The Arabic version of Wikipedia is struggling in terms of content. Many articles are just small stub...

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The Arabic version of Wikipedia is struggling in terms of content. Many articles are just small stubs that are infrequently updated and maintained. What do you think should be done to remedy that ? Does the Wiki model not fit the Arab users ? Do we need a style different than a Wiki ? Should universities encourage students to submit data to Wikipedia as part of "class projects" ? What are your thoughts ?

Posted by za3tar on 20.12.2008

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Posted on 09.01.2010

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Posted by za3tar on 21.12.2008

I have put a post to discuss this on my blog here. I have also checked some other recent attempts to create a different style Arabic Encyclopedia online: here and here.

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Posted by za3tar on 21.12.2008

Thank you for your reply Razan.

Do you think that the Wikipedia model is fit for our region ? Or should does a professionally maintained model (like Encarta or Britanica) fit this region better ?

So Wikipedia is not a legitimate source to cite in your research, however almost everybody, including professors, check it to get quick info about any subject. It has almost become like a first stop for any search. I think Wikipedia has gained mainstream adoption, and even recognition in the academic community. My friend in the states had a class assignment which was, specifically, to write content for a Wikipedia page.

I love the idea of rallying other Bloggers and the blogging community to make a Wikipedia day/week. I will post this question on my blog (linking back here) and see how it goes.

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Posted by razano on 21.12.2008

First Arabic content on the web is embarrassingly small in volume or reduced to porn and fanatic content.

I think we can create an online campaign to encourage people to engage more in Wikipedia, Arabic version. We can create a banner and ask Arab bloggers everywhere to display it for a specific time or all times. I have designer contacts who might be interested in designing such a banner and we can spread the word around in hopes of it going viral and eventually succeeding.

I like your suggestion of professors encouraging their students. But a friend of mine told me once that Academia in the states totally dismisses Wikipedia as a source of any knowledge or fact. So I am not sure these professors will be interested. But we can contact a number of them who are open minded and see where it goes.

I am in for you if you'd like to start this and will help everyway possible :-)

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