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The Other Tech Giant
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Lying drunk in a field outside the Austrian city of Innsbruck in 1971, inspiration struck
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Douglas Adams, a science-fiction writer. He looked at his copy of The Hitchhiker's Guide to
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Europe, and then up at the stars, and came up with the idea for a Hitchhiker's Guide to the
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Galaxy. It would be a (fictional) mixture of travel book and encyclopedia, but with an
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absurd-seeming twist: instead of being written by experts, anyone could contribute.
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Adams played his idea for laughs. But today it looks as prescient as it was funny. On
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January 15th Wikipedia - "the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit" - will celebrate its 20th
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anniversary. It will do so as the biggest and most-read reference work ever. Wikipedia
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hosts more than 55 m articles in hundreds of languages, each written by volunteers. Its 6.2
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m English-language articles alone would fill some 2,800 volumes in print. [...]
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Yet Wikipedia is an oddity. It defies the Silicon Valley recipe for success. The site has no
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shareholders, has generated no billionaires and sells no advertising. [...] Wikipedia grew
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organically, as more and more ordinary people decided to contribute. The site has its roots in
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the techno-optimism that characterised the internet at the end of the 20th century. It held that
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ordinary people could use their computers as tools for liberation, education and
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enlightenment.
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Like most Utopian thinking, the idea of an amateur encyclopedia was, for many
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years, treated as a bit of a joke. [...] Even now, after numerous academic studies
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high-lighting its reliability, Wikipedia still lacks the gravitas and authority of older
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encyclopedias like Britannica, which are written by paid academic experts rather than
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amateurs. Schools, universities and The Economist's fact-checkers frown on relying on it
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Wikipedia may not have vanquished its doubters in theory. But ti has triumphed in s2
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practice. With over 20 bn page views a month, it has become the standard reference work
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for anyone with an internet connection. As social-media sites are lambasted for
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censorship, "fake news", disinformation and conspiracy theories, its reputation is higher than
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ever. Toby Negrin, chief product officer at the Wikimedia Foundation, the San
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Francisco-based charity that provides the site's infrastructure, describes the online
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encyclopedia as a "guardian of truth". [...]
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Its biggest power is its subtlest. Since it is the first resort of students, professors, journalists
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and any number of curious people, its contributors do much to make the intellectual weather.
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The WHO's decision to work with Wikipedia reflects research suggesting that the site is the
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most-read source of medical information in the world - for doctors as well as patients.
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Its reach is clearest when things go wrong. In 2008 one user inserted a joke claiming that the
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South American coati, a small mammal, is sometimes known as the "Brazilian aardvark". By
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the time the jape was revealed, in 2014, it had found its way on to various websites and into
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news articles and a book published by a university press. [...]
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Yet despite a string of notable embarrassments - and its own disclaimer that "Wikipedia is
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not a reliable source" - it is, on the whole, fairly accurate. An investigation by Nature in 2005
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compared the site with Britannica, and found little difference in the number of errors that
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experts could find in a typical article. Other studies, conducted
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since, have mostly endorsed that conclusion. Explaining exactly why Wikipedia's articles
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are so good is trickier. A common joke holds that it is just as well that Wikipedia works in
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practice, because it does not work in theory.
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Deliberate decisions are one explanation. Wikipedia compares well with other reference
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works when it comes to honest mistakes, but it is uniquely vulnerable to vandalism and
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pranks. In an effort to combat them, says Mr Negrin, the site has developed algorithms that
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monitor articles for mischief. For America's recent presidential election, editing articles was
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restricted to accounts more than 30 days old, and with at least 500 edits to their name.
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Other reasons are structural. The site's open nature and its popularity help ensure that errors
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in well-read articles are usually spotted and fixed quickly. [...] Mr Greenstein notes that,
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unlike with a printed encyclopedia, "another paragraph doesn't cost anything". That means
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that ideological rows can often be defused simply by adding paragraphs outlining different
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views. The site's intimidating list of rules means that new editors face a steep learning curve.
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But it also helps to filter out dilettantes, ideologues and bores with an axe to grind
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Wikipedia's not-for-profit structure, points out Mr Kahle, means it can focus on the interests
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of readers and editors without having to consider the (possibly conflicting) demands of
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advertisers. The site is unusual since it is run by humans, not algorithms.
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Though social-media sites rely on idiot-savant computer programs to maximise
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"engagement" (i.e., to sell more advertising), Wikipedia's humans try to uphold woolly ideals
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such as accuracy, impartiality and arguing in good faith.
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Much of its success, in other words, is because of the culture its users have created.
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[...]
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Keeping Wikipedia's culture healthy means moving with the times. [...] Typing long articles
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on a smartphone is inescapably awkward, so attention has focused on helping users to
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make "micro-edits", such as fixing spelling mistakes or correcting dates. The hope is that this
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will also act as a gateway drug for young editors and for those in poorer countries for whom
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smartphones are the standard or only way of getting online.
