Microsoft to Re-Write, Edit History
Microsoft's Encarta online encylclopedia will soon allow users to suggest edits to content. This may be the result of pressure from free encyclopedia Wikipedia.
However, Encarta will continue to edit suggested edits, meaning Microsoft employees will continue to have final say over what goes into the encyclopedia. This suggests that Encarta will be a more complete, or at least, a more accurate encyclopedia.
On the other hand, a quick search of Encarta reveals serious flaws that we doubt will ever be corrected. For instance, search for the term Wiki [Wiki: a webpage that allows users to contribute content] or Firefox [Firefox: a free alternative web browser] and you won't find an entry. Why?
Perhaps its because Wikipedia [Wikipedia: an online encylcopedia that allows users to contribute to articles] competes with Encarta. Firefox? Well, it competes with Microsoft's internet explorer.
Wikipedia of course has entries both for Encarta and Internet Explorer. Afterall, the editors of that encyclopedia are not trying to turn a profit.
So when Encarta allows users to suggest edits, can we expect to see entries for firefox and wikipedia? Well we some how doubt Encarata will include this bit of information when discussing Bill Gates:
Critics often portray him in scenarios or bearing insignia graphically reminiscent of Nazism, alluding parallels between Microsoft's business practices and totalitarian movements.
However, Encarta will continue to edit suggested edits, meaning Microsoft employees will continue to have final say over what goes into the encyclopedia. This suggests that Encarta will be a more complete, or at least, a more accurate encyclopedia.
On the other hand, a quick search of Encarta reveals serious flaws that we doubt will ever be corrected. For instance, search for the term Wiki [Wiki: a webpage that allows users to contribute content] or Firefox [Firefox: a free alternative web browser] and you won't find an entry. Why?
Perhaps its because Wikipedia [Wikipedia: an online encylcopedia that allows users to contribute to articles] competes with Encarta. Firefox? Well, it competes with Microsoft's internet explorer.
Wikipedia of course has entries both for Encarta and Internet Explorer. Afterall, the editors of that encyclopedia are not trying to turn a profit.
So when Encarta allows users to suggest edits, can we expect to see entries for firefox and wikipedia? Well we some how doubt Encarata will include this bit of information when discussing Bill Gates:
Critics often portray him in scenarios or bearing insignia graphically reminiscent of Nazism, alluding parallels between Microsoft's business practices and totalitarian movements.
Labels: Technology
1 Comments:
Also as a follow up, While it seems Encarata will take for free articles written by users, users will still be charaged a $4.95 a month fee to access certain articles.
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