NPOV and credibility (was Re: [WikiEN-l] Original research)

Fri Dec 10 18:29:30 UTC 2004

Shane King wrote:

>There is no size limit to Wikipedia.

Perhaps in theory.  In practice Wikipedia is straining under the existing 
load.  Loading small articles can take up to a minute.  Simple edits on 
articles can take 20 minutes, requiring multiple re-tries.   Users are 
randomly and frequently logged out.   Adding every conceivable fringe theory 
or position to existing articles, not to mention the current penchant for 
adding articles on every high school in North America (and similar trivia), 
will only make that worse.

Moreover, there is a limit to the patience of the reader.  If a reader has 
to wade through lengthy sections outlining trivia, conspiracy theories, 
fringe and crackpot views, etc. while trying to understand what is 
significant about a particular topic, then that reader will soon either lose 
interest in the topic, or come away with an entirely distorted understanding 
of it.