I've made The Register!

[reddragdiva]

Why Wikipedia isn't like Linux. I sent a lengthy message, which Andrew Orlowski represented with some creativity, and the version run almost reflects things I said.

I strongly suggest that anyone answering one of Mr Orlowski's articles in future also sends a copy to the editor directly. I have no idea if it'll make any difference, but at least the editor can't later claim he wasn't aware. Do feel free to link to this entry.

(I foolishly didn't keep a copy — just typed it into the web form and pressed "Go >>" — or I'd put it here. Perhaps if Mr Orlowski reads this he can send a copy back!)

Comments

[jozafeen.livejournal.com]

w00t! That's you in The Register that is!

[apiphile.livejournal.com]

I had no idea there was such a Wiki/anti-Wiki(pedia) divide online, mostly because I keep my head buried up my own arse in the sand when it comes to major online projects and am ever end-user rather than contributor, but it seems a little odd. Personally I think the Wikipedia project is a very interesting and almost exciting one - perhaps in terms of defining knowledge in some cases as subjective (blather. Will attempt to explain what I mean later). I don't get why people would be vehemently opposed to the idea.

[steer.livejournal.com]

Orlowski usually runs ill-informed "opinion" pieces which are written by patching together the contraversial bits from other people's emails. I suppose it's easier than working for a living.

[reddragdiva]

That's not very loving of you. Next you'll be comparing him to John Dvorak.

[blarglefiend.livejournal.com]

You sure you don't mean Jerry Pournelle? Or maybe our old mate Gareth?

[reddragdiva]

Don't use words like that last on my journal! I assume Mr Orlowski can in fact work a computer.

[blarglefiend.livejournal.com]

Gazza wasn't the only one of those two who had trouble working a computer. I have "fond" memories of an exchange with Mr Pournelle when he was rubbishing OS/2. Now, granted OS/2 was far from perfect, but he wasn't having a go at it for any of its actual deficiencies but rather his inability to do something or other that was (a) fairly basic and (b) very well documented.

[gths.livejournal.com]

What, "The internet runs on 2400 baud" Gareth? That's a blast from the past. Andy O might well be getting there...

[hairyears.livejournal.com]

No, you did keep a copy. Opera caches webform entries.

[reddragdiva]

I was using Firefox.

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

Orlowski misrepresented your words? Inconceivable!

The guy's just shy of being a full-blown nutter.