Bradley talks to Molly White, deeply committed Wikipedian, about the role of Wikipedia as internet infrastructure, funding and independence, blockchain's versatility and limitations, the concept of the Metaverse, skepticism and optimism surrounding AI and blockchains, and comparative analysis of the Boston tech scene.
Wikipedia is a reliable independent resource funded through donations and grants, setting it apart from profit-driven platforms.
Alternative social media platforms can learn from Wikipedia's sustainable approach by providing valuable content, maintaining a nonprofit identity, and satisfying niche user preferences.
Deep dives
Wikipedia's Infrastructural Role on the Internet
Wikipedia has become an integral part of the internet, similar to Google, and is considered an infrastructural component. Unlike other major players, Wikipedia does not prioritize profit generation or push ads. It is an independent resource that provides reliable information and is funded through a combination of individual donations and grants from philanthropic organizations.
Lessons for Social Media Platforms from Wikipedia
Alternative social media platforms often fail to replicate Twitter's success due to different motives and user experiences. Platforms like Mastodon, resembling Wikipedia in some aspects, offer a more technical and potentially confusing user experience. However, seeking inspiration from Wikipedia's sustainable approach, these platforms can build a loyal user base by providing valuable content, maintaining a nonprofit or mission-focused identity, and satisfying niche user preferences.
Blockchain's Versatility and Challenges
Blockchains function as an infrastructure and can be applied in various contexts for different purposes. While some implementations have shown promising potential, many projects struggle to justify the widespread adoption of blockchain technology. The current trend involves gluing blockchains to applications that do not necessarily require them, resulting in a lack of meaningful implementation and limited profitability.
The evolving landscape of Web3 and its skepticism
Web3 gained momentum due to high crypto prices, the pandemic, and dissatisfaction with existing online platforms. It aimed to address issues such as content ownership and user experience. However, Web3's popularity has dwindled, leading to rebranding attempts emphasizing legitimacy as the bad actors fade away. Skepticism remains due to the parallels with past tech hype cycles, urging caution and focus on realistic possibilities rather than speculative narratives.
How does the non-profit open-source encyclopedia withstand the corrupting forces of internet culture? Bradley talks to Molly White, proprietor of the website Web3 is Going Just Great and deeply committed Wikipedian.
This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.