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Attracting a steady supply of new editors is vital for Wikipedia's long-term survival. So is
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attracting new kinds of contributors. Ms Maher estimates around 80% of Wikipedia's editors
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are male, and skewed towards North America and Europe. The encyclopedia itself is popular
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in America, Europe, Russia and Japan, but not much read in India and sub-Saharan Africa.
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Changing that, she says, is vital to the health of a project whose idealism remains
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undimmed. "Our vision is a world where every single human being can share in all
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knowledge," she says. This time, such Utopianism is harder to dismiss. After all, it is backed
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up by 20 years of success.
From: Matt Chase, "The Other Tech Giant- Wikipedia Is 20, andIts Reputation Has Never Been Higher",
in: https://www.economist.com/international/2021/01/09/wikipedia-is-20-and-its-reputation-has-never-been-higher (abridged, last visited: November 19, 2021)
in: https://www.economist.com/international/2021/01/09/wikipedia-is-20-and-its-reputation-has-never-been-higher (abridged, last visited: November 19, 2021)
Text comprehension and analysis
Complete the following tasks using your own words as far as is appropriate Quote correctly.
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Describe Wikipedia's early years, its significance today and its future plans.
(15 %)
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Explain the reasons for Wikipedia's success in today's media landscape, taking into account how the writer's use of language (four examples) reveals his attitude.
(20 %)
Composition
Choose one of the following topics and write a coherent text laying out your ideas.
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Digital devices - tools for liberation, education and enlightenment. Discuss.
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"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Comment on these lines from the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost (1874-1963, American poet)
I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Comment on these lines from the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost (1874-1963, American poet)
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Describe briefly, analyse and comment on the cartoon.

https://planeperspective.com/target-audience-marketing/
(20 %)
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Note:
Our solutions are listed in bullet points. In the examination, full marks can only be achieved by writing a continuous text.
Our solutions are listed in bullet points. In the examination, full marks can only be achieved by writing a continuous text.
Text comprehension and analysis
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- The article "The Other Tech Giant- Wikipedia Is 20, and Its Reputation Has Never Been Higher" authored by Matt Chase and published in the Economist in 2021 delves into the history and achievements of Wikipedia, providing a comprehensive review.
Introduction
- Wikipedia was launched on January 15, 2001, as a groundbreaking concept allowing anyone to contribute to a free encyclopedia.
- Its organic growth defied traditional Silicon Valley models, lacking shareholders, billionaires, and advertising.
- Despite initial skepticism, Wikipedia has become the world's largest reference work, with over 55 million articles in multiple languages.
- Its impact is significant, particularly in fields like medicine, where it's the most-read source globally.
- Operating without advertising, relying on volunteers, and maintaining a not-for-profit structure, Wikipedia has proven fairly accurate.
- Its success is attributed to its open nature, popularity, and vigilant community.
- Looking forward, Wikipedia faces challenges in adapting to modern times, encouraging micro-edits, and diversifying its contributor base.
- However, its 20 years of success underscore the viability of its utopian vision: making knowledge accessible to every human being.
Main Body
Wikipedia's past, present and future
Wikipedia's past, present and future
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- In the dynamic realm of information sharing, Wikipedia stands out as a monumental success story.
- Originating from a quirky idea by Douglas Adams, it has evolved into the largest reference work globally.
- Challenging conventional Silicon Valley norms, Wikipedia's 20-year journey reflects its resilience against skepticism, emerging as a trusted guardian of truth.
- This exploration focuses on the language used by the writer to unravel the unconventional growth, reliability, and unique community culture that define Wikipedia's success in today's media landscape.
Introduction
- Organic Growth and Techno-Optimism:
Describing the site's origin as a result of Douglas Adams' humorous idea, the writer acknowledges Wikipedia's roots in techno-optimism and the belief that ordinary people could contribute to online knowledge. - Defying Traditional Silicon Valley Model:
The phrase "Wikipedia defies the Silicon Valley recipe for success" conveys a deviation from the norm, emphasizing Wikipedia's unique approach without shareholders, billionaires, or advertising. - Reliability and Reputation Amid Media Criticism:
Despite acknowledging Wikipedia's critics and notable embarrassments, the writer uses language such as "guardian of truth" and highlights its reputation as a reliable source, especially in comparison to social-media sites facing criticism. - Human-Driven, Not-for-Profit Structure:
By contrasting Wikipedia's human-driven approach with social-media sites' reliance on algorithms to sell advertising, the writer emphasizes Wikipedia's focus on accuracy, impartiality, and arguing in good faith, pointing out its not-for-profit structure as a strength.
Main Body
Reasons for Wikipedia's Success
Reasons for Wikipedia's Success
Composition
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Digital devices have indeed become powerful tools for liberation, education, and enlightenment, playing a transformative role in various aspects of our lives. Here's a discussion on how these devices contribute to these three key aspects:
Introduction
- Digital devices, especially the internet, provide unprecedented access to information.
- This access breaks down barriers to knowledge, enabling people to learn about diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas.
- This democratization of information liberates individuals from traditional constraints on knowledge.
- Social media platforms on digital devices have become powerful tools for activism and social change.
