Flixster Wiki: Flixster Wiki Help & FAQs

Help for the Flixster Wiki

A wiki is a big document that is editable by users. In other words, you can now add your knowledge on all things related to movies and actors on Flixster.com. Do you have inside information on a secret romance on the set of a new blockbuster? Is our description of an upcoming indie film underwhelming? Are you an authority on an actor? Seize the power and start contributing! The Flixster Wiki currently has the following sections: Flixster Movie Guides: These are wiki projects you can find at http://www.flixster.com/wiki/. You can add to or edit a movie guide or start your own on any movie subject you can think of. You can find an example here. Flixster Actor Page Wikis: Every Flixster actor page now has a wiki. Any user can add to or edit the "Wiki Profile" or any pages linked from the actor's wiki area. All users can also create a new page about anything they want related to that actor. You can find an example here. You can find more information about how to add to and edit actor pages here. Users can also apply to be Flixster Experts for specific actors. This gives you specials privileges to moderator actor pages, and you get recognition on the actor page and throughout Flixster for being an Expert for actors. For more info on joining Flixster Experts, click here.

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Flixster Wiki: General Frequently Asked Questions

What's a wiki? A wiki is a special kind of site where anyone can add or edit content. The wiki you are viewing is a Wetpaint wiki. Here, users can merely type directly onto a page and save it. No previous knowledge of computer programming or Web design is necessary! Users can add text, photos, links and other kind of content that helps the community grow.

Why should I participate with a wiki? In short, wikis are both fun and informative. You can participate with a wiki in order to learn more about a subject, teach others about a subject or just connect with like-minded people. Wikis are more than just a source of information; they are living, breathing online communities that are always changing.

What do I need to use the wiki? What are the system requirements? You should be able to edit wikis with any browser and an internet connect. The browser you're using should have Flash version 9.0.28 or above.

What have other people used wikis for? A wiki can serve many purposes. Some people start personal wikis about their private lives, which they share with friends and family members. Other people create wikis to serve as reference material on a particular topic. From handbags to Hollywood gossip, there is a wiki out there on practically any subject. Since wikis are also about connecting people, they can be a great meeting place for clubs and organizations.

How do I change a page?
Adding or editing content on the wiki is quite simple, thanks to the EasyEdit toolbar. If you want to change a page, follow the steps below.

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button… and the toolbar will appear.

2. Changes can now be made to the page. You can type directly onto the page and/or use one of the many toolbar features. The formatting buttons in the toolbar can change the alignment and format of the text, similar to a word processing program. The EasyEdit toolbar also makes it easy to add links, images and interactive widgets.

3. When you have made your changes and are satisfied, click on the "Save" button in the toolbar.

4. A new window will then appear where you can leave an optional short note describing why you made these edits.

All changes to a page are recorded, along with the edit notes.

Why can't I edit certain pages? Some pages are locked and editable only by moderators. These pages are indicated by a lock over the EasyEdit button at the top of the page. Typically, these are pages that provide navigation or structure for pages that are attached to it. Navigate around the pages beneath that subject and you'll find tons of opportunity to contribute.

I want to create a new page. How do I do that? At the moment, users can create pages in certain areas. Check the bottom navigation of the wiki area you’re in for a page called "User Page Index for '[subject]'". Go there and you'll be able to add pages by clicking "Create your own child page."

How do I add a picture?

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Place your cursor where you'd like to display your photo, and then click on the "Photo" button in the toolbar.

3. The "Add Photo" window will now appear.

Note: If you get a message that reads, "Select a file or enter a URL for your photo" but it doesn't give you the option to do either, you need to download and install the latest version of Flash from Adobe.

4. You may now select the photo you want to use by uploading it from your computer, entering a specific Web URL, or searching Yahoo! Images. To add a photo that is on your computer, simply press the "Browse" button and select it from its location on your hard drive. Then, click "Add Photo." To add a photo that is located online, enter the image's full URL into the proper field and click "Add Photo". C) To search for and add a photo found on the web, click on the "Search Yahoo! Images" link, enter keywords to search for, and then select the photo you want to use. Then, click "Add Photo".

5. You can now change the size of your photo by using the (-) or (+) options. You can also change where your photo appears in relationship to the text on the page by using the layout icons. When you're satisfied with the size and layout of your photo, you will enter a name for the photo and (optionally) add a link. Then, click on the "Done" button in the toolbar.

How do I add a link?
You can hyperlink any text or images on the page by following these simple steps.

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Highlight the text or image you would like to turn into a link and click on the "Link" button on the toolbar.

3. The "Add Link" window will now appear.

4. Enter the complete URL to the page you wish to link to, then click "Add Link."

How do I add a table?

Tables are a great way to bring order to the wiki. Adding a table to a page is very simple if you follow the steps below.

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Place your cursor on the page where you want to insert a table and then click the "Table" button in the toolbar.

The "Add Table button will now appear.

