Tuesday, October 24, 2017

A question about Wikipedia

I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes by doing this kind of post, but I've got a question with really no place else to ask it, which is: Has anyone ever added to/edited an existing Wikipedia page?

I ask, because while doing research on a couple of recent posts, I have found multiple bits of information that aren't contained within the person and/or subject matter's Wikipedia entry.

I do have a couple of problems with the site though, so I wonder if it's even worth it for me to try and improve, even in the smallest of ways, a site that I question... not only the business practices of, but also the overall importance of.

And finally, even though it sounds terribly selfish, I also wonder if it would be in my best interest to just keep/use any of said information here on the blog -- especially if it's information that has been uncovered from my own research, information that currently can't be found anywhere else on the interwebs. Like I said, I know it sounds selfish, but it is kind of appealing to think, that this little blog of mine might be the only place to find some small piece of new information... no matter how inconsequential it may seem.

Any thoughts on this matter will be greatly appreciated.


Thanks for taking a moment to look at my page.

10 comments:

  1. I've had similar dilemmas in the past. I would recommend to wait to do Wikipedia changes until your post is published, then use the post as a citation.

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    1. I like that idea, and probably wouldn't of thought to do that, many thanks you for the advice.

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  2. I've edited Wikipedia twice. The first time an error in the listing for Jebidiah Springfield from the Simpsons. The second was for Olympian Kari Laraine Miller. Her entry made it seem like she was drunk driving when in reality a drunk hit her. I altered the text to make it clear she was hit. The Topps Olympic card was my source.

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    1. How fitting that one of your edits would be Simpsons related! That second one though seems like a very important change was made on your part, as there is obviously a big difference between driving under the influence and being hit by a drunk driver, especially when it comes how people will view you in the future.

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  3. I edit on Wikipedia all the time...in fact, I wrote most of the article on Baseball Hobby News.

    Without knowing what your objections to Wikipedia are, it would be difficult to address them, but personally I find it to be a very worthwhile endeavor, one I occasionally support with a contribution as well as with my time and effort. It's a base of knowledge which many people will draw on, probably for a long time. And its coverage of baseball cards leaves a lot to be desired; I wish I still had all my old issues of BHN so I could add in a lot of the info contained there.

    If what you're doing is original research, though, it doesn't belong there. Wikipedia should be all about information from reliable sources. On the other hand, if you're talking about information from sources which aren't available on line, such as, well, old issues of BHN (or other hobby magazines/books/etc.), that should end up on Wikipedia. Nothing wrong with putting it on the blog first, though, IMO.

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    1. I read "your" BHN article, and must tell you that I am very impressed with how well it was done. I had never heard of the magazine before, but am now interested trying to find some back issues to read.

      I really do appreciate your insight on the subject, and you may be glad to know that my opinion on the matter may have been swayed by your argument. And thank you for the very well thought out answer to my question.

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  4. I have done a number of edits on Wikipedia and if you come up with information about a subject definitely make the changes.

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    1. I guess I will have to! I didn't realize that this was a subject that so many people felt so strongly about.

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  5. I've never made any changes... but I don't think I have ever been a position where I was an authority on a topic. However I like Matt's idea about making the changes and using your post as a source. Free advertising for your blog... right?

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    1. Right! I need all the help I can get in that department.

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