This is a list of companies involved in paid editing, both disclosed and undisclosed, and some of their blocked accounts.
It also describes some of the ways in which these companies work. It is to help with the detection and follow up of future issues, and to help educate those who may have been approached by such organizations to write an article for them.
For background, see also the Wikimedia Foundation statement on paid editing and outing (2017).
Undisclosed paid editing
[edit]3Q Digital
[edit]- Claimed over 10 years' experience doing Wikipedia editing as of 2016 [1]
- Uses article creation case study in marketing material [2] (archive)
- Barbequeue (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
- EastWestern (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
- See Wikipedia:Conflict of interest/Noticeboard/Archive 126#3QDigital aka 3Q Digital.
- It could be related to WP:Sockpuppet investigations/Yoodaba.
Abtach
[edit]
ABTACH Ltd is a marketing company based in Karachi, Pakistan. They were community banned in July 2020 (see RfC closure). They offer logo design, trademark listing, book ghost writing, animation, and Wikipedia page creation services. They operate many websites disguising as different companies. In our community they are more commonly known as WikiProfessionals Inc, which was the name under which they were community banned (diff). They currently use Wiki Specialist LLC and other names listed below. Americanwikispecialist.com is suspected to use a ransomware technique where they delete pages if payments are refused.
They run email spam campaigns under various names, including Wiki Professionals. Page creation and monitoring to "make sure that nobody wrongly edits any of the information about your brand on your Wikipedia page". Pretends to be from Wikipedia. They are buying ads via Facebook and have used one likely undisclosed sponsored article (archived here January 14, 2020) on a website.
As of July 2024, they buy Google Ads through fronts named Max Mind Tech LLC (for wiki domain(s): pagecreation.wiki, allamericanwriter.com, and falconghostwriting.com) and Vertical Minds LLC (for wiki domain(s): thewikiinc.com and wikiproficiency.com). When operating under the name of "thewikipedians.com", they tried to scam users and impersonate admins: Scam reported to Reddit and ANI; Special:Diff/1164507156.
Abtach uses several US company fronts as merchants for payments, including TEXONA MARKETING LLC [3] (as of 2023).
They also operate a VPN service, FastestVPN, which they occasionally use for their own undisclosed paid editing.
- Accounts and investigations
- Main sockpuppet investigation: Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/BrookeCook
- item concerning firm on fr.wiki administrators' noticeboard
- W-Eth-Viet (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) wiki ethicists subcontractor, blocked
- diff user
Wikiproficiency
at Simple English Wikipedia - ticket:2018052210011323
- Ticket:2018092510007996
- See also WikiProject Spam discussion
- ticket:2023062610000281
- ticket:2023032810005037 (wikifederation.com)
- Websites
- 360digimarketing.com
- abtach.com
- abtachdmcc.ae
- abtachdmcc.com
- abtachdmcc.co.uk
- allamericanwriter.com
- americanwikieditors.com
- americanwikimoderator.com
- americanwikispecialist.com
- americanwikiwriters.com
- beonwiki.org
- broomwiki.net
- createapage.wiki
- createapersonal.wiki
- createawiki.page
- createawikipage.org
- createawikipageforyourbusiness.com
- createwikipage.com
- createyourwiki.com
- falconghostwriting.com
- getonwiki.com
- getonwikipedia.net
- getwikipage.com
- getyourwikipage.com
- globalwikiservices.com
- howtocreateawiki.page
- infinityghostwriting.com
- kochwiki.net
- lightwiki.net
- makeawikipage.com
- makeawikipage.net
- pagecreation.wiki
- professionalswikiinc.com
- professionalwikiinc.com
- reckonmediallc.com
- texonamarketing.co
- thewikieditors.com
- thewikiinc.com
- thewikiinc.org
- thewikispecialists.com
- thewikispecialists.co
- thewikistudio.com
- thewikipublishers.com
- thewikiwizards.com
- thewikipedians.com
- usawikispecialists.com
- wikiadvisorsllc.com
- wikiconsultancy.com
- wikiconsultant.net
- wikicontributors.net
- wikicorps.com
- wikicouncil.com
- wikicouncill.com
- wikicounsellor.com
- wikicreation.services
- wikicreatorsinc.com
- wikicuration.com
- wikieditors.net
- wikifederation.com
- wikifiersllc.com
- wikigeeks.co
- wikigloballlc.com
- wikiglobalservices.com
- wikiguinee.net
- wikiimastersinc.com
- wikiinc.org
- wikiinsights.org
- wikiinstigator.com
- wikiprofessionalsinc.co.uk
- wikilitterateur.com
- wikimanagementinc.com
- wikimanagerzone.com
- wikimastersinc.com
- wikimaven.com
- wikipagecreation.agency
- wikipagecreation.com
- wikipagecreation.services
- wikipagecreator.net
- wikipagecreator.org
- wikipagemaker.com
- wikipagemaker.net
- wikipagemaker.org
- wikipagewriting.com
- wikipagewriting.services
- wikiparagon.com
- wikiparagon.org
- wikipediaconsultant.com
- wikipediacontributors.net
- wikipedialegendsllc.com
- wikipediapagecreation.agency
- wikipediapagecreation.org
- wikipediapagecreator.com
- wikipediapagewriting.com
- wikipediapagewriting.services
- wikipediaservices.net
- wikipediazone.com
- wikipediya.agency
- wikipediya.services
- wikiprofessionalinc.com
- wikiprofessionalinc.net
- wikiprofessionalsinc.co
- wikiprofessionalsinc.co.uk
- wikiprofessionalsinc.com, ticket:2022020210004812
- wikiprofessionalsincorporation.com
- wikiprofessionalslnc.com
- wikiprofessionalzinc.com
- wikiproficiency.com
- wikiproficiency.net
- wikiproficiency.org
- wikiprofileinc.com
- wikiprofllc.com
- wikiproservices.com
- wikipublishersllc.com
- wikirytessinc.com
- wikisolutionsllc.com
- wikispecialinc.com
- wikispecialistllc.com
- wikiwritersonline.com
Other related websites and useful information
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Avelon PR
[edit]- https://www.avelonpr.com
- Client list
- There are many articles of their claimed clients and some blocked accounts associated with them e.g. Sevalbury (talk · contribs), Treianlatri (talk · contribs), Lapablo (talk · contribs) but there is no way of confirming whether these accounts are really related to this company. These precede the date of this website being registered according to whois and the oldest date back to 2017 - see Cyber Infrastructure.
- They also operate The Wiki Publishing, see https://www.thewikipub.com/ (same phone and other public records).
- The company is registered as Avelon Digital LLC and AVELONPR OÜ (Estonia).
Avoof
[edit]- avoof
.com, number of employees 3 - Based in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
- Partnered with Jay Soshnick per [25]
- Wikipedia page creation service offered on [26]
- Runs blacklisted MediaWiki-based spam site https://wikitia.org/
- Charges for Wikitia page creation
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Kavdiamanju/Archive
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Kavdiaravish/Archive
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Shashanksinghvi334/Archive
- 1.39.224.120 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · filter log · WHOIS · RDNS · RBLs · http · block user · block log)
- Actively advertising on Upwork as of 2020-2021
- >$200,000 in revenue noted by Upwork
Bettiblue
[edit]- http://www.bettiblue.com
- "[W]e specialize in marketing on WIKIPEDIA, plus we offer a truly unique marketing content solutions [sic]." / "Wikipedia is a treasure trove for companies that really care about branding" / "Wikipedia is a golden marketing tool [...] . We at Bettiblue make sure that you tap the goldmine the right way. By providing expert services for a Wikipedia page creation, Bettiblue ensures that your Wikipedia page is created as per the rules, done by experienced editors and it stays there so that you can tap this goldmine of opportunities for your business."
