Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2009-01-31/In the news

Discussion continues regarding Flagged Revisions
In regards to the recent Byrd/Kennedy incident (see archived story), NJ.com commented on the potential usefulness of flagged revisions. Because more and more people tend to find news and information online, "a Wikipedia that goes the extra step to ensure accuracy would be a much more trustworthy and valuable resource." Ars Technica discussed the ongoing discussion regarding flagged revisions and Jimbo's appeal to the Wikimedia Foundation to implement the software. The article pointed out the passionate and somewhat uncivil arguments made by opponents of flagged revisions, particularly those directed to Jimbo himself.

Wikipedia Visual Search in top 10 IE8 add-ons
PC Magazine reviewed their top 10 favorite Internet Explorer 8 add-ons. Various search add-ons, such as those for eBay and Amazon, provide previews and links to relevant search results on the respective web pages. Wikipedia Visual Search made it into PC Magazine's top 10. In the words of user wai277 on the add-on's gallery page, "No matter what to search, Wikipedia is need."

Briefly

 * The Washington Post Company has launched WhoRunsGov.com, a wiki for up-to-date profiles of American government officials based primarily on Washington Post journalism. It will go from a closed wiki edited only by staff to a moderated wiki where edits and new profiles can be submitted by users, subject to review before publication.
 * Wikipedian and Wikinewsie David Shankbone is profiled in "The Wikinews Ace", by Adam Rose, in the January/February issue of the Columbia Journalism Review.
 * Actress Jessica Alba cited Wikipedia in defending a reference to Sweden as a neutral country in the face of criticism from pundit Bill O'Reilly and celebrity gossip site TMZ.com.