Content, Marketing and Custom Media in Wikipedia

By Joe Pulizzi | Published: September 17, 2007

I’ve been wanting to put this post together for a while on Wikipedia as it relates to content marketing. Wikipedia is an extremely useful resource for marketers, especially when you are looking for basic information or definitions.

Just in case you are new to Wikipedia, here is a link to the about page. Basically, Wikipedia is the world’s encyclopedia…edited and policed by people from all over the world. Some marketers actually try to create tactics and strategies to get their company web sites onto a particular word or phrase. Since it’s well policed (just look at the history section of Custom Media…thanks Rex), the content stays pretty accurate and very educational.

Here are an assortment of words or phrases that are worth checking out when you get time.

Custom Media – The definition that encompasses content marketing, custom publishing, custom media and customer media.
Marketing – Excellent overview of the basics. Some areas, such as “Criticisms of Marketing” may not fit…but definitely interesting. This post also shows you how Wikipedia polices itself. As of today’s date, it’s noted that this definition “may” not meet Wikipedia’s standards.
Content (media and publishing) – Excellent overview of distribution channels, platforms and monetization models.
Media – This will get you to links for just about every type of media, from print media to digital media.
Media Meshing – Interesting take on integrated media.
Branded Content – Short definition here. Definitely needs some work.
Branded Entertainment
Customer Engagement
User-Generated Content (possibly a better term for this is conversational media)

Also good basics for just those content offerings you are interested in, such as:

Although Wikipedia is far from perfect, you can see how useful a resource this information can be. If I missed any important ones, let me know and I’ll add them to this list.

>>If you liked this article, try Junta42 for more.