In Wiki We Trust

What makes Wikipedia so attractive to its users? Is it merely the deep regard for reliable truth or immediate "truth?" As a frequent user, my Wiki searches typically stem from curiosity, which falls into the immediacy of what I want to know.  Generally, I do not devote my understanding of life's topics or even my soul to user-created-scripture and regard it as reliable.  In other words, it seems that user-created content which applies to information found in Wikipedia, Social Networks, blogs, has become our reality and plays a big part of the religious-like devotion people have adopted when needing quick answers.  But, where is the conviction of need for discernment and wisdom of such information being presented through the monitor?  

Such user-playgrounds such as Wikipedia, SNSs, and blogs eludes to the topic of Web 2.0, which is the extension of new applications and awareness of new trends in people's use of the internet.  In the Britannica article, Web three-minus-one means "moving some of the thinking CLIENT SIDE so making it more immediate." But, who has that power to make it immediate? We the people! Colbert made an interesting statement that stuck out to me; he says, "Open source software is like free trade and the invisible hand of the market has the mouse now." He also argued that when money determines Wikipedia entries reality becomes commodity.   Although we have not really reached the point of expensive reality, what is dangerous about free reality is that it is free.  With the internet, which is full of low absolutes and an outlet for false declarations, reality becomes whatever anyone believes, and constitutes what is. But how do we draft power and truth into Web 2.0? Is it such that the elite has to require a fee for people to contribute to truth on any topic, which turns reality into commodity? Who has the privilege to have that power, people who just want a platform to create there own scripture or those with the experience that is relevant to topics and ideas?  

To sum this whole argument of Web 2.0 and its content in the hands of user-creators, we need to be careful what we say, do, and accept in a world of false testimony and utter bull-shit.  The internet can be a world of playtime and resource of lies. Be cautious of what you trust.