- Puzzle globe infringement (reported). Image is somewhat modified and obstructed. Could be fair use.
- Domain registered to Irina Kalonatchi, Sydney
BP4U
[edit]- bp4usolutions.com/wikipedia-page-creation/
- Based in Nottingham, UK.
BICAds
[edit]- Website, number of employees 2-10
- Bicads (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Biography Writing Services
[edit]Offers to make third-party sources for the articles they create.
Boskit190/Hilumeoka2000/Lary Networks
[edit]- Boskit190 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
- Hilumeoka2000 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki) former name; dozens of socks
- Self-outed freelancer. Works as hilumeoka2000 at freelancer.com, odesk, elance per Special:diff/662074627.
Brafton
[edit]brafton.com, see Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/50mMidas/Archive and Category:Wikipedia sockpuppets of Tester85.
Brass Check
[edit]- TheRegicider (Wikipedia:Requests for checkuser/Case/TheRegicider) per own published claim to have edited here and diff
- http://www.brasscheck.net - "Brass Check is a creative advisory firm that specializes in working with authors, media companies and startups."
One of the principals of Brass Check is Ryan Holiday who has written about how to infiltrate Wikipedia for Fortune in 2012 and his involvement with Brass Check in New York Observer in 2017. Claimed Brass Check client articles - see COIN permlink.
Buzzinga Digital
[edit]- buzzingadigital.com
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/BuzzingaWiki
- This is a marketing firm founded by Yashraj Vakil.
Cameron Free Marketing
[edit]- Cameronfree (talk · contribs)
- Alexanderrun (talk · contribs)
- Rolledup145 (talk · contribs)
Cameron Free Marketing is a small marketing company based in Boca Raton, Florida. The company does not directly offer Wikipedia editing services, but significant overlaps exist between the off-wiki company's clients and topics edited by the User:Cameronfree sockfarm (case at Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Cameronfree) strongly implies a paid editing campaign was being undertaken from late 2018 to early 2019. Cameron Free Marketing's areas of interest (both in terms of off and on Wiki marketing) seems to be focused around topics related to Florida—the state where the company is based—with special emphasis being centered around Boca Raton. Other editing focuses include smaller companies related to the arts or clothing. Suspected clients include;
- Ikonick-a canvas and art supplies company.
- Jersey Champs-a sports clothing company; this company has been the subject of edits by multiple undisclosed paid editors in the past, most of which are not affiliated with Cameron Free Marketing.
- Marcel Katz (now at Draft:Marcel Katz (2))- A Miami-based artist.
Coast Digital
[edit]- coastdigital.co.uk
- see for example this How to appear in the Knowledge Graph: For the kinds of brands we work with, the most common way to appear in the knowledge graph is through a Wikipedia article. Having a Wikipedia article about your brand is a win-win – it means you’re appearing on one of the biggest independent information resources in existence and it means you’re featured on one of those public sources Google uses to generate the Knowledge Graph. Now, Wikipedia isn’t quite the content free-for-all it used to be, so getting a page added might be more difficult than you’re expecting – but it’s an ordeal worth going through to claim that much organic real estate.
- very likely Coast123 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Cogent Law Group
[edit]- Wikipedia:Conflict of interest/Noticeboard#Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan
- There is evidence of contracting Wikipedia editing. No evidence of the actual project already being executed yet.
Connect Worldwide
[edit]The Digital Marketing Consultants
[edit]DigiWiser
[edit]DigiWiser Ltd is a UK-domiciled marketing company that operates multiple domains, including zenbookwriting.com and zenbookwritings.com where they offer Wikipedia editing services [27].
As of February 2024, they are buying Google Ads as DigiWiser Ltd [28].
- Websites
- thedigiwiser.com
- digiwiser.co
- zenbookwriting.com
- zenbookwritings.com
Other related websites and useful information
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Digital NOD
[edit]- https://digitalnod.co/
- Appears to hire accounts through Upwork
The Digital SEO
[edit]- http://www.thedigitalseo.com/p/wiki-page-expert.html claims to be named Bhupesh Patel
- Patel.bhupesh
- Category:Wikipedia sockpuppets of Nicgf
Digital Sukoon
[edit]- Website, Estimated number of employees (9)
- Link to the discussion at COIN
- Sudhanshu6454 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- SudhanshuKumar1 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Digi Osmosis
[edit]- Website
- Mrugeshsingh (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Digitonics
[edit]Digitonics is a marketing company based in Karachi, Pakistan. Its modus operandi is similar to #Abtach. Its properties were divided across various companies, including #Sybex Lab, #Z-Technetics and #Innovatech LTD.
- Websites
- demo-digitonics.com
- digitonics.com
- websitesdesignerinc.com
- wikiprofessionalist.com
- Accounts
- Precariousman123 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) Digitonics/websitesdesignerinc.com
- Possibly linked to Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/CharmenderDeol
Logitonics
[edit]- Different from WikiPublishers Online
Logitonics (pvt.) Ltd. is a marketing company based in Karachi, Pakistan. It was co-founded in 2019 by Usman Rogatia who also founded Quad Tech [53]. Its modus operandi is similar to #Digitonics and offers services such as logo design, web development, ghostwriting, and Wikipedia editing.
As of July 2023, it is advertising on Google Ads under a personal account, managed by the chief operating officer.
- Websites
- logitonics.com
- prowikiexpert.com
- wikiexcel.co.uk
- wikipioneers.com
- wikipublishersllc.com
Other related websites and useful information
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Quad Tech
[edit]Quad Tech (pvt.) Ltd. is a marketing company based in Karachi, Pakistan. Its modus operandi is similar to #Digitonics and offers services such as logo design, web development, ghostwriting, and Wikipedia editing. It was co-founded in 2020 by Ibad Alvi [62]. Usman Rogatia is the CEO of Quad Tech who also co-founded #Logitonics [63] [64].
- Websites
- quadlabs.co
- quadtech.org
- wikipediaprime.com
Other related websites and useful information
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Sybex Lab
[edit]Sybex Lab is a company based in Karachi, Pakistan, similar to #Abatch. It was founded by former #Digitonics managers. Most recent SPI case is Girmv. Some previously disclosed accounts were blocked at CharmenderDeol SPI.
As of January 2024, they advertise on Google under the name of PICIS Clinical Solutions, Inc., AKP SOLUTIONS USA LLC, and have at least one current covert advertising placement online [67]. It shares Dynamic Digital Solutions, LLC and PICIS Clinical Solutions, Inc with its sister company, #Salsoft.
