Here is the discussion we've been having cloak and dagger via email:
Friends,
The more and more I think about the local wiki/Google Map idea, the more and more it seems like Google is about to do what we're doing. They already have wikipedia entries tagged on Google Earth by the plenty, so I suppose it's only a matter of time before entries wind down to local details. Hmm.. What do you think?
Blewisjizzle
I think that's a damn valid concern. One argument for pursuing local wiki/map projects is that they could help (not save, but help) local media outlets. With a media run wiki/map program, the news organization can put part of its own resources into producing content. It gives people an additional reason to go to, interact with, make content for and stick around a news organization's web site. I'm a big fan of Google, but I do think news organizations could benefit from running these kinds of sites themselves.
That being said, I have some qualms about news organizations running these sites too, but I think the benefits may outweigh my fears.
We can definitely talk about this more. I did some more thinking about the letter writing app and other things this weekend. I had breakfast with my 83-year-old grandma-in-law and she told me that when she was younger, she had a group of friends who met once or twice a month to write letters to politicians together. They would all help one another write the letters and them go mail them together. It was a social and political event for them. Made me rethink a letter writing tool some.
Courtney
Wow, old people sure knew how to get involved in politics.
Sam, will you bring that Wired article to the meeting tomorrow? We need to figure out the state of this organism we're helping evolve to make sure we're beating everyone, or else I think we should reconsider topics. The community wiki still has my full support, but I don't want another trip down Facebook carpool lane.
-Nate