Does Runescape Wiki make RS fan sites obsolete?

Helm Lardar is talking about an interesting problem: fan sites loosing their competitive advantage due to the raise of RS Wiki. He is talking specifically about the items data base and how Sal's version of it can't compete with RS Wiki, but the problem is broader. W13 talked about it too, and I actually agree with both of them, RS Wiki is destined to overshadow traditional fan sites in many areas. Things like item and monster data bases, skills and minigames guides, descriptions of locations and NPCs. Eventually, maybe, even quest guides.

Is it a bad thing? I don't think so, RS Wiki is like a force of nature - it's neutral, there is no point in getting upset about it.

So... Should fan sites stop making all these guides and data bases? Absolutely NOT, and here I disagree with Helm Lardar. The fan sites should continue what they are doing now - after all this is what traditional fan sites are about! Working on this kind of content is not only about producing it - the process itself is very important for fan sites health. How to make this content useful (and used) is another question though. I think the answer lays in going beyond the traditional "let's create the content and people will see it" approach. There has to be some value add on top of that. Something that RS Wiki model is not suitable for.

For instance, personalized content. Similar to what Runewise has been doing all along, I do think that traditional fan sites will have to start doing more than what they have been doing so far in this area. Another example, opinionated guides and editorials - that would include RS news papers, of course, but also potentially RS guides that go beyond "dry facts" by adding personal touch to them as well as references to other content (especially personalized one). Also making services out of content. Imagine items data base turned into a "lite" service and used by other RS fan and clan sites. That'd be a meaningful use, don't you think? Making widgets for other RS fan and clan sites is another possibility. I am sure the list can go on and on, but that's what comes from the top of my mind.

So, is emergency of RS Wiki means death to traditional RS fan sites? No, it means an opportunity for a change, opportunity for providing even better services to Runescape players.
That's what I hope for, anyway.

Runescape Wiki

I am happy to announce that both Runewise and Runescape Reader's Digest are officially affiliated (exchanged links) with Runescape Wiki. I honestly don't think Runescape Wiki needs much of an introduction here, as I bet you already know about this site. It is awesome.

It is also amazing to see a site like that built (and prospering) under "wiki democracy" governing model. Just like wikipedia, it shows that people are willing to work together and are able to agree on things. And that includes Runescape players :-)

I also have to admit that the affiliation application process was very educational for me. Long but not hard and totally unlike usual peer to peer connections Runescape fan sites maintain. I don't know why Jagex hasn't recognized Runescape Wiki yet, but won't be surprised if the reason is in the absence of a way to establish non public peer to peer communication channel with an owner (of course, there is no owner).

Anyway, I am very glad that we are affiliated now.

Now, I do have a few links to share:

• Classification of Merchanting Eras in Runescape - simplistic but interesting approach.
• Andrew Gower's Q&A - duh :-) BTW. one of his answers should add a new era to the list above.
• And for RSC folks, summary of Andrew's Q&A as relate to RSC

Enjoy!

Hidden Updates in Runescape

Always current page with a list of Hidden (or announced) Runescape updates in the Runescape Wkia. And, oh boy, how much accusations toward Jagex had these announced updates caused on different Runescape forums!

Reader's Digest in Runescape Wikia

Going through the recent Google Analytics results for the Reader's Digest, I noticed that one of my recent posts got linked from an article published in Runescape Wikia. What can I say? It was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Whoever did that, I appreciate such recognition. Thank you.

And, speaking about Runescape Wikia, there is one page there I personally visit and use quite often. It is the Market Watch page. With all the grandeur of the Grand Exchange Database, I still prefer the Market Watch as a way to get a quick snapshot of the current Runescape market condition.

Also one more note, this time a "self-promotion" one... I would like to remind you, dear readers, about the "Digg" button attached to every post. If you find a post interesting and worth sharing with others, please, press that button and Digg that post. By doing so, you'll help the Reader's Digest to get more views and better ranking in search engines. Thank you!