While were on the subject of anonymity ... I learned today that Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, is launching Citizendium, a site that will compete with Wikipedia. Among several innovations -- no more anonymous editors. I think this is a great idea, but what's to stop Wikipedia from doing the same? But perhaps that's the point. Sanger may be raising the bar for wiki citizens.
For Sanger's thoughts about anonymity, see his Q&A. Sample:
Objection. Anonymity is really the main reason for Wikipedia's growth. Unless you are open to people who refuse to give out their real names, you're doomed to be small and irrelevant.
Reply. Anonymous contribution is not the main reason for Wikipedia's rapid growth--virality is. And virality doesn't require anonymity. The "six degrees" friend websites, some of which have worked quite well because they are viral, generally make use of real names. The Citizendium is devoted to the proposition that we can grow a large community of named, responsible individuals virally. We think it's worth a try.
Recent Comments