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The Wikipedia Effect

A high degree of accuracy in a generally editable information system (like Wikipedia) which is derived from the law of large numbers: while some inaccuracies may be occasionally saved into the system, the number of edits per hour with accurate information makes the system "self-healing." Thus, over time these social information systems tend to be statistically more accurate than similar systems published by a closed source, such as a small number of editors.

While Bob's Game Maps are pretty good, the GameMap Wiki tends to have better, more timely information. Because of the Wikipedia Effect, the GameMap Wiki gets new updates to game worlds near real-time, whereas Bob takes several weeks to get his updates done.

by Hiltonian April 27, 2011

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