The Wikipedia Controversy
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2007/01/26/wiki
The first search tool I used for my second posting was dogpile.com, a metasearch engine. Because I was not sure how much information is online about how Wikipedia may be controversial, and because metasearch engines are good at finding information on rare topics, I hoped that dogpile may lead me in the right direction. The first search terms I used were “against Wikipedia,” assuming this would take me to pages, organizations or individuals that take an anti-Wikipedia stance. The first site I found that looked promising was titled ‘A Stand Against Wikipedia,’ located on the ‘Insider Higher Ed’ Website. This site describes itself as “the online source for news, opinion and jobs for all of higher education,” and was founded by three prestegious journalism experts. I therefore consider it to be very reliable. In addition, the article is relatively recent as it was written on January 26, 2007.
The argument that this article illustrates is very useful for our presentation as it provides an account of Middleburry Collge’s recent decision to ban students from citing the site. It outlines the opinion of those who are against Wikipedia, and how they are uneasy about the site’s reliability. The main reason I think this article is important, however, is that it provides a real-life example that the class will likely relate to; many students have had discussions with teachers as to the site’s credibility. It also has quotes from Wikipedia spokespeople defending the site, which are useful. While the anti-Wikipedia individual people’s evidence is simply sites with incorrect information, the article actually includes a study by Roy Rosenweig who “did an analsis of the accuracy of Wikipedia.” Finally, there are an incredible number of personal comments on the article which may be useful to include as further opponents to (or defendents of, depending) the website.
http://www.thebayareaintellect.com/jimmy-wales-founder-of-wikipedia-speaks-at-common-wealth-club/
In a comment posted on the first article I chose, a man explains how the founder of Wikipedia recently spoke about the proper use of the site. There was a link to the website where this second article was located, which I then followed. Searching that site, for the Bay Area Intellect, I found an article titled, ‘Jimmy Wales, Founder Of Wikipedia, Speaks At The Common Wealth Club.’ The information I found was very interesting; it cited the founder as explaining that Wikipedia “should not be considered a citable reference or primary source.” He then explains how Wikipedia ensures the accuracy of its articles, and furthermore how this is not very difficult. This article will be useful as it provides a defense for Wikipedia- the founder explains the other side of the story for those who are in favor of the site. The website, thebayareaintellect.com, is run by two editors who write about talks that occur in the San Francisco area. I consider the information credible, as it sites its sources and provides direct quotes from the conference, which can be checked against other sources with transcripts of the talk.
2 comments:
The article about Middleburry was so interesting- that's crazy they have banned their students from citing the website! Your point about the "real life" example that this provides is a good point. It's one thing to just read about facts and another to see an actual example of the controversy about the website. It was also interesting that the founder of the site said that wikipedia should not be used as a "citable reference or primary source". What does he think it should be used as then?? Interesting stuff and good second post!
I also thought it was really interesting how Middlebury has banned their students from using Wikipedia. I know that in so many of my classes, teachers and students have had disputes about whether it is a credible source. I definitely think we shoudl try and bring it into our presentation because it is something the other students will be able to relate to. I'm also really glad you found some info with the opinion of Wikipedia's owner. I was just writing on Steph's blog that we need that! Good job!
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