Is Wikipedia on the wane: what do the web’s demographics say to c&binet?

Andrew | 14 Aug 2009, 14:18

The agenda for October’s inaugural c&binet forum is announced today amid a flurry of recent headlines that should give delegates food for thought. 

Wikipedia approaches its limits, the Guardian says, reporting that statistics released by the sites own analytics team point to stagnation for the people’s online encyclopaedia and control falling into the hands of an editorial clique.

This comes hard on the heels of headlines – all in the last week or two – that Teens abandon Facebook as silver surfers flood in. Or alternatively, More young people flocking to Facebook. Or, as Timesonline interpreted last week’s Ofcom report, Facebook, Twitter and Spotify are killing the family get together in front of the TV.

‘Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable,’ as the old saying goes. Figures are open to interpretation, so is what we’re seeing quite as sensational as the headlines suggest. Or do they obscure what is actually a natural maturing process?

Younger people are instinctively restless. They will always be first to dip a toe, then move on, seek new things. By doing that they provide the momentum for creativity. In their wake, older people can bring experience, stability and perspective for the longer term.

In defining trends, the importance of authoritative, trustworthy intelligence cannot be overstated.

Creative businesses need good information on which to base sound strategic decisions, especially amid all the noise surrounding the creative industries in tough economic conditions.

With representation from, among others,  Microsoft, Spotify, the Walt Disney Company, Wired, Cisco Systems and the BBC, October’s c&binet forum will be bringing together the people who can maximise intelligence and minimise sensationalism to the advantage of the creative community as a whole.