Wikipedia’s Many Errors

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #606 April 21, 2012

Publisher: Joan Stewart

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“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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In This Issue
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1. Wikipedia’s Many Errors

2. Winning Email Subject Line

3. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

4. Hound Video

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1. Wikipedia’s Many Errors
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Here’s another reason not to rely on Wikipedia as a trusted
source of knowledge for anything.

A new study published in the Public Relations Journal shows that
a stunning 60 percent of articles about specific companies
contained factual errors.

The research was conducted by Marcia W. DiStaso, Ph.D., co-chair
of PRSA’s National Research Committee and an assistant professor
of public relations at Penn State University. She surveyed 1,284
PR professionals to find out how they use Wikipedia or correct
errors they find there.

“It does not surprise me that so many Wikipedia entries contain
factual errors,” said DiStaso. “What is surprising, however, is
that 25 percent of survey respondents indicated they are not
familiar with the Wikipedia articles for their company or
clients. At some point most, if not all, companies will determine
they need to change something in their Wikipedia entries. Without
clear, consistent rules from Wikipedia regarding how factual
corrections can be made this will be a very difficult learning
process for public relations professionals.”

Wikipedia’s editing process is so cumbersome, that some people
just don’t bother. Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, told the
Associated Press last fall that Wikipedia is losing the crowd
that keeps it updated. The typical profile of a contributor is “a
26-year-old geeky male” who moves on to their ventures and leaves
the website.

Administrators are working to simplify the way users can
contribute and edit materials. Finally.

If you’re in PR, or you do your own publicity, do you use
Wikipedia? Do you find it difficult to use? Do you regularly
monitor it? Have you tried to submit a Wikipedia entry for your
client but it got rejected? Share your story at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=11075

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2. Winning Email Subject Line
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If you aren’t using email to promote your business or nonprofit,
you’re leaving money on the table.

But you must know how to write an enticing subject line that
forces readers to open it.

Copyblogger has chosen the winner of its email subject line
contest: “Do your landing pages pass this test?”

I wasn’t bowled over by that. But I’ll admit, it would make me
open the email. It’s straightforward and explains exactly what
the email is about.

You can see the more than 400 entries at
http://www.copyblogger.com/meclabs-winners/

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3. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…
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9 ways to use Meetup.com in a publicity campaign
http://publicityhound.net/?p=11054

Wikipedia’s many entries frustrate PR people
http://publicityhound.net/?p=11075

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4. Hound Video
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Watch this compilation of funny dog moments.
We should all have so much fun!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89kKUeT2sxk

Dog Jokes & Quotes Ebook: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs: http://publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

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