The Truth According To Wikipedia (2008)

This documentary examines the reliability of Wikipedia, and the dichotomy between usage of experts versus amateur editors. The film includes commentary from Wikipedia co-founders Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, The Cult of the Amateur author Andrew Keen, O’Reilly Media chief executive officer Tim O’Reilly, and former editor-in-chief of Encyclopædia Britannica Robert McHenry.

Keen argues that experts should serve as guardians of information during the Web 2.0 phenomenon; this point of view is supported by analysis from Sanger.

Director IJsbrand van Veelen examines questions about Wikipedia, including whether it will harm traditional encyclopaedias, including Encyclopædia Britannica and the reliability of Wikipedia. Veelen also addresses the idea that information wants to be free. Individuals who are interviewed and appear as commentators in the film include Wikipedia co-founders Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger.

Discussion topics include how the contributions of both unqualified and expert users affect Wikipedia, and more broadly, the Web 2.0 phenomenon. Andrew Keen is featured prominently in the film, and puts forth a thesis that veracity of information should be determined by experts who should function as guardians for such material. Keen’s argument is supported in the film by commentary from Larry Sanger, who left Wikipedia over a conflict with Jimmy Wales regarding Sanger’s desire for experts to be given additional influence on the project.