fanwiki

A fanwiki is a type of collaborative online encyclopedia focused on a single fan-related subject, such as a TV show, film franchise, video game, book series, or a specific fictional universe. It is typically operated by fans rather than official publishers and relies on community contributions to compile information, analysis, and media related to that subject.

Fanwikis cover a wide range of content, including articles on characters, settings, episodes or installments, story arcs, timelines, and fan works. They often distinguish between canon material and fan-created interpretations (fanon) and may track updates as new material is released. Some pages document merchandise, locations, and in-universe lore, while others host discussions and fan projects.

Editing is usually community-driven, with contributions governed by site policies and moderation. Articles should aim for a neutral point of view, verifiability, and citations to reliable sources when possible, and many wikis discourage original research. Disputes about content are typically resolved on dedicated talk or policy pages, with editors collaborating to reach consensus.

Content licensing is commonly under Creative Commons licenses, allowing reuse with attribution, though the exact terms depend on the hosting platform. Fanwikis may rely on open editing, semi-closed models, or a combination of both, balancing openness with quality control.

Platforms and examples: fanwikis are hosted on dedicated wiki platforms or farms. Notable examples include Wikia/Fandom, Wookieepedia for Star Wars, and Memory Alpha for Star Trek. Collectively, fanwikis serve as community-driven repositories that document, debate, and preserve fan knowledge and discourse surrounding beloved franchises.