If you aren't familiar with the concept of a wiki, it is essentially a type of Web application that allows for collaborative writing. With a wiki, you, the user, can easily write web pages, edit pages others have written, delete information, change the organization of information ... and so on and so on.

In developing the FlyerTalk Wiki, we have created a space where FlyerTalkers, as well as non-FlyerTalkers, can maintain a store of information about all things frequent travel, and the information can be updated by anyone who comes along and sees something that is out of date or what have you. If all goes well, the FlyerTalk Wiki will eventually become a resource where anyone can find information on a vast range of travel topics.

We could try to explain the concept in more detail, but you are certain to have more fun learning through play than reading what we have to say. So when you get a chance, head on over to http://www.flyertalk.com/wiki and dive right in. And when you do, keep these thoughts in mind:

Even though you can make changes to the content, you can't cause any real damage -- In the FlyerTalk Wiki, every version of a page is saved, so if erroneous information is entered, the page can always be reverted back to a previous version by any user. The moral: Don't be hesitant to jump in and start editing/creating.

If you aren't sure where to start, try editing a page that already exists -- The wiki allows you to create pages, but until you get the hang of it you might want to try editing some of the pages that are already up there. One page in particular, called the Sandbox, is designed specifically as a place to practice (hint, edits to the Sandbox WILL count for the bonus prize).

The wiki should serve as a nice complement to the forums in that it provides an area where members can maintain information on the various programs (and anything travel related, for that matter) and create a constantly growing and continually updated knowledge base of information that is of interest to frequent travelers.

At this point, even we don't know what the FlyerTalk Wiki will eventually look like, but what we do know is that if you all participate in its development the result is sure to be something special.