Reading Report #2

Can Wikipedia Ever Make the Grade?
The Chronicle of Higher Education
From the issue dated October 27, 2006
By Brock Read

I believe Wikipedia has been a great addition to the world of information, providing the public with easy to access information in a timely matter. I found the study by Mr. Halavais to be a great example of how a community as a whole can still correct its self and provide accurate information that is geared for quick information. I do think when using Wikipedia it is good to question the validity of the information being conveyed, but I do believe it does communicate effectively the main idea and broad definition of the topic being researched. I do not think Wikipedia should be considered as a scholarly bank of knowledge and information, but I would state it does have a great chance to help successfully than misinform a person regarding a subject. This belief is reinforced by the average that Britannica articles would average three errors, and Wikipedia post would average about four errors.

I found the information regarding how a person more prone to the computer science/information world would be geared to post, than compared to a writer or poet. I do believe if more promotion within our higher educational classes to contribute and post would help increase the participation from a broader range of educational backgrounds.

I believe only time and increased number of users attracted to being able to publish their hard work of education online will only attribute to a more reliable and informational resource. While it is well on its way, perhaps soon Wikipedia will gain more of a respected reputation within the scholarly community.

- TJ