Google Takes On Wikipedia

Writers finds system 'intuitive,' but pages look 'dull'

(NEWSER) - Now that Google has launched its "Knol" option to Wikipedia that allows people to pen articles on topics, CNET writer Elinor Mills takes a stab at being one of the site's experts. Google's offering has a key difference to Wikipedia: the writer of a Knol entry has near total control over his or her article. More»

Experts replace anonymous writers in search king's online encylopedia

(NEWSER) - Could Wikipedia's assassin be lurking behind a Knol? Google opened up its online encyclopedia with articles—or "units of knowledge" Google calls "Knols"—to the public today, featuring major differences from its well-established rival. The pieces are written by experts and their names are highlighted, in marked contrast to the anonymous writers of Wikipedia, CNET reports. Google writers, if they choose to, will get a cut of advertising revenue. More»

(NEWSER) - After riding its users to popularity, Wikipedia is now moving to rein them in, the New York Times reports, by mandating editorial review for articles about living people. The feature, called “flagged revisions,” means an experienced editor will check updates to the free, user-generated online encyclopedia. The change should take effect within weeks, says the nonprofit board that governs the site. More»

But edits still have to be vetted by encyclopedia's staff

(NEWSER) - The 241-year-old Encyclopedia Britannica is tired of being overshadowed on the web by Wikipedia, so it’s decided to start copying the competition’s defining feature: allowing users to edit and create content. Britannica will not be as laissez-faire as Wikipedia, the Sydney Morning Herald reports, as alterations to online entries must still be approved by a company editor. More»

Online encyclopedia struggling to find fresh blood, says Jimmy Wales

(NEWSER) - Wikipedia is in danger of wasting away as contributors jump ship and aren't replaced by new ones, founder Jimmy Wales says. "We are not replenishing our ranks," he tells the AP . "It is not a crisis, but I consider it to be important." Wales—who describes the average contributor as "a 26-year-old geeky male" who eventually moves on to other things—says the online encyclopedia is working to simplify its "convoluted" editing procedures to keep contributors on board. More»