3. Enter the number of rows and columns your table requires.

4. The width of the table cells can be adjusted manually by defining a number of pixels. If you wish for the table to always expand to full page width, select "Fit to Page."

5. Enter how many pixels of cell margin you want between your text and your borders.

6. Select a "wrap text" option to define how the table appears in relation to other page contents.

7. Select a border style.

8. Confirm the table properties by clicking the "Add Table" button.

How do I edit a table?

To edit a table after it has been created, place your cursor in the cell or row you want to edit and right-click.

In the resulting menu are options to add or delete rows, add or delete columns, and delete the table. To alter the border style, alter the table layout, or redefine the table width, choose "Edit Table" from the menu to open the Edit Table menu.

What is a widget? Widgets are Web-based tools and gadgets from other sites that you can embed directly on a page. Wetpaint wikis support widgets that are either embedded Flash or that are contained within an IFRAME tag. Like any application on the Web, you should only use those developed by trusted sources.

How do I add a widget?
Widgets can be placed on any page that you are able to edit. To add a widget, follow these simple instructions.

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Place your cursor where you'd like to display your widget, and click on the "Widget" button in the toolbar.

The "Add Widget" window will now appear.

3. Select the widget you wish to add and follow the corresponding directions that appear from there.

How do I add a widget I found on the Web?

The wiki offers many popular, supported widgets in the "Add Widget" toolbar. However, you may wish to embed something less common that you found on the Web. The wiki will support Flash-based widgets and widgets that are contained within an IFRAME tag. To add a widget you found on the Web, follow these simple instructions.

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Place your cursor where you would like your widget to appear, and click on the "Widget" button in the toolbar.

The "Add Widget" window will now appear.

3. Double check to make sure your widget isn't listed in the gallery. If it is not listed, then select "Other Widget."

4. Paste your widget export code into the open text field and then click "Add Widget."

5. After you've added your widget, an "Edit Widget" window will appear.

You can change the size of your widget by using the (-) or (+) options. You can also change where your widget appears in relationship to the copy on the page by using the layout icons. When you're satisfied with the size and layout of your widget image, click on the "Done" button.

Note: You cannot view a widget while editing a page; at that time, you will see an icon that represents your widget. Your widget will be viewable after you save the page.

What if my widget is not supported?

The wiki supports widgets that are either embedded Flash or that are contained within an IFRAME tag. If your widget export code is not supported, look for an alternate export option; many widget providers allow multiple export formats.

Occasionally, we are unable to tell if we can support a particular widget. We'll always give it the benefit of the doubt and add it to the page anyway. You can tell if the widget is supported after you save your changes to the page.

How do I add a video?

To add a YouTube or Google video to a page, follow the simple steps below.

1. Click on the EasyEdit button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Place the cursor where you would like to place your video, and click the "Widget" button in the toolbar.

The "Add Widget" window will now appear.

3. Select either YouTube Video or Google Video. The "Add Video" dialog will appear. If you select YouTube, "Add by searching" is selected by default. You may search for a video by entering a search word of phrase in the open text field. If you wish to embed with a URL or embed code, select "Add by URL or EMBED" and follow the instructions below. To add a YouTube or Google video by URL or EMBED, paste in the URL or the Embed code from the video into the open text field and click "Add Video."

4. After you've added your video, an "Edit Video" window will appear. You can change the size of your video by using the (-) or (+) options. You can also change where your video appears in relationship to the copy on the page by using the layout icons. When you're satisfied with the size and layout of your video image, click on the "Done" button.

Note: While you are editing a widget, you will only see an icon that represents it. Your widget will be viewable after you save the page.

How do I add a poll?

You can add a Vizu(tm) poll to a page. Vizu polls are easy to use and it is free to join the site. After registration, you will be able to use a pre-existing poll or create your own. Follow the simple steps below to add a Vizu poll to a page.

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Place your cursor where you'd like to display your poll, and click on the "Widget" button in the toolbar.

The "Add Widget" window will now appear.

3. Click the Vizu Poll widget. The "Add Poll" window will then appear.

4. Export your poll and copy the code from Vizu into the open text field and click "Add Poll."

Note: While you are editing a poll, you will only see an icon that represents it. Your poll will be viewable after you save the page.

How do I add a slideshow?

The wiki supports Photobucket slideshows, which offer amazing features. After starting a free account at Photobucket and creating a slideshow, you will be able to place it on a wiki page through the following steps.

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Place your cursor where you'd like to display your slideshow, and click on the "Widget" button in the toolbar.

The "Add Widget" toolbar will now appear.

3. Select the Photobucket Slideshow widget and the "Add Slidehow" window will appear.

4. Paste the "Tag" code from your Photobucket slideshow into the open text field and click "Add Slideshow."

5. After you've added your slideshow, an "Edit Slideshow" dialog will appear. You can change the size of your slideshow by using the (-) or (+) options. You can also change where your slideshow appears in relationship to the copy on the page by using the layout icons. When you're satisfied with the size and layout of your slideshow image, click on the "Done" button.

