Informal awards contribute to higher Wikipedia participation
Thursday, March 29, 2012 - 23:30
in Mathematics & Economics
When researchers decided to find out what makes Wikipedia work, they knew they faced quite a challenge. After all, neither monetary compensation nor formal work relations explain the success of this all-volunteer online encyclopedia. The team reasoned that expressions of appreciation by other Wikipedia contributors, including awards, helped to fuel what they called a “spirit of generosity.”