[Wikipedia-l] Validation process (fiability)

[Guardian Tor]

Hi Anthere,    
 
> While trying to bring new people to internat.
> Wikipedia, I have been asked what was the validation
> process in terms of reliability for the article... 
> 
> I don't exactly know where to find an approach to this
> question (there's much to be said) and I don't know
> either where to ask the question :-)

Here's the short answer. Wikipedia works on a similar principle to open source software development. Anyone can pop in and write or change an article and it is immediately posted. Thus, there are no technological mechanisms to prevent people from posting nonsense. However, most Wikipedia participants are intelligent people dedicated to making a high quality encyclopedia. There is a page that shows all the recent changes made in the database, and at any given time there are many pairs of eyes checking those additions. When nonsense or vandalism is found it is removed and/or edited immediately.

This sounds like an unreliable system to many people, but it is surprising how well it works. Ifyour friend is skeptical, have him look around Wikipedia to get a feel for the quality of the articles.

-- Stephen Gilbert

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