Week 8 - Review about the readings for the next week.(Book Chapter 8) - Lee Jaehyun (이재현)

1. Summarize in my your own words of materials that I read

Chapter 8 concludes Good Faith Collaboration by highlighting the paradox of Wikipedia: although theoretically unworkable, it succeeds in practice. Reagle discusses how Wikipedia embodies ideals of neutrality, good faith, and collaboration through its symbol—the incomplete globe puzzle. Drawing connections to H.G. Wells' "World Brain," the chapter frames Wikipedia as a modern effort toward global knowledge sharing, though complicated by cultural relativism and online conflict. It emphasizes that technology alone does not guarantee success; rather, Wikipedia’s community norms, such as assuming good faith and welcoming newcomers, are crucial. Ultimately, the project thrives not merely on software but on the belief that people can cooperate and build shared knowledge through mutual trust and social norms.

2. Mention of any new, interesting, or unusual items that I learned through lecture.

One interesting point I learned is that Wikipedia’s greatest strength lies not in its technology, but in the culture of collaboration it fosters. Tools like wiki software support cooperation, but they are secondary to the community’s emphasis on good faith, patience, and inclusivity. I also found the comparison to H.G. Wells' "World Brain" fascinating—while technological advances have brought us closer to such a vision, new challenges like nationalism and cultural differences persist. The discussion of the "tyranny of structurelessness" was particularly striking, as it reveals that too little structure can ironically lead to hidden power imbalances. It showed me that true openness requires both freedom and thoughtful governance to maintain a healthy, functional community.

3. Identify at least one question, concern, or discussion angle that is either problematic in some respect or could have been elaborated more.

One concern that could be further explored is how Wikipedia can maintain its collaborative spirit as it continues to grow and face internal challenges. As the platform becomes larger and more bureaucratic, can it still preserve the grassroots energy that made it thrive? While norms like assuming good faith are vital, enforcing them on a massive, diverse scale remains a challenge. Additionally, the idea that cultural relativism complicates the goal of global knowledge suggests that Wikipedia might struggle to balance inclusivity with maintaining coherent standards. I wonder how Wikipedia can evolve its governance and community structures without either descending into chaos or becoming too rigid and hierarchical, thus losing its original open ethos.