Wikipedia’s Future: A Deep Dive with Sue Gardner
Wikipedia, the world’s largest online encyclopedia, has always been under the microscope for its content accuracy and the number of editors contributing to it. Recent discussions suggest that if Wikipedia continues losing its editors, the platform might witness a decline in its content accuracy. But what does Sue Gardner, the Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation – the organization that oversees Wikipedia, have to say about this?
Rapid Fundraising Amidst Recession
In the midst of a recession, the Wikimedia Foundation pulled off an impressive feat – raising $3 million in just ten days. This achievement played a pivotal role in earning Gardner the title of “Ultimate Game Changer for media” by the Huffington Post, crediting her for “taking the people’s online encyclopedia to the next level.”
When asked about this fundraising success, Gardner recalled the foundation’s tradition of running annual fundraising campaigns since 2005. The pivotal moment in their recent success was when Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, penned a heartfelt plea for donations. This plea resonated with the masses, resulting in a tremendous influx of donations surpassing their annual goal.
Comparative Growth Over the Years
Gardner provided insights into Wikimedia’s growth over the years. Donations increased annually, starting from $1.5 million in 2005-06, and the foundation aims to raise $10.6 million this year, a target they believe to be achievable.
The Editor Conundrum
Addressing concerns about declining Wikipedia editors, Gardner clarified that while growth in editing has slowed, the number of editors remains stable. The primary concern is determining the optimum number of active editors necessary for Wikipedia’s upkeep and growth.
An interesting revelation was that the core editing community comprises mainly of European and North American men in their twenties, primarily enrolled in graduate studies. Gardner expressed a desire to diversify this community to better serve Wikipedia’s vast readership.
Are All Topics Covered on Wikipedia?
As more topics get covered, there’s a notion that there’s less for new editors to contribute to. Gardner agreed with this sentiment, using the phrase “the gold rush is over.” However, she highlighted that while primary topics might be covered, there’s always room for improvement and updating existing articles.
Editing Challenges and Usability
Reacting to critiques about the challenges of editing Wikipedia entries, Gardner acknowledged the platform’s complexity. The foundation has thus initiated projects to enhance user-friendliness and make the editing process more intuitive. Outreach efforts, such as Wikipedia Academies, have been implemented to train individuals in editing Wikipedia efficiently.
Wikimedia’s Focus for 2020
The foundation is not resting on its laurels. Gardner revealed their focus on improving usability, outreach, and an inclusive strategy development. The strategy aims to increase participation from developing countries and create a more user-friendly Wikipedia.
Given Gardner’s perspective, it seems Wikipedia’s future remains promising, evolving to serve its global readership better.
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