Startup Chatter by Donna Bogatin

 When the (self-proclaimed) “leading provider of strategic research and analysis, data and competitive metrics on electronic directories” relies on an electronic “encyclopedia” which proudly repudiates the “truth,” LA VIE N’EST PAS BELLE!

John Kelsey, of his namesake “The Kelsey Group,” assures that his consultants “provide high-value market intelligence.” Nevertheless, in marking the “fading away” of France Telecom’s Minitel, he cites a source that even Jimmy Wales warns students ought NOT to rely on: Wikipedia.

I experienced Minitel first-hand in France in its hey day and appreciate the professional role it has played in spurring an interactive, mainstream culture. Wikipedia, on the other hand, is a seductive, unsubstantiated crutch that (apparently) even, trained professionals readily fall victim to.

Organizations such as The Kesley Group which purport to “continually build their knowledge bases” via proprietary research, however, are ill-advised to cite an organization which REFUSES TO PUBLISH ORIGINAL RESEARCH OR ORIGINAL THOUGHT,” aka Wikipedia.

After all, Wikipedia has an inherent aversion to “the truth.” Jimmy Wales may harken to the classical Greek traditions of education for his “branding,” but his entire modus operandi mocks Greek philosophical respect for the truth.

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