Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2006-07-10/In the news

In the news

In the News

Ken Lay death makes a splash

Following the quickly developing news story on the death of Ken Lay, some typical short-lived instances of biased speculation introduced to Lay's Wikipedia article caught the eye of Reuters, "Lay's death prompts confusion on Wikipedia". (See related story)

Rocketboom split draws attention

The video-blogging team of Rocketboom, which covered Jimmy Wales' appearance at the TIME 100 gala, has gone their separate ways. News of the breakup between producer Andrew Baron and host Amanda Congdon circulated on the Internet and eventually reached major media while the Wikipedia articles were being updated accordingly. Andy Carvin, a Rocketboom correspondent, analyzed how Wikipedia policies influenced what it reported about the reasons for the split and how this compared to other sites. Carvin noted that earlier it had been suggested that Congdon's article be merged with Rocketboom, observing "that's pretty much a moot point now." Interestingly, Congdon's own website directs you to her Wikipedia article to learn more about her.

Quirky editing of senator

The Salt Lake Tribune seemed to be amused in its report about a vandal adding nonsense to the article about Utah's Senator Orrin Hatch. The paper commented that "many techies aren't fans" as a result of Hatch's previous comments about music downloading.

Wikia turns political

Jimmy Wales and Angela Beesley's for-profit wiki hosting company, Wikia, Inc., launched a Campaigns Wikia site last week that received considerable publicity. In light of the efforts of political operatives so far on Wikipedia, one might expect the initiative to be a potential minefield, but Wales said it could be "a central meeting ground for people on all sides of the political spectrum who think that it is time for politics to become more participatory, and more intelligent." David Postman of the Seattle Times said he expected political campaigns to increasingly adopt wikis in some fashion, in the same way that they have begun to use blogs. On his own blog, Postman pointed out some similar local initiatives, the moreperfect.org site started by two activists and separate partisan wikis for Democrats and Republicans from Seattle company Wetpaint. Another candidate, Pete Ashdown, has a wiki for a campaign site.

Also this week: Reuters — Stable versions — M.A.N.I.A. — News and notes — Press coverage — Features and admins — B.R.I.O.N. — T.R.O.L.L.

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The Wikia story

Good job on keeping the the Signpost's coverage of the Campaign wiki on Wikia related to press coverage. I think its a neat idea and wish Jimmy and Angela the best, but I have no interest in using the 'pedia to help out the for-profit enterprise. Bravo for keeping the story npov. youngamerican (ahoy-hoy) 22:50, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Why is Wikipedia publiciszing a commercial enterprise?

I don't think commercial spamming is allowed on Wikipedia. - Xed 08:22, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps you could be more specific about what your point is. The Wikipedia Signpost reports news, including news that happens to involve commercial enterprises. We've been doing that for a long time. If you're concerned about commercial endeavors, I would think you'd encourage more reporting about them, not less, as the best way to deal with whatever negative influences you believe they have. I don't see what that would have to do with spamming at all. --Michael Snow 16:16, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Also it should be pointed out that the signpost is not held within the encyclopedia namespace (the background is blue, like user pages, rather than white like article pages). So the signpost, as well as any commentary or opinion held by it, is not held inside the encyclopeic boundaries (just the same as what is on someone’s userpage may not be encyclopedic but is allowed). SFC9394 16:26, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Agreed. I found the story to be an open and honest report on a news item of interest to the Wikipedia community, not an attempt to help Jimbo raise the money to buy a new boat or car. youngamerican (ahoy-hoy) 16:27, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It is good

Campaigns is really a good idea. Now, editors interested in developing wikipedia as a truly global encyclopedia, the Best, shall work here, and for wiki-ing about their political "thoughts" and "insight" shall go there. --Bhadani 15:32, 14 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The Signpost is looking for new talent.

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