Ask HN: Why do non-techies simply not "get" the idea of a wiki?

We here at work have been trying to reduce paperwork while simultaneously increasing knowledge dissemination. For some time the techies have been using a wiki, and others are starting to get the point that when they ask a question the first response is "Have you checked on the wiki?" The answer until recently has always been "no", and the question now is answered about half the time by doing what they should have done in the first place.

It's like "Let me Google that for you"

So we've moved the holiday booking system to the wiki. Now people can say when they're away on site, working from home, sick, or on leave. The leave days can be booked in advance and then confirmed by their line manager. At a glance we can see who is in, out, available or away, and the system is really helping our planning. Suddenly everyone knows when someone is on site and might need support, or on leave and unable to help. The non-techies have themselves said, when shown it, that it's really useful.

But the non-techies just don't "get it." They won't update the wiki, they still don't look at the wiki, they never add information to the wiki. Instead, they insist on sending things by email. Then in a few weeks time people are asking, and we have to trawl through email systems to find the information.

Except we (the techies) don't, because when we get information we put it on the wiki. Then when the non-techies ask us anything we can say "Have you checked the wiki?"

And they still don't get it.

Where is the mis-match? How can we make a wiki as accessible/understandable as a Word document?

How can we help the non-techies attain enlightenment?

Can the non-techies attain enlightenment?