Apple, MS, Dell caught editing Wikipedia
updated 06:35 pm EDT, Tue August 21, 2007
Apple, MS, Dell edit wikis
It appears that representatives or at least employees of Apple, Microsoft, Dell and other major brands have been editing Wikipedia entries concerning their companies, in some cases removing or altering truthful but pejorative information and in other cases adding negative entries about competing firms. The findings come from Virgil Griffith, who created a program -- dubbed Wikipedia Scanner -- that reveals who edits Wikipedia articles, via a system where it scans the IP address and cross-references it with a geographical database. Among the allegations: Microsoft tried to cover up the Xbox 360 failure rate; Apple edited Microsoft entries, adding more negative comments about its rival, and vice versa; Dell deleted negative comments on customer services and removed a passage how the company outsources work to third world countries.
MaltaStar reports that Griffith created the tool to "create minor public relations disasters for companies and organizations I dislike." [...] "He admitted that it's impossible to be sure if the edits were made by someone working at one of the organizations, although the IP address reveals that they were made by someone with access to their network, he says."
the last shall be first
08/21, 06:47pm reply
first of all - read the last paragraph.
second - this is pretty funy.
third - you mean there might be phony Wikipedia articles????? NOOOOO.
robttwo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2005
more character
08/21, 09:23pm reply
That is one of the reasons Wikipedia is so much better than Britannica. It is so much more entertaining. I puts me to sleep just thinking about when I used to read the Encyclopedia. And people really think that similar things aren't done in other reference works - just look at the "respected" media - it least Wikipedia is light hearted about it and you don't have to pay for it or have it outdated in a year..
bhuot
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2003
wow
08/21, 10:54pm reply
im going to call 1800WHOGIVESACRAP and tell them about this news.
Herod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
???
08/21, 11:09pm reply
"He admitted that it's impossible to be sure if the edits were made by someone working at one of the organizations, although the IP address reveals that they were made by someone with access to their network, he says."" Apple spinmeisters logged onto MS network and edited articles stating Apple is c***. Then they left a trail leading to MS so they would get the blame.
and vice versa.
Chris CA
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2002
yawn
08/22, 07:37am reply
I've done this as an employee of my company: editing/correcting entries on topics about which I'm an expert, namely our business. Unofficially and discussing it with anyone at work. Big deal; this isn't news.
malax
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2006
sour grapes
08/22, 09:24am reply
so if you found a negative article on wiki posted by your ex-girl friend about your annoying habits, you too would be tracked and labeled as a hacker
all this is a publicity stunt for wiki anyway
the real problem here is the fine line between common knowledge and slander or factual accurate details and negative mumbo
hokizpokis
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2007
it's not just a prank
08/22, 02:22pm reply
A few years ago, I kept editing wikipedia pages about iraq, suggesting they might have weapons of mass destruction. I sure regret that little prank...guys think before you edit, learn from me.
Jonathan-Tanya
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2004
Can't fight Wiki Hall
08/22, 03:59pm reply
"create minor public relations disasters for companies and organizations I dislike."
Sooo, which companies doesn't he like? Apparently, ALL OF THEM!
This guy is going to have quiet a time keeping his Wiki page from being bogusly edited. Employees from every company in America now are going to be after him.
manleycreative
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2005
Instead
08/22, 04:02pm reply
Maybe, he should have thought about creating a program to secure ones own wiki page first.
THEN invent the scanner program.
I can't believe Microsoft would stoop sooo low. I've lost so much respect for them now. Billy, say it ain't so! lol.
manleycreative
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2005
I give a c***
08/22, 04:44pm reply
The Wiki is cool-- but its integrity - like that of the White House or the UN - only reflects the integrity of its contributors.
Primary entries should be locked and uneditable. Commentary should follow.
(Locked? Uneditable? ... REMIND you of anyone?)
Loren
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2001