Sean Kollak
Definition of explanation
As Twick.it calls itself an explain engine – you will expect a convincing answer to the question: “What is an explanation?” I say: An explanation enlightens the listener. It clarifies something by stating the relevant facts. Logical, consistent, sensible – and straight to the point. On the other hand an explanation is interpretation of information directed towards a certain person or group. It relies on context, understanding and existing knowledge of the addressee. Thus every explanation is subject to discussion.
Synonyms for explanation
There are several synonyms for the word explanation: Account, description, reason, justification, rationalization, vindication, clarification, elucidation, explication, definition, enlightenment and so on. This list indicates that facts are central to an explanation. In order to explain something I require secure knowledge – and I have to argue my conclusions coherently. I have to reason. Unfortunately this is where objectivity ends. more>>
Tags: definitions, explanations, information theory
Sean Kollak
Twick.it is the original
When we started Twick.it – we had a vision: to create a collaborative encyclopaedia such as Wikipedia which would be as easy to use and straight to the point as Twitter. This is how we found the name: Twitter + Wikipedia = Twick.it. Of course we researched thoroughly that no similar tool existed in the internet. It was very important for us to create something new and not copy an American model. And that’s the way it is: Twick.it was the first encyclopaedia that applied the principle of preciseness – the strict limitation to the magic 140 characters. Naturally we did not expect to stay the only ones with this idea. For a few months we have been watching a little start-up in Berlin named Wikwik.it which we would like to introduce to you.
This is Wikwikit
Two names – one concept?
Isn’t it funny how similar the names Twick.it and Wikwik.it are? Both glossaries have an Italian domain and limit the explanations to 140 characters. What’s more: Just like Wikwik.it we started of with the slogan “Straight to the point” before we decided to drop it for the claim “The explain engine” which is easier to remember for a newbie. It’s really curious. If the guys of Wikwik.it weren’t so cute one could easily believe that they have shamelessly copied our whole concept. But wait: if they had copied us they would have also applied more of our functions. more>>
Tags: 140 characters, concept, encyclopaedia, Twitter, Wikipedia
Search
Cowboy: Long time since I heard that one.
Helen Ryan: Smarty Pants Andy Pandy ...
