W4.1 March 25 (Mon)——LI MENGRU

1.Summary

  This article discusses the characteristics of open content communities and provides a detailed description using Wikipedia as an example. The author first uses the term "community" to describe interdependent groups of people who participate in discussions, decision-making, and share some practices that define communities. Then, the author proposes five characteristics of an open content community: open content, transparency, integrity, non discrimination, and non interference. Although some of these features provide clear boundaries, such as copyright licenses for open content and forking ability, other features such as transparency, integrity, and non discriminatory social values do not provide equally clear boundaries. The author emphasizes that exploring these characteristics helps to understand the background and values in community discussions.

  The article then provides a detailed introduction to the origins of the free and open source software movement and describes its impact on Wikipedia. Firstly, it discusses the development of the free software movement, led by Richard Stallman in the 1980s, who founded the GNU project and the Free Software Foundation, and wrote the GNU General Public License (GPL). Furthermore, the text mentioned the development of the Linux operating system kernel and other projects such as Apache Web Server and Mozilla Web Browser, which were released under similar open licenses, allowing companies to accept open source software and make modifications.

  Next, the article discusses the complexity of editing on Wikipedia and the possible office mechanisms that may arise. It describes how editors should discuss issues with other contributors while editing an article and provide an editorial summary, but some individuals with proprietary interests may avoid this process by contacting the Wikipedia office. The possible abuse of office mechanisms and their role in dealing with defamatory materials and copyright issues have also been discussed. The article mentions Wikipedia's handling of reports of David Rhodes being kidnapped by the Taliban. An anonymous editor on Wikipedia attempted to add this event to Rod's biography, which sparked controversy. Although Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales realized that this could cause controversy, due to a lack of sufficient sources of information, Wikipedia deleted relevant information and locked the page. However, the information was later re added to the page with an editorial summary, strongly defending this move. This incident sparked discussions within and outside the Wikipedia community, involving Wikipedia's adherence to the principles of openness and authenticity, as well as its responsibility for the safety of others.

  Finally, the article points out Wikipedia as an example of an open content community. It emphasizes the core values of open content and the challenge of balancing related values such as transparency, integrity, and non discrimination in practice. The article also proposes that boundaries are a fundamental feature of any community, emphasizing the complex relationship between openness and closure. Finally, it emphasizes the discussion of many values involved in Wikipedia as an open content community, indicating that Wikipedia meets the standards of an open content community.

2.Interesting Point

The article mentions a different type of closed group established in 2006, known as enclaves or minority specific spaces. This phenomenon is very interesting, as it contradicts the values of openness and equality, prompting us to rethink and challenge the principle of openness.

3.Discussion

There are still many doubts about the core values of Wikipedia and how they affect the decision-making and practice of the Wikipedia community. Should the Wikipedia community balance other values such as content quality and participant security while pursuing openness?