- Websites
- sybexlab.com
- sybexglobal.com
- elitewikiwriter.com
- elitewikiwriters.com (Twitter: @writers_wiki)
- framexlab.com
- hirewikiwriter.com
- premiumwikiconsultants.com
- premiumwikiexperts.com
- wikiadroit.com
- wikicurators.com
- wikicuratorz.com
- wikieditorsllc.com
- wikiexpertise.com
- wikiscribes.com
- wikimastery.com
- wikimediafoundetion.com
- wikimoderator.com
- wikipruitt.com
- wikivalidate.com
- wikiversed.com
- Accounts
- Hillster (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki) (various Sybex Lab fronts)
- BettytheBeth (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki) (various Sybex Lab fronts)
Other related websites and useful information
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Sky Soft Tech
[edit]Sky Soft Tech (pvt.) Ltd. is a marketing company based in Karachi, Pakistan. Its modus operandi is similar to #Digitonics and offers services such as logo design, web development, ghostwriting, and Wikipedia editing. It was in 2021. Ghayas Ghazali is the CEO of Sky Tech since 2021 [101].
- Websites
- skysofttech.net
Other related websites and useful information
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Z-Technetics
[edit]- Different from wikicreators.com and wikicreatorsinc.com.
Z-Technetics is a defunct marketing company based in Karachi, Pakistan. It was not a registered entity per SECP records and was likely operating as a proxy of Digitonics. Goes by various names such as Wiki Creators LLC, Estech Digital, Techture or Quad Tech Pvt Ltd. Some of these are actual companies in the United States or Karachi, Pakistan. Impersonates Wikipedia administrators in off-wiki communications. Deceives customers in relation to paid contributions policies.
Some of their websites shared infrastructure with #Digitonics. One of their websites, "Techture.co", has the same name that some scam victims claimed were the same merchant name used by #Sybex Lab ([105], [106])
- Websites
- estechdigital.co
- quadtech.org
- techture.co
- thewikiconsultants.com
- thewikisociety.com
- wikicreatorllc.com
- wikicreatorsllc.com
- wikicreatorsllc.net
- wikiexecutives.com
- wikipediapages.com (2020-2021, same IP as digitonics.com in 2016)
- wikipediaprofile.com (2020-2021, same IP as digitonics.com in 2016)
- wikiprofessionalsllc.com
- wikispecialists.com
- ztechnetics.com
- Accounts
- ElizabethWiki2001 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- CherylWiki007 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- JessicaBruton (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- YiYiYangYang (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Some reported under Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/CharmenderDeol
Innovatech LTD
[edit]Innovatech LTD is a spam company based in Karachi, Pakistan. It operates under various names. It has shared infrastructure with #Digitonics and #Sybex Lab.
- Websites
- innovatechltd.com
- wikipediapublisher.com
- wikipediaspecialist.com
- wikicreatives.com
Salsoft
[edit]Salsoft Technologies (Pvt) Ltd is a company based in Karachi, Pakistan. An article was written about them at Android Police [107]. Advertises using multiple domains as AvenueSocial, Inc [108]. Business model very similar to Abtach. Scam reported at help desk. Probably the same as Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/MilesJ22.
As of August 2024, they buy Google Ads through multiple fronts named iTechDevice [109] (for wiki domain(s): 360wikiwriters.com), Morewish Digital LLC [110] (for wiki domain(s): wikiexpertsinc.com), Dynamic Digital Solutions, LLC [111] (for wiki domain(s): elitewikiwriting.com, premiumwikieditors.com, premiumwikiconsultants.com, and wikiconsultants.com), and S L N T COMPUTER SYSTEMS L.L.C [112] (for wiki domain(s): globalwikiexperts.com). It shares PICIS Clinical Solutions and Dynamic Digital Solutions, LLC as a Google advertiser with its sister company, #Sybex Lab.
- Websites
- 360wikiwriters.com
- americancontentwriters.com
- americanwikionline.com
- americanwikiwriters.com
- editorialboardwikipedia.com
- elitewikipedia.com
- elitewikiwriting.com
- elitewikiwriting.co.uk
- getmeonwiki.com
- ghostwritersavenue.com
- globalwikiexperts.com
- premiumwikiconsultants.com
- premiumwikieditors.com
- professionalwikiwriters.com
- speedy-wiki-listing.com
- wikiconsultants.com
- wikiexpertsinc.com
- wikiengines.com
- wikinativeinc.com
- wikiofficials.com
- wikiperfectionists.com
- wikipublications.com
- wikipublishersonline.com
- wikipublishingagency.com
- wikipublishersgroup.com
- wikiwritingservice.com
- wikpedias.com
- vanillaheartbookandauthors.com
- Accounts
- SEngSalSoft (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Related to LaurelWest SPI.
Other related websites and useful information
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Meta Frolic Labs
[edit]Meta Frolic Labs Pvt. Ltd is a business separated from Salsoft in 2023 by Omair Ahmed. It's similar to Salsoft and is offering Wikipedia-related services.
- Websites
- metafroliclabs.com
Dot Com Infoway
[edit]- https://www.dotcominfoway.com/product/wikipedia-page-creation/
- User:Stephenlewis sockmaster, banned since 2008
For $1,200 "Our Wikipedia writers help you create a Wikipedia page for your brand and make it stick and survive the review process."
- C. R. Venkatesh, C. R Venkatesh (recreated w misspelling) founder bio
- Wikipedia:Administrators'_noticeboard/Archive133#Seeking_Community_ban_of_Dot_Com_Infoway_company_Adsense_marketing_and_Spamming
downtowndok.com
[edit]- https://www.downtowndok.com/wikipedia
- Google targeted search ad, poor English
- US toll-free number
Dream Xpress
[edit]- Dream Xpress is a marketing agency based in Mumbai, India.
- Website(s)
- dreamxpress.in
Edventure
[edit]Edventure General Trading LLC is a marketing agency based in the United Arab Emirates ([162]).
- Website(s)
- writersofusa.com/wiki-writing
Other related websites and useful information
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Ethon Technologies
[edit]- Standard SEO/Marketing company
- Based in Pune, India
- Offers Wikipedia page creation services.
E-PR
[edit]- e-pr.online
- E-PR is a PR agency of Ukrainian origin. It is now based in New York, U.S.
everymedia
[edit]Exposure Digital
[edit]Was found paying User:MrMarkBGregory to add "spam links" to Wikipedia. These payments were disclosed but this is not allowed.
Exposure Ninja
[edit]- How to build backlinks from Wikipedia, examples inserted by User:46.233.116.253
Facilius Inc
[edit]See Jun 28, 17 emails. [166]
Actively emailing people as of Dec 2017. Stating that they have created 400+ articles and have admins working for them. Says articles on a topic need to be two months apart. They follow the deletion boards to find potential customers. It appears they include creating sources as part of the fee.
Still trying to recruit editors as of April 2019 ([167])
Famous Influencer
[edit]- Website, number of employees 11-50 per LinkedIn
Fast Fingers Hype Team (FFHypeTEAM)
[edit]- https://www.kwaolezzes.com/blog/ and Facebook
- Ghana based, under name of Kwao Lezzes-Tyt (bio repeatedly recreated)
- Daniel Kobe Ricks Jr (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
- at least 140 confirmed sockpuppets
Filmmakerseo
[edit]Fiveblocks
[edit]- https://www.fiveblocks.com/editing-your-brands-wikipedia-entry/ (older archived version)
- WMF trademark infringement (removed)
- Factsonlyplease39 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
- Changingguardsatbuckinghampalace (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
- OnceaMetro (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki) (maybe connected, but different country)
FP1 Strategies
[edit]- Lesbianadvocate (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
See COIN archive
Frost Media Solutions
[edit]- http://frostmediasolutions.com/tag/wikipedia/ including how to get on Wikipedia's front page
Reputation management
Garden of Ads
[edit]- gardenofads.com
- Charges up to $150,000 per article
GKP Maker
[edit]- website
- Marketing and SEO agency
- Advertises Wikipedia page creation
- Claims to comply with Wikipedia polices, but no known disclosures and examples cited by the agency of successful creations likewise show no evidence of disclosure
Gerris Marketing
[edit]- https://chrisabraham.com/services/wikipedia-curation: "[we] can help you curate and manage your personal, professional, or corporate reputation on Wikipedia...have collected a stable of some of the best Wikipedia Curators possible..."
