[Wayne 962]

After much thought and consideration, I am pleased to announce the start of our Pelican Wiki Project. The goal of this project will be to compile and archive all of the vital Porsche and BMW information on the Internet into one directory project, using Wiki software. I think the best analogy to the project would be the Yahoo Directory that was generated by hand. We will be asking for your help and assistance over the next several years as we grow and expand this project to include and cover almost every topic imaginable.

I placed a post up about a month ago asking for resumes applying for the "WikiMaster" position here at Pelican. Well, after much thought and consideration, I came up with this solution. Peter Bodensteiner, who was my editor with Motorbooks International on the Porsche 911 Engine Rebuild Book, will be our kick-off Wikimaster. I have worked with him extensively over the past several years, and he and I have a good working relationship. He is also a professional editor, and is well versed in everything automotive. I will be working with him extensively to start the project and define procedures and goals for the initial kickoff. The plan would be to then hand it off after it's rolling on to someone who can both manage the ongoing Wiki and also sell advertising for the site (and the forums here too). So, the bottomline for everyone who sent me their resume is that I am still looking for the long-term WikiMaster, but I will be working exclusively with Peter during the kickoff phase. I'm sure there will be lots of stumbles and miscues, etc., and Peter and I have worked together enough to be able to easily smooth these out. As Peter will have a lot of interaction with the people on this board, I think you will find that he is a car guy just lke you and me. I've created an account for him on the BBS here, and I will have him post here tomorrow to introduce himself to you guys.

So, this will be the first post of thousands that will be dedicated to this topic. The creation of the Wiki will not be possible without the input from you guys, and I thank you in advance for your support of the project. As stated previously, the Wiki will initially be dedicated in the memory of Warren Hall, whose knowledge has helped many of us over the years.

I cannot tell you how excited I am about this project - it's the same feeling I get when I take the first photo of a new book. It's like the archetectual drawing of a new building - I can see in my head what it's going to look like when it's done.

THANKS EVERYONE!

-Wayne