Zentraler Informatikdienst

Using microblogs in u:wiki

For:  students    employees

This user guide will help you use the microblog function in u:wiki.

What is a microblog?

When the microblog macro is integrated into a u:wiki page, users can write posts and enter into a discussion directly in the text. The advantages compared to the conventional comment function:

  • Microblogs are integrated directly at the text passage that is to be discussed.
  • It is possible to have several threads on the same topic.
  • Posts in the microblog are searchable.
  • Posts can be marked with Like.
  • Users can receive notifications if a new post has been published.

Only for administrators: Activating the microblog function and creating a topic

Only the administrator can activate the microblog function for a Wiki space.

Click on the ⚙ Space tools button at the bottom of the left sidebar and select the Microblog entry.

  1. A new window will open. Create a new microblog topic for the Wiki space by entering a Topic name.
  2. Click on the Save button.

In the section below, you find a list of all topics for which a microblog already exists in this Wiki space. Alternatively, click on the + Create topic button to create a new topic.

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Creating and integrating a new microblog

To insert a microblog on a Wiki page, you must open the page in edit mode.

  1. Click on the Edit button at the top to open edit mode.
  2. Click on the place on the page where you want to insert the microblog.
  3. Click on the plus symbol + (Insert more content) at the top of the toolbar and select the entry Other macros at the very bottom.
  1. A new window will open. Enter Micro in the search field at the top right.
  2. Select the Microblog Timeline macro.

In the next window, you can adjust the settings for your microblog.

  • You can adjust the desired settings on the left.
  • On the right, you will see a preview of the settings. Click on the Preview icon (2 arrows in a circle) next to Preview at the top to update the display.

On the left, in the Default timeline section, you can select the source from which posts will be loaded and thus which posts are displayed to users. Select the desired option:

  • Global: all microblog posts from u:wiki, regardless of space and topic
  • Space: all microblog posts from the current space, regardless of topic
  • Topic: all microblog posts from the selected topic

If you have selected the Global or Space option, you can also select a Default topic for new microposts. This will then be preselected as the topic when writing a new micropost. If you have selected the Topic option, new posts will automatically be saved under this topic.

You can also select additional settings, such as the

  • Limit number of microposts displayed
  • Limit number of replies displayed

Once you have adjusted all settings, click on the Insert button at the bottom right. The microblog will then be added to the page.

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Note

In edit mode, only a placeholder will be displayed. The microblog will only be displayed on the page once you Update (and thus save) the page.

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Creating a microblog post

  1. Click in the Write your post... free text field to create a microblog post.
  2. Write your post.
  1. You can format the text (e.g. bold, italics) and insert images and links. Use the Topic drop-down menu to change the topic for the post (only applies to this post).
  2. Click on the Post it button on the right to publish the post.

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Reacting to a microblog post

You have two options for reacting to a microblog post:

  • Click on Like to mark the post with a thumbs up.
  • Click on Reply to respond to the post.

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Editing or deleting a microblog

In the edit mode of the Wiki page, you can edit the microblog settings or delete an entire microblog.

  1. Click on the Edit button at the top to open the edit mode.
  2. Click on the microblog placeholder Microblog Timeline. It is highlighted in blue.
  3. An overlay will appear. Select the Edit or Remove option by clicking on the corresponding button.

Viewing all microblog posts

  1. Scroll down to the footer.
  2. In the Intranet Tools column, click on the Microblog entry to view all posts.

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