To wiki or not to wiki...that is the question
There are not a lot of things that I would consider myself an expert in. Last summer I worked with the Minnesota’s DNR Invasive Species Program, so I know a lot about invasive species…aquatic invasive species to be specific. So I decided to look at what Wikipedia has to say about them. I finally settled on the zebra mussel article. I found a few mistakes on there that I fixed and tried to add in some references and sources since the article had a warning that it is not adequately cited. I found it very easy to add information to Wikipedia. Unfortunately, I waited until the last minute to do this assignment so my changes were only made today and there were no discussions or changes. I think my additions were from a neutral point of view, the points I added were factual bits of information that I cited from the MN DNR website.
I think the line between documenting something like Subservient Chicken and just doing some free marketing for BK is very thin. On one hand for someone who might not know what Subservient Chicken is, having an explanation on Wikipedia is a way for them to look it up, on the other hand it is a free forum for BK to advertise their product. I really don’t think this kind of thing could be avoided even if we try. I also don’t blame BK for using Wikipedia for some free advertising, as long as they are abiding by the rules of the website they should be able to put their information on there.
Comments
I found that it was really interesting to go back and look at the alterations that you ( or in my case, myself) edited. I thought and know that I am almost an expert in my page that I posted but within 24 hours it was taken out. I didn't think that my page was viewed as much as I thought, but I guess there is someone monitoring my page on a daily basis. I think it would be interesting for you to go back and look to see if your edits are still there, or if anyone added more information to your additions.
Posted by: Kelly | April 1, 2007 09:41 PM
I, too, thought it was very easy to add and edit information on wikipedia. However, this concerns me. As we have read in previous assignments, people have purposely changed info on wikipedia pages. This skews the truth and the ability to use it as a reference point.
In regards to the chicken, I think that the marketing is genius. If it is done properly and with respect to those who would see and experience it, companies should use the internet more.
Posted by: Mark Mahan | April 1, 2007 09:45 PM