For people excited about “Citizen’s media,” “Stand-alone reporters” and “Open source journalism” – time for caution.
A guy who’s out there actually doing this in real time now, Wayne Saewyc, seems to be having some problems relying on volunteer staff. After six months, the operator of Wikinews is finding his mission rife with frustrations and challenges, Wired News reported.
The offshoot of Wikipedia is facing the same challenges real editors have. Catching fake stories and updating coverage to sweep out the old and display the new has turned into something like work, Saewyc said. Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, says the news offerings are also dependent on the writers. “We’ve got five (stories), and two of them are about Romania,” he told Wired, making the point this is not your father’s news Web site.
So much like work... but I am merely a contributor. There are no "operators" at Wikinews. No bosses, no managers, no editorial hierarchy.
No advertising or pay either.
Just dedicated folks. And a few frustrations and challenges. Wouldn't be much fun without them, would it?
Amgine
Posted by: Amgine | Apr 22, 2005 at 14:25
lol, Amgine 'operator'?! He only cleans the toilets, and sometimes makes a pot of tea.
It's just this kind of sloppy fact-checking that Wikinews fights against
;)
Posted by: Dan100 | Apr 25, 2005 at 16:23
Re Amgine's role ... Wired, the source of the item, made a correction of Amgine's responsibilities. We stand corrected.
Posted by: Frank Barnako | Apr 26, 2005 at 09:34