W7.1 April 15 (Mon) ——ZHANG MINGSHUO

1. Summary:

"Good Faith Collaboration: The Culture of Wikipedia" by Joseph M. Reagle Jr. explores the foundational and cultural aspects of Wikipedia. This 2010 book is recognized for its ethnographic examination of Wikipedia, focusing on how the community's norms and collaborative spirit contribute to its success. Reagle asserts that the real strength of Wikipedia lies in the goodwill and cooperative culture of its contributors, beyond its technical infrastructure.

Reagle, an experienced Internet sociologist and active Wikipedia volunteer, draws on extensive documentation from the Wikipedia community, including content and discussion pages, as well as mailing lists. The book, prefaced by Lawrence Lessig, is divided into eight chapters. It begins with an overview of the author’s methodology and a thematic introduction titled "Nazis and Norms." Subsequent chapters cover the history of encyclopedias, Wikipedia's adherence to principles of honest collaboration and openness, and the role of Jimbo Wales in the decision-making process. Reagle also critically examines Wikipedia's reception and the ongoing debates about its credibility and authority.

The book has been well-received for its detailed portrayal of Wikipedia’s functioning, influencing academic research and social practices. It provides significant insights into open content communities and suggests pathways for Wikipedia's future development. In the age of digital information, such works are essential for understanding the complexities and challenges of online collaborative projects.

2. Interesting Point:

In her 2013 review in Information, Communication & Society, Mayo Fuster Morell praised Reagle's book for its innovative ethnographic study of Wikipedia, particularly highlighting its cultural and historical specificity. This method, traditionally used for smaller communities, presents a unique challenge and insight when applied to a large-scale online platform.

3. Discussion:

Jeff Loughran points out the book's "historical contextualization" limitations. How can future studies better integrate historical context while exploring the future trajectory of evolving platforms like Wikipedia?

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