- Also offers Wikipedia Crisis Management (!)
- Ambiguous statement here discourages corps from "directly promoting your company or adding your company entry" to Wikipedia
Go Fish Digital
[edit]- https://gofishdigital.com/online-reputation-management/
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/BurritoSlayer
"Wikipedia Management service: Wikipedia consistently ranks highly in the search engines' results. It is often viewed as a third-party objective authority, and as such, the content it contains about a person or brand has a direct impact on their reputation. Managing and improving your personal or brand Wikipedia page ensures that you are putting your best foot forward."
Important to note that this company was a WMF vendor and has some private data, details at phab:T192893 and phab:T193052.
The Gold Rush
[edit]- Advertises on seoclerk.com - selling article citation links for a few dollars to $99
- puzzle globe infringement
- Uses name "Rahul Tulsyani / username Tuslyanir
gotwikipedia.com
[edit]- Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/Archive273#gotwikipedia.com
- EBY3221 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
- Chelsea232024 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
Global Media Insight
[edit]- https://www.globalmediainsight.com/wikipedia-page-creation-service
- UAE/Middle East specialists; "We have a battalion of Wikipedia editors in English as well as Arabic."
- puzzle globe infringement
Hats Off Digital
[edit]- [168]
- puzzle globe infringement. Logo is on Coffee mug image, could be fair use.
"Hats-Off Helps You Manage Your Image on Wikipedia" "Wikipedia has become an alternative marketing tool for businesses as well as people. It helps in increasing your visibility on search engines, markets your products and services as well as help with eCommerce promotion."
Hawk Nepal
[edit]- Website, Estimated number of employees (unknown)
- Link to the Facebook post
- Link to the Sockpuppet investigation
- Sushilxxx (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Sushil.lax (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Highbrows Engineering and Technologies
[edit]- Highstakes00 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki) (about 200 sockpuppets)
- SPI case page
- COIN discussion archives: 117, 127, 132
- Location: Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- Also known as HE&T
- Hassan Haider Naqvi mentioned as CEO on the company's about us page. On other sites he uses various combinations of the names Syed Hassan Haider Naqvi per archived COIN discussion.
- Website highbrows.pk (archived)
- User:Gfeiwer (see third-party attribution here)
- >$500,000 in revenue noted by Upwork
- Charged fixed price of $1,120 on Upwork in early 2021. Regularly increases fixed price on Upwork every several months.
- High hourly rate and consultation fees
- Known to aggressively report competitors
A CU confirmed sock displayed a link to edenwritings
HighlyRelevant
[edit]Hire Wikipedia Writers
[edit]- Impex Global USA LLC, doing business as Hire Wikipedia Writers, is a marketing company domiciled in Wyoming, U.S.
- Websites
- hirewikipediawriters.com
- ghostwriting.services (diff)
- Accounts
- Elisafrag (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Hot4SEO
[edit]Munich based.
Offers "Off-Page SEO" and lists Wikipedia as an example of a wiki in their off-page SEO navigation menu, alongside other social media.
Publicly belongs to Hanna Buryak (Munich) who also offers services through UpWork[169]
Huff Industrial Marketing
[edit]- Per "How to develop a Wikipedia page", author Dianna Huff founder and president
- Huff also listed at freelancing4moms.com and dhcommunications.com
- Lists Cabot Corporation as client; see connected/paid contributors at talk:Cabot Corporation
Hugo Hawk
[edit]- hugohawk.com
- Probably related to badenbower.com, twofoldx.com, memorialize.co, reviewrumble.com.
ID Africa
[edit]- Ugbedeg (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
Idimpact
[edit]Working on Spasmodic dysphonia
Index of Sciences LTD
[edit]Index of Sciences LTD is a predatory publisher who also publishes paid Wikipedia biographies for academics. They run massive spam campaigns offering their services.
Approved disclosure of information obtained through VRT:
- We are aware of 65+ emails from a paid editing company since December 2018 to present.
- The company has occasionally self-identified as Index of Sciences LTD.
- They target academics, writing to their work email addresses, offering to create biographies on Wikipedia for pay.
- They claim to have multiple accounts.
- They claim to have new page reviewer rights.
- They claim 9+ years of experience as of 2021.
- There is evidence of this company connection to at least one blocked account on the English Wikipedia.
- Email origins
- indexsciences.com
- scienceindexes.com
- indexinscience.net
- scienceaccord.com
- and many others
InfluenceTree
[edit]See Entrepreneur July 2017
- Wikipeople6789 (talk · contribs · count) probable
- 365dayswiki (talk · contribs · count) probable
Interprose
[edit]- Mdrozdowski (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Blocked for native advertisement despite disclosures.
Kalyan Chandra
[edit]- Wikipedia page creator service in India
- HQ: Hyderabad, India
- As of date, running Google ads
Keywordsfly
[edit]- Claims 80,000 edits and 1,000 new articles
- [170]
KCOMM
[edit]- [171] - website
- [172] - brochure offering Wikipedia editing services
- Juliusvergara (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) blocked
KCOMM is a California-based digital marketing company that offers Wikipedia page creation for clients, most of which are related to the real estate industry. Several editors likely affiliated with the company were blocked in early 2019 per Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Juliusvergara. As of February 2019, editors affiliated with the firm (via substantial off-wiki evidence) have declined to disclose any paid status, and the same editors have also resorted to sockpuppetry to create articles. Past creations likely done by KCOMM included;
- Sinan Kanatsiz - CEO of KCOMM; also created at Sinan Kanatsiz (businessman). Both articles now protected from re-creation.
- Ware Malcomb - Client of KCOMM (per testimonials) and a target of multiple suspected COI accounts.
- Lawrence R. Armstrong - CEO of Ware Malcomb and a past creation of KCOMM-linked accounts.
koozai.com
[edit]Talk page July 18, 2017
Korebase
[edit]- http://korebase.com/seo/
- Evanpy1 (talk · contribs)
Kreative Mines
[edit]- Kreative Mines website
- Digital marketing company providing SEO services.
- Published an essay advertising paid editing services on Wikipedia.
- Offers page creation, edits, and maintenance template removal.
Legalmorning.com
[edit]- https://www.legalmorning.com/
- Communnity banned [173]
- Run by Mike Wood[174]
- Morning277 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
- http://www.ibtimes.com/wikipedia-sends-paid-editors-cease-desist-sockpuppet-account-morning277-not-wiki-pr-1482738
- from their website:
- posts articles straight to mainspace
- uses multiple references so not csd class
- boasts variously of 40,000 or 80,000 Wikipedia edits and creating 1000 articles
- charges yearly for maintaining articles including removing or rewriting negative content and defending the article at AfD if it is nominated
- charges for single edits if that is all that is required
- does not give a deletion service (ie nominating AfDs)
- calls Wikipedia editors "futile", and says they are "dying out"
Lexicon Branding
[edit]London Biography
[edit]- http://londonbiography.com (dead link)
- https://web.archive.org/web/20161029092239/http://londonbiography.com:80/
"We produce biographical books, websites and Wikipedia entries for individuals and organisations."
