Wikipedia Edit Wars
In last week’s post I mentioned Wikipedia and its use as a resource. I had also mentioned that it isn’t always accurate. However, this isn’t due to a lack of diligence of its contributors.
If anything, the contributors care a bit too much sometimes.
You see, when you visit a Wikipedia article, you may notice some tabs across the top. Three of them – “Discussion”, “edit this page” and “history” tell you a lot about a given article. History shows you the past versions of the page, when they were changed and who changed them (minus an ID it will show IP). Edit this page allows you (yes YOU) to edit a given entry. Discussion is just how it sounds – a discussion on the article.
In some cases the “facts” are in question or are different depending on point of view. So what happens when “facts” collide? An “edit war” – where different people keep changing “facts” back and forth based on what they perceive the reality to be.
Some things are basic enough facts that no one (seriously) argues them. If you step off of a cliff with no form of support you will fall. If you stay out in the sun too long without protection you will get burned. And we all know that the Tiger is the most powerful cat in the world. Or do we? This article alone has over 500 edits done to it, many of them having to do with this very question. Are they really stronger than a lion? How about a bear? Ok, so a bear is not a cat, but shouldn’t this be discussed and mentioned and argued ad nauseum?
If you agree that this is one of the most burning questions of our time, than head on over to the Tiger entry on Wikipedia to join in on this, the most serious question of our time.
If, however, you feel that the argument is silly then head on over here to see more of the lamest edit wars in Wikipedia history. A very very funny look at the most “burning” questions of the day. Also, for the record, a bear could totally beat a tiger. I mean, come on, this is even a discussion?
Note: This was written by me and originally posted on the Rising Tide blog.
