Re: [Bug-gnupedia] Nupedia

[Jimmy Wales]

Bob Dodd wrote:
> The only solution to that problem is not to have any such organization,
> and reject the idea of centralized quality control. Instead, we should
> let everyone decide. If a web page is about a suitable topic, and meets
> the criteria for an article, then we can consider it an article. If a
> page meets the criteria for a course, then we can consider it a course.
> "
> 
> In itself, that difference is enough to justify two separate projects.

Perhaps, in the future, this is right.  But please do keep in mind
that no policies of Nupedia are absolutely set in stone.  We have had
many debates about such things, and will continue to have many debates.
We are interested in fostering experimental side-projects to test ideas.

The interesting thing here is to balance many competing goals.

> In fact I would go as far as to say that I wouldn't wish to work on
> Nupedia, since the whole principal of intellectual/academic freedom to
> write on any subject, and then to allow our peers to comment (i.e. rate
> the material), is replaced by small panel of people "who know best".
> You have the possibility int he Nupedia organisation of editors
> selecting their friends, and/or writers they "respect" as experts,
> without other voices being given the opportunity to be heard.

Not really, not if you fully understand the process.

It's a social process.  And it is an _open_ process.  So the chances
of Nupedia being co-opted by a small group of dictatorial editors is
basically the same as the chances of _any_ open project being so co-opted.
To attempt to do so would mean the death of the project, obviously.

I invite you to come on over to our project.  I think that there is
at least some chance that the two will be merged.  And then we'll be
very interested in working on ideas which alleviate these concerns.

--Jimbo

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