Promises not to divulge clients.
Lookup Cyber Solutions
[edit]- lookupinc.xyz (blacklisted), registered to anon in Gujarat
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet_investigations/Swarup_Kumar_Solanki ~two dozen socks, Gujarat IPs
Macrolancer/Muhammad Zahid Iqbal
[edit]- https://www.facebook.com/macrolancer/
- www.larzze.com (Larzze Expert Technologies) SEO and social media marketing
- IMZahidIqbal sockfarm incl Macrolancer and LARZZE
Make My Wiki
[edit]- Dileshwar Singh Patil (talk · contribs)
Advertising pr/marketing/branding/image services, claims to be "senior Wikipedia admin"
De facto banned but has new advert for services as of 1/19/2024
The Mather Group
[edit]- Official website
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Frogg92477, sockmaster Jgreene1333
- Published Wikipedia for Business 2023, by Josh Greene ISBN 979-8373396981
- Rewrote the Wikipedia page of a journalist...
“ | The Mather Group carefully rewrote [[[Maggie Hallahan]]'s] page and coded it in the special wiki language. We republished it, and when we did so added citations to it and linked from other articles that mentioned the author back to the main page. This made the Wiki page stronger as it wasn’t an “orphan” any longer. Most importantly we continued to defend it from being deleted as we monitored it. | ” |
Media Partners
[edit]- Media Partners, Inc. (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Media Tribe (MediaTribe)
[edit]- Digital marketing and PR agency based in Mumbai
- Presumably connected to Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/MediaTribe/Archive
- Advertises on Twitter
Mindstorm
[edit]They use the following fake claims;
- "Wikipedia has 4 types of players - System Admins, Administrators, Reviewers & Editors. There are 18 System Admins in the whole world. Mindstorm is connected to One."
- "There are 1073 administrators in the whole world. If they stop a page, you will never be able to go live! Mindstorm is connected to 6."
- mindstorm.in
- prakatana.online
Maximatic Media (Nikolas Lemmel)
[edit]- maximaticmedia
.com /wikipedia-publishing-service / - ticket:2024070210009304
- COIN discussions: Wikipedia:Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard#The_Hidden_World_of_Wikipedia_Page_Creation_Services
Mywikipro.com
[edit]- https://www.mywikipro.com/
- See Wikipedia:Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard/Archive_57#Mywikipro.com from 2012
- Bernie44 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Blocked in June 2018
NCT Consultants
[edit]- Based in Nowshera, Pakistan, NCT Consultants are active as an agency on freelancing platforms such as Freelancer.com and Upwork.
- Accounts
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet_investigations/Sankhan02/Archive
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet_investigations/Zavia345/Archive
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Anne Barrington/Archive
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Elizzzzz/Archive
NetReputation
[edit]- NetReputation
- HHdouble
- "HOW TO CREATE A WIKIPEDIA PAGE FOR BUSINESS IN 2019" (make 10 edits then spam away)
Net'Wash
[edit]aka net-wash.com
Reported in fr.wiki investigation. Unknown if active on en.wiki.
Notion Technologies
[edit]- https://www.notiontechnologies.com
- Shaikh Salamuddin / Salamuddin.Shaikh89 (possibly real name Salamuddin S.Shaikh of Mumbai) and Rudra.shukla sockfarm
- Caroline Murphy may be a fabricated persona: [175], Special:diff/654469060
- Real name connection to WHOIS wikipediaexperts.com
- May be subcontractors for WikiExperts
- Also has claimed relation to D-Design Studio http://www.d-designstudio.com
OgreLogic
[edit]- https://ogrelogic.com/marketing/
- Virtual office in Austin, TX. "Offshore Delivery Center" in Noida, India.
- Digital marketing company
- Offers Wikipedia page creation (see tweet)
Olaf Kosinski/PIWAC
[edit]- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Olaf Kosinsky
- de:Wikipedia:Checkuser/Anfragen/Olaf Kosinsky; Subteno
- Listed as director of PIWAC "political Wikipedia mentoring" https://www.piwac.de/
- Another advert (archived) https://kosinsky.eu/ – claims commissions for financial firms, energy, retail, entertainment, public administration, tourism, etc.
- Advertised PR work and political communications elsewhere off-wiki
Olive Digital
[edit]Company based in Karachi, Pakistan. Runs many fronts (see reverse DNS archive: [176]) from the same server with different phone numbers and company addresses. Advertised on Google as Olive Digital (Pvt.) Limited [177]. Also goes by ePlanet Communications Ltd. The company is also mentioned in a WIPO case filed against them by Wikimedia Foundation.
- Websites
- ghostwritersplanet.com
- ghostwritingexpress.com
- ghostwritinghelp.com
- ghostwritingprofessionals.com
- olivedigital.com
- olivewritinghub.com
- prowordsmiths.com (thread about scamming)
- thewikiadmins.com
- thewikicreators.com
- wikiexpertinc.co.uk
- wikiexpertinc.com
- wikipediawriting.com
- Accounts
Oniv Digital
[edit]- onivdigital.com / onivdigital.ae
- offers page creation, monitoring
Online Reputation Guru
[edit]- https://postage-solutions.co.uk/
- Amanreputation (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
Ontarget Media and Marketing Services
[edit]- http://protosoftech.com
- Blocked accounts as of Nov 30, 2017
Orangemoody
[edit]- Background: Operation Orangemoody, Wikipedia:Long-term_abuse/Orangemoody
- Current sockpuppet investigation: Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Bennet43
Oranks
[edit]- Website (estimated number of employees 3)
- Khalidgaur (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
outerboxdesign.com
[edit]- [178] Blocked users from here.
Outspoken Media
[edit]Claim to disclose all edits "stating who we are, who has hired us, and what types of changes we are proposing for the article"
Palm&Marsh
[edit]Percepto
[edit]- Percepto Digital. Formerly known as Veribo, but changed its name after being involved in a scandal in which it attempted to suppress negative coverage in google searches. Further information also available at Signpost special report (September 27, 2020).
- Offers SEO, reputation management services
- Based (or incorporated) In Tel Aviv, but primarily deals with Canadian clients
- Has maintained a guide to Wikipedia editing called "Wikipedia - The Rules of the Game", and offers Wikipedia editing advice
- Engages in undisclosed paid editing and sockpuppetry
- See Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/HenryFriedberg for a list of involved accounts and Wikipedia:Conflict of interest/Noticeboard/Archive 157#Potentially an undisclosed paid editor account for the investigation that uncovered the company's activities
- percepto.digital
- percepto-digital.com
- veribo.eu
- veribo.us
Postage Solutions
[edit]- postage-solutions.co.uk*
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/RohithKumarPatali/Archive
- offer "permanent" wikipedia biography or other article for $120 [179]
Premium Content Writing.com
[edit]- premiumcontentwriting.com
- Active as of October 2019 [180]
- Content writing/advertising company that explicitly offers [181] Wikipedia writing services.
- Offers guaranteed article approval, creation, article monitoring, and maintenance.
