Wiki-Wiki-Waa!

[kneeshooter]

I'm not sure if that is what Will Smith actually said as I've not seen the film, but today's "article to read" is on Wikis, pointed out by the ever-photogenic harrytc.

http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/lanier06/lanier06_index.html

Comments

[steer.livejournal.com]

I've never heard of the guy. He goes to great trouble to point out that the wikipedia article is bad because he's not a film maker because he hasn't made many films. Brittanica which he seems much keener on (perhaps wisely) doesn't have an article on him at all.

[binidj.livejournal.com]

I'm hardly surprised, according to his bio (not the one on Wikipedia) the film "Lawnmower Man" was based on him. Anyone who's life was reduced to such a pile of garbage has every right to be bitter.

[agentinfinity.livejournal.com]

I don't think people necessarily use Wikipedia because they are attracted by collective thought, but because its easy (and, as he points out, it always comes up on google now). I found this an interesting article. I've noticed that people put a lot of faith in wikipedia - on message boards it's used as the equivalent of personal knowledge, or a vital backup for any point. I guess the collective thing is what makes it attractive to the people who upkeep it though. I thought the point about being able to acredit a piece of work to a person was a good one, after all people come at things from different angles even in supposedly objective disciplines like science or history but on wikipedia you can't always spot that.

I've noticed myself (and others) always linking to a newspaper article for backup if we want to talk about current events. What's to say that article is valid? Nothing, but it feels more comfortable to have a link - like insurance. That's another subject, anyway.

[holaholaamigos.livejournal.com]

I believe what Will Smith actually said was, 'Wiki Wiki Wow Wow Wile Wild West'. I have the theme track as an mp3 on a USB stick in the limo.