- #1
neutrino
- 2,091
- 2
The Citizendium - Wikipedia's off-shoot
- Thread starter neutrino
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the Citizendium, described as a "progressive fork" of Wikipedia, and its proposed model of encouraging contributions under the guidance of experts while requiring real names for accountability. Participants explore the implications of this model, including concerns about privacy and identity verification.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express curiosity about the Citizendium's potential to evolve into a significant knowledge project distinct from Wikipedia.
- Concerns are raised regarding the requirement for contributors to use real names, with some arguing that this may deter participation due to privacy issues.
- Questions are posed about how the Citizendium would verify the real identities of contributors, with skepticism about the feasibility of such verification.
- One participant humorously compares Citizendium to a satirical parody site, suggesting skepticism about its credibility as an encyclopedia.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the merits of the Citizendium's model, with ongoing debate about the implications of real-name policies and the project's overall viability.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include uncertainty about the identity verification process and the implications of requiring real names for contributions, as well as the potential impact on user engagement.
- #2
neutrino
- 2,091
- 2
And, by the way, here's the Wikipedia article 
(well, actually it's a stub)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizendium
(well, actually it's a stub)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizendium
- #3
Evo
Staff Emeritus
- 24,032
- 3,277
Hmmmmm "both to allow people a place to work under the direction of experts, and in which personal accountability--including the use of real names--is expected."
I see the reasoning behind this, but a lot of people do not wish to give out their real identity online.
I see the reasoning behind this, but a lot of people do not wish to give out their real identity online.
- #4
Moonbear
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 11,919
- 54
How would they even know if you gave your real name? If you provide a first and last name, they'd have no way to know it's not your real name. Otherwise, they'll only attract all those crackpots who sign every post with their full name, including middle initials.
- #5
Evo
Staff Emeritus
- 24,032
- 3,277
Unless they intend to verify the identity of everyone that registers. I have no idea how they plan to verify identity, but they restated it in the FAQ and said that anyone that wishes to contribute anonymously still has wikipedia. Funny that on the sign up list, name is "optional"Moonbear said:
- #6
scott1
- 350
- 1
I don't get why only a satirical parody of http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Main_Page" credit of being the only encylopedia that anyone can edit.
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