the wikipedia review

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Don’t Like Wikipedia So Much…?

with 6 comments

Welcome to blog.wikipediareview.com!

This is our first so-called blog entry. Some of us (well, me) prefer the term “editorial,” simply because it sounds nicer than “blog,” which sounds more like something that someone might do as a result of severe indigestion.

At the time of this writing, Wikipedia Review has existed for about 17 months. During that time, Wikipedia has grown into one of the most popular and extensive websites in the world, with global reach, versions in dozens of languages, tens of thousands of regular contributors, near-constant media attention, and literally hundreds of other websites using, or “scraping,” its content. (To be fair, it was already quite popular and extensive when we started.)

Wikipedia is a self-directed, self-policing organization operated by people who are mostly anonymous and unknown. It is, all at the same time, an oligarchy, a meritocracy, and an anarchy. It lacks strong leadership, and yet key aspects of policy are controlled by a so-called “cabal” of fewer than two-dozen people. Until recently, it has had little regard for the problems of people or organizations affected by it, or the damage it causes to various aspects of world culture, despite a rising tide of voices both inside and outside the user base demanding reform.

If you’re concerned about these things, feel free to register an account on the forum. Much to the chagrin of Wikipedia’s “ruling class,” ours is currently the only website that is both devoted to Wikipedia criticism and encourages public participation, although we do ask that you register with a non-free e-mail address.

Thanks, and we hope you enjoy your visit!

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Written by Somey

July 12th, 2007 at 7:15 pm

6 Responses to 'Don’t Like Wikipedia So Much…?'

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  1. I can’t help noticing the instant formation of an ‘editorial voice.’ More formal sounding. That might sometimes be a good thing. Thanks for the honor of making the first comment.

    GlassBeadGame

    13 Jul 07 at 8:42 pm

  2. I am pretty sure that WR opened in November 2005, albeit on ProBoards forum run by Igor. It first started on its own domain name in January 2006, initially as a redirect to the ProBoards site. It started with its own unique content in February 2006, and for a brief period of time there were 2 WRs, before the first closed down, re-opened, for a while was a rival site, suddenly became a holocaust denial site, then was closed full stop. Oh and a few other times there have been 2nd WR sites too, in relation to the dispute over sgrayban’s ban for example, and then more recently when Somey’s new skin crashed WR.

    Yeah, your entry is better.

    blissyu2

    14 Jul 07 at 4:15 am

  3. I love blogs — there is a lot of potential for this one I think.

    Nathan

    14 Jul 07 at 5:15 am

  4. There should be an editorial voice for a blog on a mission.

    The mission is clear to expose Wikipedia’s arcane and anarchistic underbelly to the light of day.

    I don’t believe in truth by consensus (can you tell?)

    John A

    14 Jul 07 at 3:38 pm

  5. Wikipeida should be shut down.

    Its out of control and can do to much damage and hurt, if allowed to exist in it’s present state.

    Joe

    15 Jul 07 at 3:35 pm

  6. I want you to know, your article goes to the core of the subject. Your lucidity leaves me wanting to know more. I will immediately grab your feed to keep up to date with your blog. Saying thanks is simply my little way of saying great job for a good resource. Let In my nicest wishes for your next publication.

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