WikiLove’s Arrival

Just one more day until WikiLove is unleashed. A recent article by Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry highlighted the tactic that Wikipedia, the world’s largest online encyclopedia, has decided to employ in order to heighten the productivity of its volunteers- the WikiLove button.

In Need of Some Extra Appreciation

Gorby writes: “The reason is that being looked down upon by other editors or not feeling appreciated for their contribution is one of the most-widely cited reasons for not contributing more in Wikipedia's surveys." It shouldn’t come as a surprise that people will work harder and produce better results if they feel appreciated, and Wikipedia has touched upon that well-known fact. Come June 29th, visitors will be able to press the WikiLove button to show just how much they enjoyed an article.

Facebook v. Wikipedia

Sound familiar? That’s because it is! On April 22, 2010, just over a year ago, Facebook introduced its “Like” button, a feature that has encouraged more activity from its dedicated users. It’s no surprise that after seeing how people are constantly “Like”-ing different pictures, posts, and videos, Wikipedia has decided to use that strategy as well. Unlike Facebook though, Wikipedia is based completely on volunteers sharing information with the entire public, most of whom they will never meet. Once you post an article on Wikipedia, you are not simply opening lines of communication with a facebook friend, but with strangers around the world.

Conclusion

A WikiLove button appears to be a great move for Wikipedia. Such a feature will seemingly not only foster a sense of interaction between complete strangers but will also allow the author and reader to feel connected, thus encouraging more activity.