It was only a matter of time before people realized that Wikipedia is ripe for PR potential. There were always instances of bias in articles, but as the site's popularity has grown, so has the profile of instances where individuals or groups have edited entries for their own gain.

This article describes how the staffers of U.S. Rep Marty Meehan wiped out references that they did not agree with, including an alleged broken term limits pledge, and details about his campaign finances.

The article also goes on to describe some other instances where Wikipedia has been exploited, including when someone wrote that Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor "smells of cow dung" and someone else opined that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is "ineffective."

The best thing about those last two quotes: the IP addresses were traced to Congressional offices. I guess instead of passing a note in class, or writing graffiti in the bathroom, our political representatives are now using Wikipedia.

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posted by Jonathan @ 4:32 PM Friday, January 27, 2006   
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