Well, this is amusing. Some time yesterday, a friendly person created a Wikipedia bio page for me. Some time after that, it was deleted. I was agnostic on the matter, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was like having my telepathy blocked by government satellites — I didn’t even know I had it, but it sucked to lose it.
Should I have a Wikipedia bio page? I know a bunch of folks who do. A short list of “people on Wikipedia with whom I have lived or worked or had brunch” — Chris Beam, Kerry Howley, Megan McArdle, Julian Sanchez, Will Wilkinson. But -should- I have it? I have no earthly idea. Arguments con:
- I have not written a book (although I’m trying).
- I do not write a column currently for a major American newspaper or magazine.
- I have not won any major journalism awards.
- I did not star in “Couples Retreat.”
Arguments pro:
- I am responsible, by pure accident, for two of the strange memes of our time - “birthers” and “teabaggers.” Recognize the photo at the top of this page?
- I have written for a whole bunch of magazines, and am the only person I know to have contributed to The Nation and The American Spectator.
- I’ve been on TV and radio to discuss my reporting, most notably MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show and NPR’s Fresh Air.
- I’ve been profiled, as a bit player in much larger profiles, in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.
- I’ve got stories. Go back and check the names of the three Ralph Nader electors for Delaware in the 2000 election. Recognize one of the names? I edited a conservative newspaper and college and was funded by, and friendly with, a conservative organization which spooks the hell out of the left. I have been paid, indirectly, by John Mackey, George Soros, and David Koch.
- I’ve worked with Lulu and four other people.
Is this the life and work of a notable person, or just another person who works (hard!) in D.C.? That’s up to the internet, and so far the internet is going with that latter, sadder option.