[WikiEN-l] The Nature of a Wiki, was agenda promotion, was:Re: Original Research versus Point of View

[steven l. rubenstein]

>Wikipedia can be considered an exercise in participatory democracy engaged
>in the task of creating an encyclopedia. Its purpose is not to refine and
>perfect particatory demococracy, but wiki software is premised on wide and
>more or less equal participation by the publics.
>
>One may change that premise, but one should know that is what you are
>discussing doing.
>
>Fred

Very well-said, Fred.  I am among many who believe that the participatory 
element is essential to Wikipedia.  I don't mean to be dismissive of Robert 
Dodier's opinionl, but if he thinks (his view of) encyclopedic quality 
should trump the open editing policy, then I suggest he consider applying 
for a job at Encyclopedia Britannica.

As you all know I advocate a committee that can mediate especially 
contentious and long-lasting disputes over content, which I admit means 
creating a little more bureaucracy and control.  But I believe very 
strongly that if this were ever instituted, it should only be a matter of 
last resort and a means of resolving a dispute -- and should never be given 
daily or more lasting control over any page.

Steve

Steven L. Rubenstein
Associate Professor
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Bentley Annex
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701