I'm a fan of Wikipedia. I like the concept. Collaboration and social media interest me.

Initially, I was surprised when I saw Wikipedia entries for the gubernatorial candidates. After a moment, I thought "why not". The Web offers a variety of techniques for communication. That is what the Web is about, communication.

The following candidates have Wikipedia entries.

• Chris Gabrieli (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Gabrieli)
• Kerry Healey (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Healey)
• Christy Mihos (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christy_Mihos)
• Deval Patrick (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deval_Patrick)
• Tom Reilly (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Reilly)
• Grace Ross (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Ross)

I find this to be an interesting use of the Web. If these biographies are updated during the campaign, they can provide a comprehensive listing of each campaign. For writers and researchers, it provides a one stop place for information, a bit easier than searching throughout a multitude of newspapers.

But that is also the problem. As a writer and researcher, I am always concerned about the veracity of the facts. Whenever I read an article, I always research the author. Is the author:

• a member of the same party of the candidate
• a member of the campaign staff
• campaign volunteer
• friend, and so on.
  

Just like this blog and blogger, anyone can easily publish on the Web. Always check your sources. I'm sure campaign staff or campaign-friendly people wrote each bio of each candidate.

Wikipedia presents another interesting point. Anyone can edit any Wikipedia article. This opens the door for mis-information. It allows the opportunity for negative campaigning at a whole new level.

As a frequent user of Wikipedia, and casual contributor, I know the Wikipedia volunteers are very good at policing entries and removing false information. With political entries, I think the Wikipedia volunteers and readers will have to not only discern the facts, but also discern opinion from fact.

Alvin Toffler (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Toffler) discusses the concept of mis-information in his book PowerShift (www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553292153/sr=1-1/qid=1155404887/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-7842903-7083052?ie=UTF8&s=books).

As with any technology, the user (and reader) must think. Always question and always do your homework. I'm sure some will read and believe whatever they read.

I plan to keep an eye on these Wikipedia entries. It will be interesting to see if they play an important role in the campaign.

Sincerely,
Alan