Who is Larry Sanger? What the heck is Citizendium, you might ask? Isn't Wikipedia the last word in user-created content? Citizendium is Sanger's new project, which many say is not, will not be and cannot be as "successful" as Wikipedia. Therein lies the attrraction of Sanger and the questions that he raises. What is the nature of success in the Web 2.0 world? Is it quantity or quality? Is there room for expert opinion? Is anonymity really a good thing, given the flame wars that have broken out over the more politically sensitive entries in Wikipedia? Sanger has always maintained two things that are counter to the founding principles of Wikipedia: Anonymity is bad because it allows bad behavior with no consequences; and experts, peer review and editorial control are necessary to maintain quality. Sanger has thoughtful and considered opinions that sometimes run counter to the conventional wisdom of the 2.0 world. Personally, I'm always worried when EVERYONE seems to be saying the same thing and gets wholesale behind people or projects that can then "do no wrong." Sanger has a slightly different view, well worth considering.

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