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Wikipedia

p51

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Based on some other threads it looks there are number of folks who would like to increase the public's recognition/understanding of the Cal Specials. Well, one way would be to write up a Wikipedia entry for California Special.

If you are not familiar with it, Wikipedia is an on-line encyclopedia. A wiki is (roughly) a website that allows for on-line collaborative authoring. So Wikipedia is an on-line collaborative encyclopedia - anyone can add content. At first blush this sounds like a recipe for misinformation/disinformation but it actually works pretty well as others correct/edit material and act as a check-and-balance system. In fact, I read that there were fewer (but possibly more egregious) errors in wikipedia than in the Encyclopedia Britannica. Anyway, the use of Wikipedia is increasing exponentially. I use it almost as often as Google to find information (usually by typing "subject wikipedia" in a Google seach line). Example: I was watching "United 93" (good movie) last week and I wanted to get a timeline for the 9-11 attack to read before I saw the movie so that I could understand the detailed event sequence in the movie. I typed in "9-11 Timeline wikipedia" in a Google search and got an incredibly detailed timeline for what happened along with a huge number of hyperlinks embedded in the text.

Anyway, lots of people are using wikipedia so if someone who (1) has the time (I dont) and (2) wants to be a budding author they might like to try putting together a wikipedia entry for the California Special. Right now when you Google "California Special Mustang Wikipedia" you end up on the page for the Mustang which has a single line about the GT/CS being a special edition mustang. And no link to the californiaspecial.com website (which, by the way, can be added to that page by anyone). As comparison the Shelby Mustang has a rather nice page w/lots-o-links.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_Mustang

Anyway, this was just a thought. Again, I would take a shot at doing a page but I just dont have the time...
 

Mustanger

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I've actually thought about this earlier myself, not that I'm the most qualified, but I know enough to start an entry, and as stated above, others can certainly add to it. Now if I could only find the time ... soon, hopefully soon ...
 
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PNewitt

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...I guess that would be me. (raising hand)...

Just how many words would this be? And whom do I send it to?

Since I have most of the books in digital form right now, I could put something together ASAP (right after the registry forms I'm doin' P.D.Q. for Donna--LOL!)

This is a very cool idea! Thanks for thinking of it--P51!

Paul N.
 
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p51

p51

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PNewitt said:
...I guess that would be me. (raising hand)...

Just how many words would this be? And whom do I send it to?

Since I have most of the books in digital form right now, I could put something together ASAP (right after the registry forms I'm doin' P.D.Q. for Donna--LOL!)

This is a very cool idea! Thanks for thinking of it--P51!

Paul N.

Paul

The format/content is pretty open ended. Here's what I suggest. Spend a bit of time looking at the following wikipedia pages to get an idea of content and size...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_Mustang

I would say 2 or 3 pages is more than enough write up. Then get some nice person - I'm nice, just not that person :wink: - to figure out how to enter it into the wiki. The link for introduction and how to edit the wiki are.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Introduction

Also, a link should be made on the Ford Mustang page to the California Special page. Effectively this would be changing the text on the Mustang page where it says "California Special" to a link.

Once the initial page entry is there I'm sure lots of folks will start to contribute (I understand it starts to become somewhat of an addiction for some people). Of course, add a link to Californiaspecial.com and include your books as references at the end of the page. Remember, anyone can edit any page.

Now here is the coup de gras (not to be confused with the fastback de gras :grin:). You may, just may, want to include some info in the GT/CS writeup on the connection of Shelby Little Red/Green Hornet on the GT/CS page (since, I figure, you are *the* expert on them). This of course would warrant a link from the Shelby page. And voila, now all the Shelby fans will follow the links Shelby -> Little Red, GT/CS and say "Wow, I didnt know that!".

Its all known as "viral marketing".

James
 
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PNewitt

Guest
Kewl, James.

I'll follow your suggestions to the letter. An absolutely great idea.

I'll get with it this week.

Paul N.
 
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p51

p51

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Wiki-ready

Hey gang. Paul and I have put together a Wikipedia page on the GT/CS. Paul did all the "heavy lifting" - providing the text and the pics. I played secretary typing it in. Here are the links...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Special_Mustang

Also, in the following page I updated a small amount of text (on 1968 Shelby Little Red and Green Hornet) and added a link to the above page.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_Mustang

Finally, I added a link to the California_Special_Mustang page on the original Mustang page...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang

Note: Last time I added the pics they got deleted by one of the editors because the copyright info was not correct. I *think* I fixed it but if you pull up the page and there are no pics - well, maybe then I still didnt get it right. Let me know if no pics show up...

Note: *Anyone* is allowed to edit this (and other pages in Wikipedia). Just setup an account and type away. :wink:
 
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PNewitt

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I wish to give P51/James a HUGE thank you for staying on top of this, and getting it to the net.

We now have that much more exposure out there--as well as a new link to this site, for prospective owners and enthusiasts to see just what a GT/CS really is--and how great the owners are, too!

thanks again, James!

-Paul N.
 

Mustanger

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You guys did a great job! I'm sure this can serve as a tool to help bring in more people to this site ...
 

PFSlim

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Weatherby Lake, MO
Many thanks to P51 and Paul N. on their work. It looks great!! It is very nice to get the word out, however we can do it!

Paul
 

BroadwayBlue

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Hudson Valley Area, NY
That's great!! Nice job!!

I particularly liked this part...

"The GT/CS has become one of the most owner-appreciated classic Mustangs, since it has both the qualities of a Shelby GT, and a Mustang coupe. "

So true!
 
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p51

p51

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Wikipedia California Special page update

Just FYI.

I've updated the GT/CS Wikipedia page. Added a whole bunch of links to the different engine types, etc (even one to "vinyl top"). Both internal Wikipedia links as well as external links. Included a link to the registery, a GT/CS commercial as well as links to info/photos on Green Hornet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Special_Mustang

One more comment. If you are an expert in *any* field think about putting togther a Wikipedia page on that topic (first see if one exists. you can edit *existing* pages as well). Its easy. It takes less than half an hour to figure out how to put a text-only page up - only slightly longer to figure out how to include pictures (albeit, figuring out copyright issues on any but your own photos/art is a real pain). Turns out that Wikipedia is about as accurate as the on-line Britannica in terms of errors found (but if they contradict I'd still trust Britannica more). Wikipedia is a non-profit organization. And it really is an amazing phenomenon. A highly accurate and *extremely* useful encyclopedia written by... *us* :grin:
 

Mustanglvr

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If its written by average people, who makes sure its accurate information?
 

Mosesatm

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How do we create a link from the Wikipedia "Mustang" page to the Wikipedia "California Special" page?
 
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p51

p51

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Mustanglvr said:
If its written by average people, who makes sure its accurate information?
What normally happens is that a person will only go to the effort to write the page if they are passionate about a subject; hence, they're usually knowledgable about that subject already. But there's also lots of folks who when reading the page will make corrections if they find errors. There's also folks that act as editors (I dont know how their chosen) on certain subjects who will make changes and PM you when they do.

You're right, its surprising that it works but it does, somehow. It really is one of the most surprising phenomena on the internet right now. No one expected how good Wikipedia would become. VC's in silicon valley are still scratching their heads about it. And Wikipedia is run on just a few million $'s a year (again, its non-profit).
 
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p51

p51

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Mosesatm

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Just for fun I added a link at the bottom of the 67 & 68 Mustangs section. Someone with better writing skills may want to clean it up.
 
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