Wikipedia on CDs, BBC uses Wikipedia content, and more
CDPedia
TechEYE.net reports that an Argentinian user's group has condensed a version of the Spanish Wikipedia for distribution to remote schools. The project, "CDPedia," can be fit onto either a CD or DVD. The DVD contains all articles and 98% of the images as of June 2008; the CD version is slightly more selective. A more current version is in the works. It is written in the Python programming language and will be distributed via Bittorrent, burnt onto disks, and distributed to areas without broadband connectivity. The code is free online (in Spanish).
Enriching the BBC's Wildlife Finder
The BBC transcludes Wikipedia content to provide information on the subjects of its Wildlife Finder (eg – Killer whale). Their FAQ reasons that this provides quality, accessible information. They also express confidence in Wikipedia's response to vandalism, and they urge others to collaborate.
Briefly
- "The Great Levelling?", part one of The Virtual Revolution, a four-part BBC series on the history of the internet, presents Wikipedia as a champion for freedom of information that creates a level field for people to share ideas and creativity. Airing began Sunday, 30 January.
- Jimmy Wales was interviewed on CNN on 19 January. The interview touched upon flagged revisions, backup copies of Wikipedia, the continued non-profit status of the Wikimedia Foundation, BLP policy and the Seigenthaler incident.
- The New York Times reported on 24 January about the editing contest that Google is sponsoring for the Swahili Wikipedia (see previous story).
- The vampire comparison chart tickled a reporter's fancy on 28 January.
Discuss this story