Wikipedia has been an exceptional success story ever since its inception back in 2001. The website, amongst the world's most visited sites, is seeing a sharp increase in the number of its Editor (English Language) exodus - which according to a recent Wall Street Journal report has reached a staggering 49,000 in the beginning of 2009.The report states that this large exodus had increased 10 times as compared with the data for the previous year when only 4,900 Editors left Wikipedia. The problem for Wikipedia now is that the number of people leaving the Editorial post is way more than the rate of new joinees. There is no need to panic, however, considering the fact that Wikipedia still has three million active contributors.
However, there are people who are concerned about the dip in quality levels, once these well established editors move on. There is no doubt that Wikipedia has managed to keep its quality levels in check - thanks to the efforts of these established editors. It would be difficult for new joinees to match their old counterparts and if that wasn't enough, there isn't actually a flood of new joinees coming in. Wikipedia has also been under a lot if pressure to ensure its quality levels of late and this exodus isn't helping the cause at all.
The reason for the mass exodus has been attributed to issues arising when users post controversial subjects and have arguments over the content. Even though Wikipedia has bought in a new set of rules for users, it doesn't seem to be able to plug the exodus. Having said that, it is strange to see how the editor exodus has reached these levels now for the reasons stated. Conflict-ridden topics have always been there and controversies and heated discussions happen. Then why the burnout now?
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