Am doing a one-on-one interview with the Jimmy, the founder of Wikipedia, when he comes out to Cape Town this April as part of Heather’s Bring ‘n Braai iCommons shindig. Will be dusting off the old engraved journo pen for the ocassion. And I will write once more! Bwwahahahaha! (How long has it been?). I may even get published in a newspaper!!!
The Waler is somewhat of a guru, being the founder and all. My view on the mother of all Wikis is that it is an awesome project, but the model has problems which could exacerbate as it goes more into the mainstream. I am not as vitriolic as El Reg who basically thinks Wikipedia is a multiplayer, shoot-em-up gangbang.
Now, it’s confession time. I won’t be bothering old Jimmy with the shameful acts I committed which I am about to reveal here. But I thought I should come clean on my dirty little secret: Earlier this year, in a rage after yet another shocking LBW decision, I tried to personally attack the rather lame and terribly neutral (read: complimentary) Darrell Hair post on wikipedia and was put firmly in my place by one of their more astute moderators. (So maybe it does work?) I still, however, have my sights on the Australian cricket team post which is going to be in big trouble soon. Now on to really crucial matters of life and death: does the intro reflect THE FACT they are the second-ranked ODI cricket team (After us 
). Will the Australian moderators accept this change? Let’s see. I know, its all so childish. But I’m not normal when it comes to competitive ball sports involving our country. Update: As of MON 10:45am I see my change to the intro has not been changed back
In any case — the real point of this post… The question is what questions do I ask the old boy? Can I have ideas? Can I put some of your questions on this blog post to him? Let me know and I’ll ask him.
[...] Mail & Guardian Online’s Matthew Buckland is about to interview Wikipedia founder, Jimmy Wales and wants YOU to ask the questions in true wikipedia style. The question is what questions do I ask the old boy? Can I have ideas? Can I put some of your questions on this blog post to him? Let me know and I’ll ask him. [...]
To state the obvious (no need to credit):
1. Does Jimmy see Wikipedia replacing all other encyclopedias?
2. Does he believe that wp should be a referencable (sic) source for eg. school projects?
3. Where does he stand on the ‘inclusionist’ vs ‘exclusionist’ scale? What goals and constraints point him to that position?
4. Does he plan any projects beyond wp?
5. (joke) Why are the science sections of wp so much better than the social drivel
thanks doug — awesome questions… will credit u… Matt
So many questions! but they seem right now to have flattened themselves uselessly up against the glass barrier like a kiddie outside a sweetie shop.. envy addles my brain & I’ve gone blank!
Odd
Sure I’ll peel one or two off & get them to you before you meet Mr.Wikipedia for the 1-on-1
ha! thanks max. what question do u think he’s never been asked before?
[...] I’m in Cape Town until Saturday for some business and to interview Mr Wikipedia. Going to see the 24.com crowd, some other businesses, a few agencies, and attend some of the creative commons events. I’ve received some questions and emails from people that I’ll put to Jimmy Wales from the SA blogosphere. Are there any last-minute questions from anyone that I can put forward to him from this blog? I’ll check here tomorrow at around 12, before the interview. [...]