Has Wikipedia Finally Gone Off the Rails?

Question

Wikipedia dictators (administrators), paranoid about “vandalism” and always eager to suppress points of view that do not comport with their own (e.g. American spelling in the Englsh-language version), have banned any editing with a T-Mobile IPv6 phone.

For any perceived infraction of Wikipedia rules, an administrator will also ban wide swaths of IP addresses, making it impossible for anyone within that range to make changes.

his is the equivalent of punishing the entire class when the teacher does not know who threw the peanut at her.while her back was turned.

In light of that, is it not past time for the legal authorities to shut Wikipedia down for the false claim that “anyone” can edit Wikipedia, especially if they are using the claim to solicit donations (that they do not need)?

Fuhr · Accepted Answer

If you want accuracy, Wikipedia should not be your first choice.

? · Answer

i don't think you have a very good understanding of how Wikipedia works.
first of all, they've never claimed that "anyone can edit it". that is just something that PEOPLE say, because of how it works.
nobody can just add or edit it. you must be an authorized individual, or else cite someone who is and provide sources and links to back your edits up.
secondly, repeat offenders are quashed very quickly, and paid staff undo any changes.
if a repeat offender is always in a specific IP range, then of course the logical thing to do is block the whole range, as they cannot waste funds on lawsuits. complain to your ISP if you don't like the IP range blocking. they could totally set up static IPs and this wouldn't be an issue.
as for American spellings, this IS an American-based website, and spelling is NOT a major issue. whenever it is a specifically British topic, they may use the local spellings, but  most people can understand anyways.
dont like it? make your own online reference.

? · Answer

There is this thing I do when a website does something I do not like. I simply don't visit or support it in any way. You see, ranting about it elsewhere sends a signal to search engines that people are interested in the site which boosts their ranking. 
You may want to read the terms of use before you call the legal authorities. If you still believe there are violations that warrant investigation, file your complaint with the FCC.

Christine · Answer

If what is added to Wikipedia pages is anything like the quality of remarks that end up on Yahoo Answers, I'm not surprised that they have blocked editing abilities.  You may call it "points of view that do not comport with their own" but adding snide remarks to someone's information page does not improve the credibility of their website information.  I'm glad they stopped allowing editing, especially with teens looking for mischief and discovering they can act naughty while their parents are not looking.  Sooner or later they will publish a revised list of rules that will eliminate the so-called false claim you point to.  The very language you use within this question suggests you could be one of those who loves to add stuff to someone else's page just because you have the opportunity.

Anonymous · Answer

Wiki is about the last place I go to look up anything as I have no faith in it.

Has Wikipedia Finally Gone Off the Rails?

5 Answers