Cory Doctorow’s posted an excellent comparison of the distinctions between incorrect (or false) statements in Wikipedia and a Mainstream Media source, the Register. Quotable quote:

“The Reg is the Wikipedia vandal you can’t revert.”

Real takeaway:

“Wikipedia’s transparent approach to the truth lays out all sides of the debate where all can see them and judge for themselves what the fact of the matter is. The Register’s approach hides the negotiation of truth behind invisible, silent edits, and behind the whims of writers who are free to correct, (or not correct) the record as they see fit.”

Some really good thinking in this article (I’m biased, of course, I share Cory’s enthusiasm for Wikipedia, and he’s almost got my name). I’d be interested in hearing Dave’s take on this. OK, maybe not, since Dave’s a touch irrational about Wikipedia. It would be interesting, given how often Cory’s and Dave’s thinking is often almost diametrically opposed, to hear them debate it. OK, maybe not, Cory seems to debate by not letting his analogue speak.