How do I add a RSS feed?

RSS feeds are an effective, hassle-free way to keep your wiki updated with news. You can place a RSS feed on a page by following the simple steps below.

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

Place your cursor where you'd like to display your feed, and click on the "Widget" button in the toolbar.

The "Add Widget" dialog will appear.

3. Select the RSS Widget and the "Add RSS" window will appear.

4. Paste the URL of your RSS feed into the open text field and then select the number of items to show in your feed. This number indicates how many stories or links are displayed. When you are done click "Add RSS Feed." You will see a brief loading indicator while the feed is being validated. Once validation is complete your feed will be displayed on your page.

How to I add a calendar?

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Place your cursor where you'd like to display your calendar, and click on the "Widget" button in the toolbar.

The "Add Widget" window will now appear.

3. Select the Google Calendar widget and the "Add Calendar" window will appear.

4. Enter your Google email address into the open text field and then click "Add Google Calendar."

5. After you've added your calendar, an "Edit Calendar" dialog will appear. You can change the size of your calendar by using the (-) or (+) options. You can also change where your calendar appears in relationship to the copy on the page by using the layout icons. When you're satisfied with the size and layout of your calendar image, click on the "Done" button.

Note: If your calendar does not appear, or you see a message warning you that the calendar does not have public access enabled, you will need to grant public access for your calendar. For more information on how to enable public access, visit Google's help center.

How do I add a chat or instant messenger?

A live chat and instant messenger can be placed on the wiki, both of which offer real-time communication between wiki users. Chat windows from Gabbly are best on pages where you want people to talk to each other. Instant messaging from Meebo is best on your profile page, where you want users to contact you directly. You can add both features by following the simple steps below.

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Place your cursor where you'd like to display your chat or messaging window, and click on the "Widget" button in the toolbar.

The "Add Widget" window will now appear.

3. Select either Gabbly Chat or Meebo Messaging. * Select Gabbly when you want to place a chat window for all users on the page: Go to Gabbly and select the "embed" tab to get the widget. Enter the URL of the page you want to put the chat window on. Generate the embed code and paste it into the open text field, then click "Add Chat."

* Select Meebo when you want site users to instant message you via the Meebo Web site. We recommend using instant messaging on your profile page. Go to Meebo and create your messaging window. Copy the embed code into the open text field and click "Add Messaging."

4. After you've added your window, an edit window will appear. You can change the size of your window by using the (-) or (+) options. You can also change where your window appears in relationship to the copy on the page by using the layout icons. When you're satisfied with the size and layout of your window image, click on the "Done" button. Note: You cannot view a chat or instant messaging widget while it is being edited. The widget will be viewable after you have saved the page.

How do I add music?

You can add music to your page by embedding an Imeem Music Player on a page. After registering for a free account with Imeem, you will be able to place a single song or an entire playlist on the page. Follow the easy steps below to add music.

1. Click on the "EasyEdit" button and the toolbar will appear.

2. Place your cursor where you'd like to display your music player, and click on the "Widget" button in the Toolbar.

The "Add Widget" window will now appear.

3. Select the Imeem Music widget. The "Add Player" dialog will appear.

4. Select your music and enter the code to "embed in your blog, website, etc" from Imeem into the open text field and click "Add Imeem Music." Note: You cannot view the music player while editing a page; at that time, you will see a placeholder icon that represents the widget. Your music player will be viewable after you save the page.

Hey! Something on this wiki page is wrong! You've got to fix it right away! The beauty of a wiki is that you can fix it. Just click on the EasyEdit button at the upper left, and you'll be able to change any of the text on the page. Don't go crazy, though - someone took the time to write all the stuff you see there. Good wiki etiquette is to correct factual errors, delete inappropriate content, make spelling and grammar edits, and add new information. Deleting lots of text at once isn't cool, and we keep track of this. Don't make a practice of it unless you're itching for a message from a moderator (and maybe suspension of your site privileges).

Why should I be nice? Someone else isn't! Rise above, my friend. Rise above, and then help us keep the Flixster wiki a friendly place for everyone. If you see users that are behaving inappropriately, you can flag them by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on "content history" next to "Last update". You'll be able to see each edit, along with the user who made the change. Click on the username, and you'll go to that person's Flixster profile. You can then click on "Report User" at the bottom of the main profile box and let us know why you're flagging that person. (Make sure to select "Wiki abuse" as the subject of the report.)

I have another question. Who should I ask? Are you sure we didn't answer it? Positive? OK, go ahead and email us. However, be sure to be very specific about your question if it's related to page content. Wiki pages change frequently, so you may see a problem that won't be here a few hours later when we read your email. Let us know what page you're referring to, what section of the page you're referring to, and use as much detail as possible.