Sunday, January 27, 2008

One Percenters

I thought it was really interesting from the readings about the one percenters who added content to a webpage, for example on Wikipedia. So many people access the website, that I thought more people would be added information. Millions of people look up information and access websites. There are a lot of knowledgeable people that could add content to a webpage, like the hundreds of teachers and professionals that are in America alone. Although, people are so busy that they might not have the time to add any information.

The one percenters seem so happy to add information for others to learn from. This was apparent to me because they don't get paid for adding the content. Also, when asked to be paid they declined. Without the loyal one percenters wikis wouldn't be able to exist.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Wikis as a PR tool

As a PR tool, wikis can be used to enhance a company's image, share information about a company, and allow consumers to be connected to the company. On the other hand, besides enhancing a company image, wikis can be edited and used unethically as a PR tool.

For example, as talked about in class, Wal-Mart can be found on Wikipedia. They used a wiki to as a PR tool, but they changed or edited the information found on the Wikipedia webpage. The Wal-Mart Wikipedia page includes the history, subsidiaries, corporate affairs, advocacy groups, etc. It can be useful but at the same time unethical. For example, a lot of people were upset that Wal-Mart employees were changing the wiki page.