You’ve probably heard that Wikipedia are planning to introduce a new editing process, to reduce the visibility and impact of vandalism.
Wikipedia represents both the best and worst of online behaviour, with over three million articles in English, contributed by more than 10 million users. But there have been abuses of the open system over the years, and Wikipedia’s new system appears to be more criticised than understood.
The UK’s Telegraph, for example, states the following in Wikipedia ends unrestricted editing of articles:
“The move marks a fundamental shift in Wikipedia’s approach to the gathering and sharing of online information, and means the web encyclopedia can no longer be edited at will by other internet users.“
Not true.
A different point of view is presented by Times Online in Wikipedia to end editing free-for-all:
“Mike Peel, the UK spokesman for the Wikimedia Foundation, told The Times: “We are planning to introduce the new system on a two-month trial basis. Anyone can continue to edit these articles, but the work of inexperienced editors with less than three days’ experience will be subject to review by more experienced editors.“
Yet many of the individuals and institutions most opposed to the trial are missing the point. Wikipedia is no longer a small collection of articles, run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.
For many it has become the standard online source of information. And the politics and ideals behind it are of no interest to the majority of the users.
How many websites have you seen whose first paragraph/s of text are all about the company’s visions and ideals:
“Welcome to MissingThePoint. As a small, dynamic and innovative company, our goals are to provide our customers and clients with the highest standards, perfect service, and the most relaxing and enjoyable online experience that may be found on the web today. We don’t believe that finding, using and buying an online product or service should be difficult, which is why we always focus on clarity, simplicity and absolute transparency.“
The people reading this type of statement couldn’t care less. They don’t care about your mission, your goals, your beliefs or aspirations. They care about what you’re selling, not why you’re selling it.
Wikipedia’s users don’t care how the information gets written. They just want it to be accurate.
Your website visitors don’t care about your goals and dreams. They just want to know that your product is the solution they need.
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