DLF director wants library-Wikipedia cooperation

Link worked just now | Pranksters [Re:bad link]
Hi, Greg. Thanks for the link report. Just tested the link at http://www.teleread.org/blog/?p=6597 and right now, at least, it’s working fine. Please email me if you still have problems.

Meanwhile I see you wonder about use of Wikipedia for local history, given the risk from pranksters. This is a great example of the benefits that could arise from librarian-Wikipedian cooperation to address problems.

Of course, even now, some safeguards are built in. For example, when someone changes a post, the appropriate people can be notified via e-mail, RSS, etc. What’s more, Wikipedia tracks changes.

So while, yes, there are risks, the benefits far outweigh them. Imagine all the additional local history that could be gotten online through a Wiki-style approach. Applause to you for bringing up the example!

David Rothman
drNOSPAMteleread.org | 703-370-6540

Re:Link worked just now | Pranksters [Re:bad link]
Thanks for the further feedback, Greg. I’ve passed this on to Robert Nagle on whose server the TeleRead Web log resides. Feel free to reach him directly at robertdotnagleNOSPAMPLEASEfastmailbox.net if the problem persists. The link continues to work fine for me. But so what? I want it to work for you, too.

As for the backup question, I totally agree with your concerns. There are local solutions, surely, and the developers of the Wiki software might have some ideas. I like the idea of remote backups as well. You want to be protected entirely from a New Orleans situation, or even a situation involving a specific hosting service. Once again, I think you’re right on the mark in your priorities, and this is one area where librarian-Wikipedian cooperation could help. Here’s to permanence!

David