Werbepedia: Wikipedia blocks contract writers

Fellow contributors to the English-language version of Wikipedia investigated allegations that authors were operating under false flags. "It currently appears that some authors - possibly up to several hundred - have been paid for Wikipedia articles that promote organizations or products," wrote Sue Gardner, head of the Wikimedia Foundation, which is behind the online reference work. In principle, any Internet user can contribute to Wikipedia. However, there are rules: People or groups must be important enough for an entry, claims must be backed up with references to independent sources. The co-authors often discuss changes to articles. There are repeated reports that individual users or companies have tried to manipulate entries.

Wikimedia director Gardner referred to an article on the Daily Dot website, which reported on a huge network of fake profiles. They are said to have embellished articles about companies and people - sometimes for a fee. "Unlike a university professor editing a Wikipedia article about her field, paid writing for promotional purposes is extremely problematic," Gardner wrote. It contradicts Wikipedia's fundamental values as a neutral source.

German version not affected

The German-language version of Wikipedia is not affected by the profile blocks, a spokesperson for the German Wikimedia Foundation told the news agency DPA. However, there are also discussions there about how to deal with paid entries or authors. A co-author is working with other authors on rules for employees of companies. This also involves labeling interest-based entries as clearly as possible. There is already a directory of profiles belonging to companies, advertising agencies or associations. "Of course anyone can join," said the spokesperson, "but according to Wikipedia's rules." (SDA)