====== Gate ======

The gate anti-pattern involves putting up too many barriers to participation on the wiki. Gates are present when people have to go through a difficult account creation process that's not straightforward, have to undergo mandatory training, or have to have their contributions approved before posting them on the wiki.

===== How do I notice it? =====

If users have to fill out forms, or request permission, or get approval before being allowed to edit the wiki, then you've definitely set up too many gates.

===== How do I fix it? =====

Give every employee a wiki account by default. Make sure they have the most liberal permissions that you possibly can, and encourage the users to create a new wiki page or make an edit their very first day on the job. This will help them become comfortable with the using the wiki in their every-day work.

===== Related Patterns =====

  * [[Too much structure]] - creating too much structure can be a barrier to participation.
  * [[Sandbox]] - Limiting users' permissions at the beginning discourages participation.
  * [[EmptyPages]] - too many gates can result in empty pages on the wiki.

===== Further Reading =====

  *  [[http://www.businessweek.com/technology/ceo_tipsheet/2007_3.htm|Tipsheet: Wiki Etiquette @ BusinessWeek]]