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==This website presents thumbnail rather than encyclopedic information==
The generally short articles on this website present primarily '''thumbnail information''' rather than '''encyclopedic information''', '''review information''' or '''how-to information'''. The difference between these types of information is explained below:

*'''Thumbnail information''' is information that is intended to be factual, but unaccompanied by detailed notes and references.
*'''Encyclopedic information''' is detailed, objective and verifiable information, such as should be found in Wikipedia articles. The information is made verifiable by careful use of footnotes and references. For encylopedic information on [[Convivial Tools]] see the companion website: [http://conviviality.ouvaton.org Convivial Tools Encyclopedia].
*'''Review information''' presents a rapid evaluation of a product or website. Review information is found for example on a [[Review Sites|Review Site]], which Wikipedia defines as "a website on which people can post reviews for products or services."
*'''How-to information''' is practical step-by-step instructions on how to do something, as is found on [[How-to Websites]].

The advantage of presenting thumbnail information is that it allows rapid development of an extensive database, without requiring major investment of time and energy in verification of data and sources. The disadvantage is that the risk of transmitting errors and misinformation is much higher.

==Theme topics on this Convivial Tools website==
The theme of this site is ''Convivial Tools'', which [[Ivan Illich]] defined as tools which allow the user to operate with independent efficiency. Information is presented on the following topics, each of which illustrates in its own way the idea of "Convivial Tools":
*[[:Category:Historical Roots]]
*[[:Category:Whole Earth]]
*[[:Category:Appropriate Technology]]
*[[:Category:Convivial Tools]] (philosophical aspects)
*[[:Category:FOSS]] ([[Free and Open Source Software]])
*[[:Category:Wikis]]
*[[:Category:Cyberspace]]
*[[:Category:Open Source]]
*[[:Category:Open Design]]
*[[:Category:Convivial Product]]
*[[:Category:Convivial Websites]]


[[Category:This Site]]