Wikipedia and the social nature of knowledge construction

There are a lot of interesting things to say about Wikipedia, and I like to think I've said a few of those interesting things since its genesis. Today I'm feeling a bit lazy, so I'm going to mention, and link to, two recent pieces about the oft consulted source:

1. A recent study shows that more than 85% of Wikipedia contributions are made by men. Wikipedia, of course, is anonymous and has a participation process that is simple and apparently barrier free. Numerous explanations for the disparity have been tossed around this internet thing, including that the discourse rewards stubbornness, competitiveness and combativeness, and this builds hidden barriers to female participation. What I find to be a plausible partial explanation is that guys are less likely to feel bad about wasting time, either at work or at home.
2. This article in Slate looks at the history of Jesus on Wikipedia. It's fascinating.  It's also fascinating that so many people seem intent on refighting the 'who was Jesus?' battles in the comment section of the Slate story.  The gatekeepers are less vigilant there than at Wikipedia I guess.