- I wrote about how Wikipedia became the factual foundation of the web and why it's under attack
- Over the last ~25 years, Wikipedia editors have developed policies and procedures to screen out much of the discourse that dominates other platforms: unsourced assertions, disproportionate emphasis on fringe views, alternate perspectives claiming exclusive validity. www.theverge.com/cs/features/...
- Conflicts on Wikipedia can be extraordinarily protracted. 40K words about capitalization! But bc they hinge on who best follows wiki process, even disagreeing editors are affirming the project's basic principles around sourcing, neutrality, etc www.theverge.com/cs/features/...
- The most contentious Wikipedia articles are the highest quality, because dueling editors keep adding sources in support of their view. Articles (and editors themselves) become more moderate over time. It's basically the opposite of algorithmic attention-maxxing sites www.theverge.com/cs/features/...
- Governments, billionaires, influencers, and political groups are increasingly trying to undermine and manipulate Wikipedia. In places where social media, journalism, and academia have been brought under control, the encyclopedia is often the next target.
- In India, a pro-gov media company is suing over alleged defamation while far-right publications and influencers dox and harass editors, including referring them to police for investigation. It has had a chilling effect on volunteers. www.theverge.com/cs/features/...Sep 4, 2025 17:38
- In the US, Wikipedia editors see a similar playbook being deployed. Conservative outlets and influencers have been attacking the site, and last week House Oversight demanded info on alleged efforts to “inject bias” into the encyclopedia, including details on individual editors.
