Scratchpads are a web site running a content management system. The idea is that they are given to someone (the "site maintainer") acting on behalf of some taxonomic group, with either a systematic or a geographical focus, to try out ways of community working and information sharing. The only stipulation is that you have at least one publically visible page by which people with an interest in the group may apply for membership of the group.
A content management system is a simple way to get access to sophisticated site management tools, all of which can be customised by the site maintainer to suit the community being represented. Several basic tools are included initially, including mailing lists, a forum, the ability to upload and share files and an on-line bibliography module. Other tools will be added as needed (see the wish-list).
For the technical, the content management system is Drupal version 5. This site is built with it. Drupal provides a basic platform and takes care of the housekeeping chores involved in site maintenance. Specific functions, such as bibliographic management, are added by means of modules that are incorporated by the overall site adminstrator on request. Drupal is an open source project and as such benefits from a huge and active development community, so there are lots and lots of modules out there.
EDIT was established to encourage the formation of taxonomic networks and to facilitate colaboration between institutions. It is for each community to develop a style that is distinctive and functional. EDIT will buy an appropriate domain name for you and will maintain the physical presence of the site until at least 2011 and will automatically back up site content: although no guarantee to continuous availability can be offered, but we'll do our best. Content for the site is at the discretion of the community itself.
The first two sites are already accessible, at www.milichiidae.info and www.sciaroidea.info
Scratchpads will be formally launched at the April workshop in London.
