May 12, 2007

Wikipedia

As a frequent user of Wikipedia, this discussion of its flaws and attempts to correct them fascinates me.

I don't trust the thing for any serious research, but I find it useful for two wildly different things: first, if I know absolutely nothing about something, it's liable to give me a broad overview of the topic with some external links where I can find more information. This works particularly well with pop culture. Second, when I do know something about the topic, I find the external links can often point me towards someplace that I'd have to dig through the fifth page of Google results to find.

Anyway, if you're interested in an impassioned and informed discussion about Wikipedia's merits and demerits, with guest appearances in the comments from some of its administrators, go read it. If you've got something to add to the discussion, join in.

Posted by Linkmeister at May 12, 2007 09:19 AM | TrackBack
Comments

Thanks for this link. That was pretty much my experience with Wikipedia, as well. I've off it, and I routinely share my experience with my grad students so they won't bother with it, either.

Posted by: Scott at May 12, 2007 07:52 PM

The growth of Wikis is amazing.

Have you seen Lostpedia?

Posted by: pixelshim at May 13, 2007 03:50 AM

I like to check into Wikipedia on lots of things.

Cas

Posted by: cassie-b at May 13, 2007 05:16 AM

Yeah, I tend to use the Wikipedia as a starting point, rather than an end, myself. It's particularly good when I don't know anything about the topic at all. (My current job requires a lot of ad hoc research on the fly, and the wp is perfect for launching a new project's search.)

Posted by: Rana at May 16, 2007 10:18 AM