- User(s)
- JamesRodir (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Pressmate PR
[edit]- Upwork "Safaque A.": Wikipedia article creation, US based, high hourly rate - 87 jobs
pressmate.com Active as of February 2019domain abandoned as of March 2020, pressmate.co.in dead
- Safaque (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) (suspected) - see deleted contributions
- Dezorama (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) (suspected) - see [182] & Special:Diff/400063190
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Johnsaavn (suspected) - see evidence at Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Safaque
- User:Sora Sailor
ProVio Tech
[edit]ProVio Tech is a marketing company based in Karachi, Pakistan. It was founded in 2022 by Haider Ali. Its modus operandi is similar to #Abtach and offers services such as logo design, web development, ghostwriting, and Wikipedia editing. The company spams potential clients through LinkedIn accounts, as reported by a client [183]. As of January 2024, it is advertising on Google Ads under a personal account, managed by the Head of Unit.
- Websites
- proviotech.com
- prowikicreation.com
- hillshiremedia.com ([184])
Other related websites and useful information
|
---|
|
Prosparky
[edit]- http://www.prosparky.com/
- prosparky (talk · contribs · count) (blocked)
Pulpe de Com
[edit]Reported in fr.wiki investigation. Unknown if active on en.wiki.
- puzzle globe infringement
- advertises Wikipedia "redaction", page creation/editing on English Wikipedia [186]
Pure SEO, New Zealand
[edit]RankHawn
[edit]- Website
- Offers page creation, maintenance
- Based in Bangalore, India
- Likely uses undisclosed sponsored web articles ([187]) to promote.
RawMarketer
[edit]- Website
- Based in Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Offers Google Knowledge Panel services, but also active on enwiki so likely content creation
- Self outed on commons:File:Google Knowledge Panel Services.png (archive)
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Baghdas2, also d:Wikidata:Requests for checkuser/Case/Hardik1430
- Various support links/contact info, including to an email ending with seosight.com
Red Ventures
[edit]Digital media/PR (Red Ventures)
Red Rock
[edit]- Website
- Based in Mumbai
- Offers Wikipedia Page creation
- ticket:2024010510002611
Removify
[edit]- Based in Melbourne suburbs, offices in Middle East and Southeast Asia listed
"Removify now offers a professional Wikipedia Page Creation service. With our help, you can drastically improve public perception of your brand."
- Websites
- removify.co.uk
- removify.com.au
Reptech
[edit]Rep Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd is a reputation management company based in Lahore, Pakistan. It is active as an agency on freelancing platforms such as Freelancer.com and Upwork.
- Website(s)
- reptechsolutions.com
- Accounts
Reputation.ca
[edit]- "We have built up many senior administrator accounts within the Wikipedia hierarchy. Over the years, we have successfully created LIVE Wikipedia pages for numerous clients. Our ability to do this has come from our detailed knowledge of how Wikipedia works and what content is accepted and what is not."
- "Cost: $2,000 + HST."
- First step: "Review your notability level and make an assessment of your suitability for inclusion in Wikipedia. If we determine you are not suitable we will refund $1,500 of your fees."
Reputation Rhino
[edit]- https://www.reputationrhino.com/our-solutions/wikipedia-reputation-management/ (archive)
- https://www.crazyegg.com/blog/best-online-reputation-management/ (archive)
Reputation Squad
[edit]Reported in fr.wiki investigation. Active en.wiki.
- See COIN thread
Reptick
[edit]- reptick.com
ReputationBoss
[edit]- Website
- Claims to be based in Sarasota, Florida
- rpboss.net
- reputationboss.net
- repbossz.com
- repbossy.com
- repboss.io
- repbossx.com
- reputationboss.org
ReputationUP
[edit]- https://reputationup.com/
- Reputation management
- Miami based (maybe)
- Published a guide titled "How to edit a Wikipedia page and delete an account" in July 2021
- Guide has screenshots of editing from the account ReputationUP
- Guide states
If you want to delete a user immediately and definitely, Wikipedia does not allow it. Therefore, the best option is to contact ReputationUP.
- Guide states they can get WP content removed
Reputation X
[edit]- https://www.reputationx.com/solutions/wikipedia (archive)
- https://blog.reputationx.com/wikidata (archive)
"[T]he only natural way to counter negative articles is by editing them and offering a counter narrative"
- [188]
- Mill Valley CA
- puzzle globe infringement [189]. Logo is on a browser screenshot, could be fair use.
- also advertising "WikiData [sic] enhancement"
Reputio
[edit]- https://www.reputio.com/wikipedia-page-creation/
- "The privacy of our Wikipedia clients is our utmost priority. We never disclose their names in order to protect their anonymity."
- "We help you meet Wikipedia's [notability] requirements by getting you featured in a suite of high profile publications, including Forbes..."
- "crisis editing" service – "ensuring your page remains positive if your company is in a crisis"
Right Angles
[edit]- A global reputation management company: https://www.right-angles.global/wikipedia-creation-rebuild/
Put simply, we place information online and use this content to create and manage pages on your behalf. But it’s not a simple task – a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure the right content is available on the right platforms, creating content that will not only enhance your brand, but will lead to changes to your Wikipedia page that stick. Thanks to our network of contacts and team of specialists from the fields of journalism, web design, data management, IT, SEO experts and more, we put together a plan of action to create and promote positive content while reducing the significance of everything else. As the biggest aggregator of this data, the result is a Wikipedia page that is more reflective of your personal brand. This is at the heart of what we do. This can be part of a fixed term project, or we can manage your page on an ongoing basis, keeping a careful eye out for inaccuracies.
Revunami
[edit]Specialize in digital marketing for nonprofits.
- Per their blog: "Wikipedia Analysis, Strategy, Content Creation, and Monitoring – Wikipedia is consistently in the top results for the vast majority of Google searches. Revunami leverages this visibility to your organization’s advantage, ensuring your messaging reaches key audiences and advances your organization, its brand, and its people. We help you influence opinion and establish your organization as a trustworthy and authoritative source on the topics that are important to you and your mission."
- Gnusworthy (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Rmlewinson (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Rlewinson (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Sesame Stick (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) - edited as "GF Revunami" until username change.
- See COIN thread
Rooster Marketing
[edit]- special:contributions/194.73.218.250
- see special:diff/901520804
RvPackaging, United Kingdom
[edit]searchwrite.com
[edit]- Searchwriter (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) blocked NOTHERE
- Seattle24x7 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
See evidence
SEO Clerks
[edit]- seoclerk.com
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/RohithKumarPatali/Archive
- offer "permanent" wikipedia biography or other article for $120 on corp site
SEO Pressor
[edit]Unlicensed use of Commons images. Offers tutorial on replacing dead links with SEO links. Unclear if they will do this for clients.
Scienceadvise
[edit]- scienceadvise.com
sciencecom-agency
[edit]- "We will insert your findings in a relevant Wikipedia article. This MIT study has proven that scientific articles on Wikipedia eventually receive more academic citations."
Registrant Country: CZ, details masked
SK Visions
[edit]- users
- Shrinivaskulkarni1388 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Tejashree1994 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Ksg18 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
SMS Marketing
[edit]SMS Marketing Agency is a marketing agency based in Karachi, Pakistan. As of February 2024, it is advertising on Google Search ([190]).
