Wikipedia
June 4, 2009
Wikipedia is a free online encyclopaedia, which allows anyone with access to the Internet the ability to create, edit and moderate information. Wikipedia is a prime example of Web 2.0 and how Internet users are adapting to new media and using it to interact and collaborate with people on a global scale.
Wikipedia was created from the expert written and controlled Nupedia. Nupedia was found to be troublesome due to traditional taxonomy methods of information moderation being overrun by the rate at which new entries were being created. Wikipedia does not follow traditional moderation methods towards new entries but instead relies on folksonomy to maintain entry quality and prevent spamming and other destructive materials from entering the social encyclopaedia.
In relation to my previous blogs, Wikipedia shows the principles of Produsage and citizen journalism in action. Wikipedia relies on the creation, interaction, and moderation of content on the site by its users, making the consumer of information also the producer they desire. Although Wikipedia is not a Journalist network, the everyday experiences of a person may very well inspire them to create content on the site for others to read and learn about.
The consumer is very important in the music industry considering they are the ones who purchase albums, pay for tickets to see a show or festival, and provide critical feedback on what they have witnessed. Wikipedia, although not created for public opinion, gives source to many bands, artists, companies, events, and many other aspects of the music industries allowing users to gain vast amounts of information from one location.
There have been many concerns surrounding the creation Wikipedia and the content that will be displayed on the site. Due to public moderation things such as false information, slander, copyright, and advertising have managed to find their way into the online encyclopaedia, which does not do much for the networks credibility. Despite these concerns Wikipedia is still considered to be a good source of information, especially for beginning research on a topic, gaining links to resources, and possible expert contacts.
