SandBoxPattern

The SandBox is a page that's only used for testing and as a playing ground for newcomers.

Pattern Name: SandBox (SandBoxPattern)
Problem: Unexperienced visitors sometimes damage pages or clutter a wiki with tests while making their first wiki experiences. While this is a small nuisance for regulars, it's even more a problem for the newcomers, because they often feel guilty for the damages done. But the first wiki experience should be joyful and without stress.
Solution: Lead visitors and guests to a separate page that's reserved for testing. Add links to the FrontPage, GuestBook, TextFormattingRules, introductory pages and all pages that are typically visited by newcomers. Consider adding a link to the link bar. Fill the page with simple examples and various incomplete tests, so that everybody can feel absolutely sure to be on a playing ground.
Examples: SandBox, Wiki:WikiWikiSandbox, [TolkienWiki:SandBox] - hint: the name SandBox is not recommended because it has been especially targeted by spam bots
See also: SignalToNoise

END OF PATTERN FORM

Discussion