- Websites
- thewikisolutions.com ([191])
- smsmarketingagency.business.site
Other related websites and useful information
|
---|
|
Social Beat
[edit]Social Czars
[edit]The Social Media Verification Team
[edit]"Our team is composed of experienced professionals who are all committed to promoting and safeguarding our clients' brands... This is a potent backlinking opportunity that a lot of your competitors aren't taking advantage of."
- [198]
- $1,097 article creation
Spiderlance
[edit]"Wiki articles can be edited by virtually anyone, it’s safe to assume that no one is invulnerable. That could easily change, as you can use our Wikipedia Article Monitoring Services"
Offers several Upwork profiles in corp "client reviews" page.
Status Labs / Wiki-PR
[edit]- http://wiki-pr.com/services/
- http://www.statuslabs.com/
- http://www.getyourwiki.com/ (front since 2015)
- Further details at Wiki-PR editing of Wikipedia.
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/20/status-labs-austin_n_6910642.html
- One of the ways they work is by emailing organizations that have Wikipedia pages that have clean up tags and offering to get those tags removed.
- Community banned October 25, 2013.
- WMF cease-and-desist letter [199].
- It is verified to operate through front websites since 2015 (more info here and here). Active as of 2021.
Sterling PR
[edit]Wikipedia Tip Sheet & Editing Your Wikipedia Edits (puzzle globe infringement)
Studio Maras
[edit]- guru.com
Claims to be former Wikipedia administrator
- Strizivojna (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Greecy200 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- WilderWords (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Submit Express
[edit]- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Expertwikiguy
- SoCal area code 818
- 71.95.181.29 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · filter log · WHOIS · RDNS · RBLs · http · block user · block log) self-identified as CEO Pierre Zarokian now uses Bitbit101
- 71.84.38.6 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · filter log · WHOIS · RDNS · RBLs · http · block user · block log)
- Advertising on upwork.com as of mid 2020
- WiktorLinus (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) per this
- Press release
- Websites
- submitexpress.com
- reputationstars.com
TheWikiGurus
[edit]- TheWikiGurus is a partnership between Rahul Sharma [200] and Submit Express [201].
- As of 2024, they advertise in Google as Ontopjunk LLC ([202]) and Submit Express ([203]).
- thewikigurus.com
- wikipagecreation.net
- ontopjunk.com
Systoo Technologies
[edit]Takwene
[edit]- JoyGenea (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) (disclosure)
Thames Infotech
[edit]- Thamesinfotech (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Shawntheshipper (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) (suggested)
- WP:Sockpuppet investigations/Thamesinfotech half dozen socks
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Sardar Nadir Ali probably connected
- thamesinfotech
.com (web content/SEO firm self-outed here)
thewikiexpert.com
[edit]- Google ad circa January 2020 "Get a Wikipedia Page in 7 Days"
- UK telephone number
thewikiformula.com
[edit]- thewikiformula.com
- Emails those who have had pages deleted.
Tony Ahn and Company
[edit]Claims to have put multiple clients' articles on WP main page through DYK.
Said in interview "I have placed articles in the press on behalf of clients. If you don’t have press, I can get you press – because I work in PR. I can set up an interview with a newspaper, and then write the Wikipedia article. If I have to get you two insertions, then the Wiki article it’s 75,000 Philippine pesos for the whole lot."
De facto community banned (indeffed via consensus @ COIN).
TopBros SEO
[edit]- Cuck (film)
- Mako976 (talk+ · tag · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log · CA · CheckUser(log) · investigate · cuwiki)
- https://www.topbros.com/branding-los-angeles/
De facto community banned; see Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Mako976.
TransMedia Group
[edit]- transmediagroup
.com - TransMedia Group/TMG PR Sockring
Trendera
[edit]- trendera
.com - D at Trendera (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
- Likely contracted #Fiveblocks
Tyler Barnett PR
[edit]The Virtual Marketer for Schools
[edit]Alta Justus (digitalalta)
Waft Studios
[edit]- WaftCinematic (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki) and associated sockfarm
- Justrightstudioz (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
Advertises itself as "India's leading Mumbai-based Wikipedia provider agency." Claims it caters to Bollywood celebrities and entrepreneurs. COIN report and SPI report.
May be a connection to "Just Right Studioz" (Mumbai).
- This farm was finally identified as being part of Bikrookanpurgangster which goes back to February 2022.--CNMall41 (talk) 06:54, 9 April 2024 (UTC)
We Are Pead
[edit]- wearepead.co.nz
- Formerly Pead PR (peadpr.co.nz)
- Weis3565 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
We Are PR / Artspromo
[edit]- www.werpr.co (estimated number of employees (4))
- www.artspromo.org
- $400 fee
- 375mon (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Weltraumagentur
[edit]- [204]
- [205]
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Luuuuuka
- Based in Germany, likely Munich or Baden
- Imports articles from the German Wiki (de.wiki) - Company's original editors were banned by the de.wiki community for fabricating sources
- Promises article creation within 14 days of payment. Promises proper disclosure (sometimes this occurs, sometimes not) and discretion. Describes their authors as "officially authorized by Wikipedia", and promises SEO
- Paid to create Khubaib Ali Mohammed and GUB Investment Trust
What About Wiki
[edit]- Website
- Stephen Harrison (2018-10-29). "Wikipedia's Top-Secret 'Hired Guns' Will Make You Matter (For a Price)".
- Reported to have been active since 2015 and have "more than 50 sock-puppet user accounts" claiming a revenue of $500k/yr.
- PanzaMain (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Whizamet
[edit]Wikiacademics
[edit]- wikiacademics.com
Not standard UK or US English, no contact info, obscured domain registration
"We have been successfully contributing to Wikipedia since 2013, publishing over 1000 articles and making thousands of edits."
- but the domain registration does say they launched in april 2017. So hm. Jytdog (talk) 20:51, 25 January 2018 (UTC)
- Claims to be in Netherlands: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wikipedia-editing-services-b86771143/ Ben · Salvidrim! ✉ 21:00, 25 January 2018 (UTC)
Wikiagency Ltd
[edit]Wikiagency Ltd is a UK-domiciled company based in Lahore, Pakistan. The company was registered in November 2023 by Umair Ahmad.
- Websites
- wikiagency.org
- hirewikipediaeditor.com archive
- umairahmad.me
- Accounts
Wikibusiness
[edit]- Working in Ukrainian, English, and Russian
- Possibly related to WikiLab
- Linked to Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Bodiadub / Wikipedia:Administrators'_noticeboard/IncidentArchive1020#Paid_editing / meta:wikiproject:Antispam/Archives/2021/Wikibusiness
- Many accounts are globally locked. Some are banned by the Wikimedia Foundation since 20 July 2020.
- Wikibusiness is community-banned on English Wikipedia since 20 December 2021: Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/Archive339#Offer_to_"rent"_admin_account.
WikiCrafter
[edit]As of February 2024, it is advertising on Google Ads under 7 Star Marketing Inc.
- Websites
- wikicrafter.com
Other related websites and useful information
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WikiCreators.com
[edit]- wikicreators.com
- As of Oct.2018 Jay Soshnick of WikiCreators (and formerly senior manager of WikiExperts) is reaching out to Wikipedia editors on LinkedIn to offer WikiCreators paid work
WikiCurator.com
[edit]- Different from wikicurators.com.
- WikiCurator.com was founded by Andy W. Davis and is based in Florida, U.S. Active on Upwork as well.
