When asked to edit Wikipedia, new thoughts and questions arise in my mind. I feel compelled to say something important, something that adds new meaning and definition. However with this addition, is it acceptable to include opinionated statements since it is a "free-encyclopedia"? If not, how can I state in my own words or edit any topic without being bias? It seems impossible to write anything in "your own words" without having an agenda or a particular opinion or personal feeling being expressed.
Also, the particular page that I would edit is another decision that is difficult to make but I would choose the page based on my own knowledge. I am educated in many subjects as a college student, but particularly I would want to create a page about a significant place in my life or a topic. Perhaps I would chose to create a page about Paradise Bound Ministries, the organization that I traveled to Guatemala with.I could give the founder, church affiliation, and work accomplished by the organization. I could also create a page about South Haven High School on Wikipedia as a graduate. I could give a detailed account of a student's experience there and hope that other students would also edit the page to give it the most comprehensive and well represented account possible about the high school by including all of the school organizations, athletics, classes, and accomplishments.
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I think you have made a very important point about the need to be objective when editing Wikipedia pages! I agree with you that it is very easy, whether consciously or not, to be subjective and biased when people contribute to the information on Wikipedia. When I was trying to decide on which page I would like to edit, I was faced with the same problem. In order to give reliable information, I would either have to have some expert knowledge or give information from my own experience, but at the same time, be neutral. If we were really to edit a page, I think it is best to provide information after careful research on the subject or be extremely careful to give only objective information from experiences.
ReplyDeleteNice job Halley!
ReplyDeleteI had not really thought that much about projecting unbiased opinions on Wikipedia, however after reading your post I realize just how important this is. I like the two page choices you mentioned that you would feel comforting editing. Once again, you brought up the great point of remaining "objective," not only would someone who edits a Wikipedia want to be somewhat knowledge of the topic, but also neutral. Great work!