Two main writing modes are discernible in a multiuser wiki.

• Document Mode, in which someone writes a contribution in the third person and leaves it unsigned. Others then view that piece of text as community property, and various authors can later update this to reflect changing community consensus.
• Thread Mode, a form of discussion in which members of the wiki comments in the first person and sign them. Others rarely edit signed create spin-off discussions. Different authors exchange personal views and opinion much as they would in e-mail on a mailing list. Content can be actual e-mail discussion posted as a thread archive and commented.

Wiki excels at Document Mode. Many wiki pages Start with an opening Statement that declares a piece of wisdom or with a question requesting clarification. The initial Position may be an opinion, phrased strongly to invite feedback. The rest of the page can then continue with the subsequent feedback.
Feedback initially tends to be in Thread Mode. Threads can be füll of transient misunderstandings and special cases. They can be difficult to follow. The important points don't always stand out well. Threads are offen füll of egos.