Crowd Filled Wikipedia's Void During Blackout
Millions experienced a shock when they signed online on January 18th to find that the largest online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, had been shut down for the day. However, the act of crowdsourcing proved tactful when several news outlets, including the Washington Post, NPR, and the Guardian stepped in to help. Using the hashtag #altwiki on Twitter, writers and editors from the media outlets answered peoples' questions in an attempt to fill the void created by Wikipedia’s 24 hour absence; an act of heroic measures, considering Wikipedia receives over 25 million visitors each day.
While we’re not in the Wikipedia business, this is an experimental, one-day Band-Aid to help out readers.
David Beard, Sitewide Engagement Editor, Washington Post
Wikipedia closed its doors to visitors last Wednesday to protest the government’s Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA,) the senatorial counterpart. The goal of the pending legislation is to protect major media companies and is intended to put a stop to piracy, including the illegal downloading of movies, music and TV shows. Unfortunately, the new limitations will also create difficulties for other web-based companies.
Several other media outlets joined in the protest and participated in the one day blackout. Google also contributed to the protest by blacking out its iconic logo on the Google homepage. It seems to have made some impact, as 18 senators withdrew their support for the controversial bill.
Image Credit:
