The Struggle to Define Notability and Engage Power Users: Exploring Wikipedia's Creator Controversy and the Power User Curve

The Struggle to Define Notability and Engage Power Users: Exploring Wikipedia's Creator Controversy and the Power User Curve

Introduction:

In the digital age, the influence of content creators and the engagement of power users have become crucial factors in shaping our online experiences. However, two issues have emerged in this landscape: the struggle to define notability on platforms like Wikipedia and the need to understand and engage power users effectively. This article delves into these topics, exploring the controversies surrounding creators on Wikipedia and the power user curve concept.

Defining Notability on Wikipedia:

Wikipedia, the world's largest online encyclopedia, grapples with the challenge of determining what makes a subject "notable" enough to warrant a biographical article. The subjectivity of notability and the border of a "reliable" secondary source have sparked controversies among contributors. To address this, Wikipedia has established guidelines that emphasize the importance of reputable, secondary media coverage in determining notability. However, this approach can be limiting, as it prioritizes mainstream publications and overlooks the relevance of niche or specialized sources. This raises questions about the credibility of publications and the subjective decisions made by Wikipedia reviewers.

The Gender Gap and the Creator's Dilemma:

One notable issue within Wikipedia's struggle with creators is the underrepresentation of women. Out of the 1.7 million biographies on the platform, only 20% feature women. This gender gap highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to notability and the recognition of diverse voices and perspectives. Additionally, the criteria for notability often overlooks the achievements of content creators, particularly those in gaming or esports. Mainstream publications rarely cover what goes on in Twitch and creator circles, leading to the exclusion of relevant sources. This disparity emphasizes the importance of considering secondary sources that cater specifically to certain communities or industries.

The Rise of Content Creators and the Creator Revolution:

Content creators have emerged as influential figures in the digital landscape, with their ability to grow audiences and impact consumer behavior. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of consumers trust influencer product recommendations more than celebrity endorsements. This shift in consumer trust and attention poses a challenge to traditional notions of notability. Creators establish their own notability through their content and audience engagement, often surpassing the reach and impact of established celebrities. As the creator revolution continues to reshape the media landscape, platforms like Wikipedia must adapt to incorporate these new forms of influence and recognition.

The Power User Curve:

Understanding and engaging power users, the most engaged segment of a platform's user base, is essential for the success of digital businesses. The power user curve, also known as the activity histogram or the L30, provides insights into user engagement by plotting the total number of days users were active in a month. This curve allows companies to identify their most dedicated and valuable users. While the common metric of daily active users divided by monthly active users (DAU/MAU) provides a general overview of engagement, it fails to capture the nuances among different user segments. The power user curve reveals the heterogeneity of user engagement, showing the distribution of slightly engaged users alongside power users who contribute significant value to the platform.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace Diversity and Inclusivity: Platforms like Wikipedia should strive to recognize the achievements and contributions of underrepresented groups, including women and creators from niche communities. This can be achieved by broadening the criteria for notability and considering a wider range of reputable sources.

• 2. Tailor Engagement Strategies: Companies should analyze their power user curve to identify their most engaged users and tailor engagement strategies accordingly. This may involve understanding the specific needs and preferences of different user segments and designing the platform to accommodate their diverse interests.

• 3. Balance Core Activity and User Experience: When designing a platform, it is crucial to strike a balance between emphasizing core activity and ensuring that all users have a chance to succeed. This can be achieved by creating a user-friendly interface, providing diverse features and content, and fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

Conclusion:

The controversies surrounding notability on Wikipedia and the importance of engaging power users highlight the evolving nature of digital platforms and the need to adapt to the changing dynamics of online communities. By embracing inclusivity, tailoring engagement strategies, and prioritizing user experience, platforms can navigate these challenges and pave the way for a more diverse and engaging digital future.