Perhaps you are familiar with the latest Wikipedia.com controversy. Staffers working for Rep. Marty Meehan have altered a previously posted description of Representative Meehan. Wikipedia is “social software” and is based on the assumption (by my interpretation) that those with knowledge in an area will post information or upgrade the posts provided by others. The assumption has proven idealistic as those with competing views may see the same situation in different ways.
The situation described here is not exactly a difference in perspective. The issue in the Meehan situation is that the information removed by the staffers was a matter of public record and the staffers have altered the original post to portray their boss in a more positive (but not necessarily more accurate manner). Mr. Meehan did “in fact” make a campaign promise not to serve for more than eight years. Information provided by the Federal Election Commission indicates he has built a campaign fund of $4.8 million.
Perhaps an upgrade rather than an outright alteration would have been more honest. It would seem fair to include an additional comment indicating that politicians do change their minds. I am not certain how the fund raising issue should be clarified.
Evidently, altering wikipedia “information” on our elected officials has become a recent and common practice. What should we tell the kids about this type of thing? Note to politicians – this is not what they meant by the “hacker ethic.”
Related online article from Lowell Sun
