Institute Of Network Cultures, Koolaid Is The New “Kritikal� Options Rating

[Jon Awbrey]

The Institute of Network Cultures maintains an engaging complex of activities, blogs, conferences, discussion groups, and assorted websites. A lot of what I read there is bit too much the Helium Hermenautical Armchair (HeHa) for my down-to-earth tastes, but I do see a concerted effort toward real understanding that is but rarely encountered these days.

I'll just collect a few links here �

Institute of Network Cultures : Main Portal

Society of the Query : Collaborative Research Blog

Jon (IMG:http://wikipediareview.com/stimg9x0b4fsr2/1/folder_post_icons/icon9.gif)

[thekohser]

I have to say, that is pretty funny, Jon. That they think it's "pretty good, overall" that "about half" of new media enthusiasts have substantial trouble with Wikipedia... is quite rich.

[Jon Awbrey]

I have to say, that is pretty funny, Jon. That they think it's "pretty good, overall" that "about half" of new media enthusiasts have substantial trouble with Wikipedia … is quite rich.

My favorite �

Out of the 55 or so students only 2 or 3 had ever edited a Wikipedia page. Mind you, these are new media students … they do not have technical issues. After a training session it was relatively easy for them to figure out how to create a new entry, the formatting etc. Despite some frustrating experiences the overall response was positive.

I am always surprised how few young people contribute to Wikipedia. They all use it, but it doesn't cross their mind to change or add something. Why is that? Same with most academics. They complain a lot about Wikipedia but we never take up the initiave [sic] to make that small step to edit an entry. I would say, this is due to culture. I believe that changing (and creating) Wikipedia entries should be part of every school cirriculum [sic]. Not all these changes will remain. But that's not the point.

The actual percentage of students that will continue to add to Wikipedia will be quite low. Maybe 10%?

The Ortega curve, if I may call it like that, should be of great concern for us all. The initial response of the Wikimedia Foundation and some individual Wikipedians to the stagnation of editor numbers etc. was one of initial denial. Maybe understandable but not very clever on the long run. The inclusion of Wikipedia in courses like these is one of possibly many ways to break out of the current threat of social closure.

� Geert Lovink, CPOV List, 06 Oct 2010

“The inclusion of Wikipedia in courses like these is one of possibly many ways to break out of the current threat of social closure.�

That is what passes for Kritik Der Reinen Stierscheiße on the Euro Scene � How to get more of the Widdle Baby Bees to imbibe more Koolaid Nectar.

Jon (IMG:smilys0b23ax56/default/sick.gif)