canceled Program Archive" to the wiki in September 2010.
Why has AIR created the AIRwiki?
The AIRwiki was created to house the next evolution of AIR’s directories. Wiki technology allows users to help AIR manage these comprehensive and up-to-date resource directories, as anyone can add and edit listings within the AIRwiki site by creating an AIRwiki account.
Who is monitoring the AIRwiki?
Although the AIRwiki allows for open editing, AIR is ultimately responsible for the directories and the content they contain. AIR staff and member volunteers oversee all wiki edits and content. AIR reserves the right to edit, erase, or undo any part of the directory at any time. AIR also reserves the right to limit access to the directory as necessary.
What are the criteria for including an award, fellowship, or grant listing in the AIRwiki?
Although the directories have traditionally held listings that were specific to radio-related work, we would like to expand the directories to include other disciplines as producers extend their work across platforms. A basic criteria for including an entry is that it must have some component or element related to audio work. It does not have to be exclusive to audio, or even have audio as the dominant media, but it needs to be open to practitioners working in sound media.
How are the directories organized?
All of the AIRwiki directories are organized alphabetically by title. The listing is titled as the as the sponsoring agency most often referred to by the award. AIR also publishes every six weeks in its AIRblast a reminder of upcoming deadlines gleaned from the AIRwiki. You can subscribe for free here.
How can I search the Wiki?
The quickest way to find information in AIRwiki is to look it up by searching for keywords. You can use the search box on the left-hand side of the screen, or use your browser’s searching ability. Entering a keyword in the searchbox and clicking "search" will search the text of all pages on the wiki. To search for content in an open browser page, use the “Find” option under “Edit” in your browser menu or use the “CTRL F” keyboard shortcut.
How should I use these directories?
The AIRwiki should be utilized as an information resource. AIR is committed to routinely editing updates and additions to the AIRwiki, but cannot guarantee the complete accuracy of all its content. Readers should check directly with the granting entity to verify the accuracy of the information presented.
How often is the wiki updated?
The wiki is updated as often as users login and edit the AIRwiki. AIR also updates he AIRwiki directories throughout the year.
How do I create an AIRwiki account?
Click the link “Log in / create account” link located at the top right of every AIRwiki page. Fill in the simple registration form, and then click “Create Account”. It’s as easy as that.
How do I edit, add, or delete AIRwiki information?
Create an AIRwiki account and then make sure to consult the “AIRwiki Editing Guide”. These documents contain important information on how to format content and use wikitext formatting.
What if I notice that there is incorrect information?
Create an account, log in, and correct the error. That’s what the wiki is for.
Can I just email AIR with changes to the directory?
We strongly encourage you to create an account and actively edit the directory, but you do have the ability to request directory changes by emailing airwiki<at>airmedia.org. Please refer to the AIRwiki Content Formatting Guide located with the “Help” page before sending this information. AIR will add information that follows the AIRwiki guidelines and standards.
Do you have to be an AIR member to edit the wiki?
No. Absolutely anyone who creates an account can edit the AIRwiki, though AIR reserves the right to block any users who abuse this privilege.
What if I want to join AIR? What are the benefits?
AIR represents a braintrust of hundreds of media makers who are actively engaged on-line each day via our password protected AIRdaily listserve. In addition, members of AIR also receive training and one-on-one mentoring in a broad range of areas – technical, writing, web-based development, and the business of media. One of AIR’s strengths is the diversity of its membership across age groups, ethnic background, areas of discipline, and levels of experience, from those who are just starting out to those who have been working for 35+ years. For more information, visit our website, or contact our Membership Director at erin<at>airmedia.org
What are all of these wiki tabs, buttons, and links?
For more information on wiki and all its features, see the wiki Help link located in the AIRwiki “Help” page. http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Contents
What if I have an idea about how to improve the AIRwiki?
We’re happy to hear all of your ideas. Your feedback is an important part of developing this resource. Please send all inquiries to airblast<at>airmedia.org.
Can I republish these directories?
You must receive AIR’s permission to republish these directories. To inquire about republishing, contact airblast<at>airmedia.org.
Can I print these directories?
Printing these directories is encouraged as long as these documents aren’t republished without AIR’s permission. To print, click on the “Printable Version” link in the toolbox on the left side of the page. To inquire about republishing, contact airblast<at>airmedia.org.
Who do I contact with questions or problems?
Contact the AIRwiki Monitor at airblast<at>airmedia.org.
