There are three issues we are starting to wrestle with:
1. Defining what terms should actually be added to the wiki. The terms in the list of potential terms have not been studied to determine whether or not they should be added. And we don’t even really have a standard for what should be added. Off the top of my head, I think the wiki should include:

* Only terms that have some meaning, shade of meaning or cultural significance different from the general use. (so yes, include “Bishop,” but don’t include “Health.”) Of course, the definitions should focus not only on the meaning of the word, but how Mormon use or cultural significance is different.

This might requires some investigation before a potential term is added. For example, entering the term in a search engine and comparing the results that come from Mormon sites to those that come from non-Mormon sites may help establish whether or not the meaning is different and whether or not it should be included.

Also, looking at the definition of a word in the Wictionary or in another dictionary and comparing that definition to how the term is used in Mormon documents (websites, General Conference talks, the Church magazines, etc.) may help show that the definition is different in the Mormon context

2. Another area where we could use some input is the standard format for an entry. Again we have copied the layout from the Wictionary, but it may need to be modified to fit our use. See Layout for the entry layout at the moment. I’d love to hear some ideas for how it should be modified.

3. I also think we also need to provide users with some guidance about what information should be included in the definition. In my view, we should be defining the term and how it is used. We should NOT be defining the doctrine! That is done elsewhere and doesn’t need to be duplicated.

I don’t have all the answers about these issues, nor can I do this entire project by myself. So please help me make some progress on this useful, and I think important, project.

I look forward to seeing your input and help.

Yes, but if most don’t know what FARMS is, no one knows what NAMIRS is.

I just never saw any indications that anyone was interested in subscribing to the FARMS Review or buying one of the books. And this includes people with graduate degrees in law and engineering.

Yes, sadly enough. Most LDS are content to read their KJV and display unread Deseret Book volumes on their shelves.

You’re assuming “most LDS” know FARMS exists.

Yes, sadly enough. Most LDS are content to read their KJV and display unread Deseret Book volumes on their shelves.

About the only person in our ward who has read this stuff at length is a GA who has not been allowed to become emeritus yet, who will drop in a few times a year. Of my three grown kids, only my daughter shares my enthusiasm for reading FARMS and Nibley, even though I give them all books every Christmas. Is this lack of strong interest in FARMS and scholarly work on Church history and the Book of Mormon typical?

You could also add a category such as “sometimes derogatory” or “often derogatory” for terms with varied shades of meaning.

Here are some definitions you probably haven’t added yet:

Mo Power to Ya!

I don’t think I agree with your assessment. Yes, any resource has the problem that knowledge about it is limited. I agree that likely only a subset of members will know that the wiki exists. But I don’t think that makes the effort without merit. Reference works tend to have a long life, and I believe that, even if only a minority of LDS Church members use the site, it will still justify the effort.

As for multiple meanings, I think we would try to capture those multiple meanings in the definition.

And as for slang, well, its not evil. Using one word versus another is often done for some reason or other. Sometimes its because, as you state, the speaker doesn’t want to take the time to say what they mean in more detail. If you ask me, that’s legitimate. Should I, in a similar fashion, call this a blog? Or should I call it a web log or a website?

Other times, slang is used to create a more familiar and less formal atmosphere. I often address my friends as “dude” or “bro,” instead of “my friend.” Have I erred in doing so?

Slang has its purposes and uses. Using slang isn’t always best in all circumstances, but there are clearly times when its use is the right way to go.