- Movements, campaigns, and grassroots initiatives can gain momentum rapidly, connecting like-minded individuals globally.
- This has empowered people to raise their voices, challenge oppressive systems, and advocate for positive change.
- Digital devices have facilitated online entrepreneurship and remote work opportunities, empowering individuals to create their own economic opportunities. This has been especially significant in regions with limited traditional employment options, providing financial liberation and autonomy.
- Digital devices have revolutionized education through online learning platforms. Students worldwide can access courses, lectures, and educational resources regardless of their geographical location. This has expanded educational opportunities, particularly for those who face barriers to traditional education.
Main Body
Liberation
Communication and A ctivism
Economic Empowerment
Education
Liberation
Communication and A ctivism
Economic Empowerment
Education
While digital devices have undeniably brought about positive changes, it's crucial to address challenges such as digital divides, information overload, and privacy concerns to ensure that the benefits of these tools are accessible to all and used responsibly.
Conclusion
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In the labyrinth of life's choices, Robert Frost's iconic poem, "The Road Not Taken," presents readers with a poignant metaphorical crossroads. The timeless lines, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference," encapsulate the essence of personal choice, individualism, and the profound impact that decisions can have on one's journey. As we embark on an exploration of these verses, we delve into the nuanced layers of Frost's reflection on the significance of choosing the unconventional path and the enduring consequences it holds. These lines, often quoted and celebrated, invite us to contemplate the complexities of decision-making and the indelible mark it leaves on the human experience.
Introduction
- These lines are the concluding stanza of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," which reflects on the choices and decisions we make in life.
- The speaker encounters a metaphorical fork in the road, symbolizing a pivotal moment of decision.
- The decision to take the less-traveled path is presented as transformative, suggesting that choosing the unconventional or less popular option can lead to significant consequences and shape one's unique journey.
- Frost's poem is often interpreted as a meditation on individualism and the impact of choices on a person's destiny.
- The phrase "And that has made all the difference" implies that the choice made, to take the less-traveled path, has had a profound and defining impact on the speaker's life.
- However, it's worth noting that Frost's poem is also often misunderstood.
- While the lines are often quoted to emphasize the importance of individuality and nonconformity, the poem as a whole can be seen as a more complex exploration of the uncertainty and ambiguity inherent in life choices.
- The speaker acknowledges that both paths were essentially equal, and the retrospective emphasis on the chosen path as transformative may be tinged with a sense of irony or self-deception.
Main Body
- In the closing lines of "The Road Not Taken," Robert Frost captures the essence of individual choice and its lasting impact.
- The phrase "And that has made all the difference" resonates as a testament to the transformative power of embracing the unconventional.
- Frost's poetic masterpiece serves as a reminder that each decision, whether on the familiar or less-traveled path, contributes to the unique narrative of our journey.
- Through his verses, he encourages us to navigate life's crossroads with a spirit of adventure, acknowledging that our choices shape the profound tapestry of our existence.
Conclusion
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- The cartoon portraying the rejection of progress features stereotypical Stone Age individuals clad in fur with beards and exposed legs.
- Two of them move a cart laden with heavy cargo, likely rocks, exerting effort to pull and push it.
- Adding to their difficulty, the wheels on their contraption are square and have become ensnared in the soil.
- Meanwhile, a third caveman offers them perfectly round wheels, a solution that would considerably ease their task.
- However, they politely decline the offer, citing busyness as their reason.
Description
- The cartoonist highlights a prevalent reluctance to embrace or even contemplate change and progress.
- Similar to our ancestors from the Paleolithic era, we often exhibit hesitancy towards ideas that require us to deviate from familiar paths.
- This reluctance is particularly evident in our adoption of technologies that have the potential to significantly enhance our lives.
- Much like the Stone Age individuals depicted in the cartoon, we frequently find ourselves too preoccupied with maintaining our routines to dedicate sufficient time or mental energy to thoroughly consider new situations.
- Furthermore, the adoption of a new technology often demands initial effort before its benefits become apparent.
- In the cartoon scenario, the individuals would likely need to pause, unload their cart, install the new wheels, and reload before experiencing the advantages of the newly designed wheels.
Analysis
- The three men depicted pulling the cart in the cartoon appear to be ignorant.
- The cartoonist likely intends to draw a comparison to contemporary individuals who reject technological progress without adequately considering its potential advantages.
- When viewed in this light, such resistance appears as foolish and absurd as the cavemen depicted in the artwork.
- However, it's important to acknowledge that many modern inventions aren't unequivocally beneficial.
- For example, while mobile phones and electric cars have the potential to improve the world, they also come with associated costs, both in terms of their production and usage.
- Therefore, I believe the cartoon's message is somewhat simplistic.
- While it's true that we should halt our efforts when dragging a heavy cart with square wheels, it's equally important to take the time to thoroughly weigh both the risks and benefits of any new invention.
- Otherwise, we may end up making hasty decisions that prove to be harmful or even dangerous in hindsight.
- Consider the case of nuclear power, which was once hailed as a cheap, clean, and limitless energy source but ultimately resulted in devastating consequences.
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