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The Petition to Classify Wikipedia a "World Wonder"

Posted by samzenpus on from the editing-the-pyramids dept.

Hugh Pickens writes "The NY Times reports that a global petition drive has started to add Wikipedia to one of UNESCO's world heritage lists joining such historic monuments and natural sites as the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur. 'The basic idea is to recognize that Wikipedia is this amazing global cultural phenomena that has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people,' says Jimmy Wales. 'Too often, people think about us purely in terms of technology, when this is about culture, high tech and learning.' Getting Wikipedia listed will be an uphill battle although a petition drive has already started. It will have to negotiate a complicated approval process and overcome the skeptical regard of Unesco and heritage consultants to be considered for recognition. Susan Williams, the head of external media relations at Unesco in Paris, said a bid by a digital entity like Wikipedia would be unprecedented. 'Anyone can apply,' says Williams, who added that she was not aware of Wikipedia's plans. 'But it may have difficulty fulfilling the criteria.' The problem is that to be included on the World Heritage List alongside the Great Wall of China, Wikipedia must be found 'to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius,' which it's not says Adam Chen. 'We like dorking around on Wikipedia as much as the next person,' writes Chen. 'But Wikipedia resembles less the masterpiece of a genius than the fixation of an idiot savant.'"

5 of 311 comments (clear)

  1. As world's largest collection of ego? by Alex+Belits · · Score: 5, Insightful

    That's a wonder indeed...

    --
    Contrary to the popular belief, there indeed is no God.
  2. GWoC by geekoid · · Score: 5, Insightful

    " 'But Wikipedia resembles less the masterpiece of a genius than the fixation of an idiot savant.'""

    As does the great wall of China.

    --
    The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  3. Just deserts by Duradin · · Score: 5, Funny

    For everyone that's had an article deleted for being non-notable, WP being deemed non-notable (next to the Great Wall of China) should be just deserts.

  4. Easier Way by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Instead of going through this complicated process, just add it to the Wikipedia page about World Wonders.

  5. Way to knife it in the back. by random+coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    So it becomes a UNESCO heritage item; after that any changes to it would be damaging world heritage and overnight wikipedia dies.

    Be very careful what you wish for people.