Wikipedia has long been the case used to argue that open source information is viable. Now, an article in the Wall Street Journal offers the suggestion that wikipedia may be fading. The article which relies on both activity data and logical argument is summarized in CNET News. While millions still contributors, the number of contributors is declining rather than increasing.
Among the suggested causes:
- Many topics have already been presented
- Rules to address controversies among reviewers result in the removal of content and those contributing are not always certain why. Even when the rules are understood – some may conclude the debate on topics that are controversial may not be worth the effort.
- The Wikipedia environment may seem hostile to new contributers
