World Wikia Puts Open-Source Spin On Global Travel GuideWorld Wikia Puts Open-Source Spin On Global Travel Guide

Wikia Inc. has formally launched World Wikia, a free, editable worldwide travel guide.

The online travel guide has been growing informally in recent months in fits and starts and chairman Jimmy Wales said Monday that World Wikia is now online.

At the same time, Wikia said that Bill Kaufmann was named founder of World Wikia. He was described as an experienced traveler who has held a range of positions in Internet, software and non-profit organizations.

Noting that Wikia was founded as a for-profit organization, a company spokesman said cities and locations on World Wikia have been growing "organically" and will likely continue to do so. As evidence, he called attention to a few World Wikia sites Vancouver.wikia. romanchurches.wikia, sanfrancisco.wikia, and boston.wikia.

Wales is the founder of Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia that is edited by contributors. While Wikiapedia has non-profit status, World Wikia is supported by advertising, according to the Wikia spokesman.

The cities guide is also receiving support from commercial publishers who will contribute open-source content to the guides and enable contributors to edit the content. SmarterTravel.com offers a database of mileage and other rewards-earning features. HostelsClub.com presents a directory of accommodations for budget travelers in Europe. Vacapedia.com has information on vacation rentals for both landlords and renters.

"I find that traditional travel guides never tell me what I really want to know," said Wales in a statement. "The best times I have had are when local people take me to do the things that they know are best, instead of tourist traps."