Wikipedia

How do Wikipedians form consensus?

That's an interesting question which has, in the past, been greatly debated. Before I discuss this issue however, I will briefly go into a bit of background information on what Wikipedia actually is and what it entails.
Axel Bruns (2008) describes Wikipedia quite perfectly and simply in a number of dot points.
Wikipedia:

• collaboratively edited online encyclopedia, in hundreds of languages
• 'anyone can edit' - almost all pages can be edited by users
• edit histories and discussion pages available for all entries
• content creation process organised ad hoc by contributors

The online encyclopedia was officially launched in 2001 and today ranks as the top search result in a Google search. There are numerous key factors involved in Wikipedia's success, including shared ownership and philosophy of equipotentiality, however the three fundamental principles are:

1. Neutral Point of View - all articles must be written with a neutral point of view, as fair as possible and without bias
2. Verifiability - editors should proof that articles are provided using reliable sources, otherwise the article may be removed
3. No Original Research - the encyclopedia does not publish original research or thoughts, it is no place for personal opinions or experiences (just like a physical encyclopedia would be)

Many have argued that Wikipedia is not credible or does not provide quality articles, however, as I have mentioned in a previous blog, a recent study had found that Wikipedia is in fact just as reliable and credible as Encyclopedia Britannica. That would imply that Wikipedians do find consensus. But how?

It is quite simple. Wikipedia works like an open community. Anyone can edit, and because of its popularity people are constantly editing, and reading, and checking, so if there are incorrect facts represented in an article, they are soon adjusted by other users who would have spotted it. Thanks to tools such as editing history and discussion pages for each article, that has become quite easy. When I first started to use Wikipedia a couple of years ago I, like many other questioned its credibility. It is an excellent source, we have to admit that. Unfortunately it isn't good enough for University referencing (shame) but thanks to its (mostly correctness we now assume) it is a great place to start. ;)

Reference

Bruns, A. (2008) KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 11 Podcast: Wikipedia. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/ (accessed May 15, 2008).