Infinite Path

New research conducted by Libresoft, a research group based in Madrid, has revealed a trend that is likely to strike fear into the hearts of Wikipedia fans across the world. It seems that large numbers of volunteers, who are responsible for creating the pages and checking the accuracy of the facts included in the content, are fleeing the site.

The precise number of Wikipedia editors who are choosing to abandon the free online encyclopaedia, which became an unprecedented success after its creation nearly ten years ago, is unclear. However, the rate at which these editors are deciding not to log back on to what has now become one of the most popular websites in the world is truly alarming; tens of thousands are choosing to leave the site each month, with a relatively small number of people willing to take their place.

Although it is thought that the website remains as much of an authority in everyday life as ever, and is managing to retain impressive traffic, the loss of these individuals could threaten the future existence of the site, since it was initially created to revolve around the concept of group collaboration and interaction. Without large numbers of volunteers willing to check the accuracy and content of the website constantly, the integrity and foundations upon which the project is built could crumble.

The reasons for the editors’ departure remains vague but it is possible that a combination of increased bureaucracy and controversial edits could be to blame. Over recent years, it has become more and more difficult to make edits on Wikipedia, with the site closely policed in an attempt to neutralise the threat of controversy. Even with the additional level of protection, however, the site has been unable to escape the media glare, for all the wrong reasons. Indeed, you don’t need to look too far back in time to find an example of this; Wikipedia was a  breeding ground for obscene and explicit criticism of Thierry Henry following his handball in a World Cup qualifier.

How the project will recover from this major setback remains to be seen but it may well have to take a brave step forward by focusing upon its original premises of innovation and collaboration in order to reignite the public’s interest.