Kvasny Prum. 2017; 63(5): 269-272

Wikipedia and its Communication PotentialNot peer-reviewed article

Josef VACL

UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK IN PRAGUE/PORT spol. s r. o.

Wikipedia is the most widespread, most well-known and perhaps most cited source of information today. It offers significant communication potential. It is necessary to evaluate the use of Wikipedia now and in the future. It has been found, that no facts exist about many personalities from malt- and brewing branches. It could be much more publicized about this topic from the history up to now, from public article up to expert texts. The data in language versions are often missing. The Research institute of Brewing and Malting (RIBM) started to publish articles about its important personalities and some important projects of RIBM. In addition to the texts published in Czech version of Wikipedia, the same text in English already appeared in English Wikipedia. The location of passwords and articles on Wikipedia is completely free. However their preparation needs some time and some costs. Not all articles on Wikipedia will remain on it, because they do not fit the philosophy and requirements of this institution. The articles should not be promotional, with PR content, publishing some not verifiable text. However if the article is significant, verifiable and not prejudicial, written in an encyclopedic style, it has a great chance to be published. In spite of it remains Wikipedia as an important communication chance because of extending knowledges and learning about themes that they have been provided to the word and its inhabitants. Wikipedia offers to all people ready and willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

Keywords: beer, brewing industry, malting industry, RIBM, Wikipedia

Published: October 16, 2017