- Websites
- wikicurator.com (archived link)
- singingrivermedia.com
- Accounts
WikiExperts
[edit]Website (employees 3)
- On October 17, 2013, the firm, its employees, and any related firms were banned from editing Wikipedia.[1]
- At ticket:2017082310013745 a client writes to Wikipedia volunteers at WP:OTRS for service follow up. It seems apparent that the customer does not distinguish Wikipedia the website, Wikipedia's volunteers, and this company. When this person has follow up concerns about the paid editing they purchased, they seek to continue the business relationship with Wikipedia volunteers as if there were no difference. It is a burden for Wikipedia volunteers to be pressured to fulfill service requests encouraged by paid editing companies. Also, no attempt to disclose paid editing when posting to articles.
- User:Jeremy112233
- User:Salamuddin Z. Shaikh / WP:Sockpuppet investigations/Rudra.shukla/Archive
- User:Kate A. Steel / Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Caroline A. Murphy
- User:Masterknighted/User:Brainplanner (probably)
Other domains:
- wikiguard.us
Wikify
[edit]- wikify.ru
- Users
- Gruznov (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
Wiki Genie
[edit]- Wiki Genie
- Charges $100 per hour
- ticket:2022020210007346
WikiLab
[edit]- website
- Offers Wikipedia article creation, updating, and article monitoring services.
- Claims to cooperate with Wikipedians but no obvious disclosures can be attributed to the company.
- Noticeably bad English on company website
- DNS registrar: Hosting Ukraine LLC
- Possibly related to WikiBusiness of the Ukraine (WikiLab's twitter has uploaded WikiBusiness documents)
- Not to be confused with Wikilabs (a Wikimedia Foundation property), WikiLab project on Github, or WikiLabs (Malaysian software company)
Wikimakers
[edit]- wikimakers.net
- wikimaker.net (redirects to previous)
- Special:Contributions/Muhammad Ali Khalid (UPE blocked)
- domain registered to Muhammad Ali Khalid in Lahore; blocked user also says they are in Lahore at Special:Diff/663563165
- Google ads circa July 2021
Wiki Masters
[edit]Wikimou
[edit]- wikimou.com
- Advertises on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/183154431126?ul_noapp=true
WikiNative
[edit]WikiNative is a company based in Shrewsbury, England. It was founded by James Lawrie. He was previously active on Upwork.
- Websites
- wikinative.com
- Accounts
- James Lawrie (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Turtle neck ninja (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
WikiNatives
[edit]- Different from wikinative.com.
It is another marketing company likely based in Karachi, Pakistan. Its modus operandi is similar to #Abtach and offers services such as logo design, web development, ghostwriting, and Wikipedia editing. As of January 2024, it is advertising on Google Ads under MarketingNotch.
- Websites
- wikinatives.com ([208])
Other related websites and useful information
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wikiofficer.com / Kallada Software Services
[edit]- wikiofficer.com/[212]
- FB page
- Company is actively emailing companies to drum up business as of 2017.
- User:OfficialPankajPatidar More than 500 sock accounts
- on Upwork; charges $400 flat fee for article creation; claims creation of over 100 articles
Wiki Pages Creator
[edit]- wikipagescreator.com
- Pages listed on their about page don't exist and never have
Wikipediaexperts
[edit]- [213] - Site not accessible on Jan 11, 2021
- Uses same videos
- Puzzle globe logo infringement
- Claim 350 articles created
wikipediaafd.org
[edit]Mentioned on Reddit
- Domain created 2023-09-08
- AWS hosted
WikipediaLLC
[edit]- "We just don’t create your page – we create your existence!"
- offers page creation/monitoring to "manag[e] its client's public image... enhancing their brand visibility and building a positive brand image"
- puzzle globe logo infringement
- Rochester NY phone number
- Websites
- createmywiki.com
- wikimanagementfirm.com
- wikimanagers.com
- wikipediaeditingservices.com
- wikipediallc.com
Wikipediawriters.com
[edit]Website[dead link] Estimated number of employees (3)[214]
Belongs to this sock family[215] -> blocked in 2012 Also appear to work as wikipediasolutions Now using the website HireWikiWriters
2018 WIPO action by WMF listed (Redacted) as owner of domain Wikipediawriters.com [216], same name (Canadian) is associated with WikipediaWriters by Financial Times [217]. As of January 2020, WMF owns the domain.
WikiPens
[edit]- Website, number of employees 2 per LinkedIn
WikiPresence
[edit]- Website, number of employees (unknown)
- Reddragon7 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
WikiPublishers
[edit]- wikipublishersonline.com - Google Ad as of June 2020
- procreativewriters.com/wikipedia
- wikipediainc.com
- wikipublishers.co.uk
wikipublishersonline.com appears in Google targeted search ads for Wiki page creation. Asserts page creation "by a Wikipedia professional". Shares a US toll-free phone number with "Pro Creative Writers" of San Francisco but writing style does not appear to be idiomatic American English.
Pro Creative Writers displays has displayed infringing puzzle globe. $1,200 to $3,500 article creation offers.
- https://www.procreativewriters.com / https://www.wikipediainc.com (abandoned 2020-03)
- Claim to have written +1100 articles and have 13 years experience (i.e. probably already banned).
- Has attempted to edit as part of WP:WIR.
- Discloses after block (via sock), but often fails to initially disclose.
- Employs sock-puppets - see ElricFullMetal (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) and MNB9911 sockfarm
- Users listed at COIN.
- DoshNomad (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) per this comment
- EdJaUno (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) per this disclosure
- ElricFullMetal (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) per this disclosure
- Update April 2021: Now almost certainly under www.wikipublishers.co.uk (Website, archive), UK toll free number. Compare site with archive of wikipublishersonline. Google ad for "hire wikipedia creator". Claims to use IAR in the FAQs. Pahunkat (talk) 16:03, 2 April 2021 (UTC)
- creativewritinghub.com (down as of July 25th, 2023) Q: do you reveal that you edit for pay on Wikipedia?Ben White: Ofcourse not, Lol
More sites:
- elitewikiwriting.co.uk
- wikipublications.com
Wiki-service.org
[edit]- wiki-service.org/
- ticket:2017090110013936
- 2 payments of $700, get a Wikipedia article
- article deleted, buyer asked if they were scammed
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Stoubora (see scammed person's comments & email thread)
Wiki Submissions
[edit]See Ticket:2022112210006104 and Ticket:2023060710000987.
- wikisubmissions.com
wikisysops
[edit]Wiki Verification
[edit]- wikiverification.com
- As of January 2024, they advertise in Google as spd llc.
WikiWiz
[edit]WizardsofWiki
[edit]Wizards of Wiki was founded in 2011 by Mark Bray. It is based in London, England. Uses Google Ads for advertisement.
- wizardsofwiki.com
- wikistrategist.com
- q-knowledge.com
- findtheservice.com
- bpedia.net
- bio-templates.com
- Jacobs, Emma (February 26, 2015). "Editors-for-hire on Wikipedia". Financial Times. (paywall)
The Writers for Hire
[edit]- Website
- https://www.thewritersforhire.com/wikipedia/
- Operated by Ms. Wintress Odom, seems to be a fairly large and established company[218], boasting "a client list that includes Forbes, Mitsubishi and International Trade Center.
Services include "Posting your finalized draft live on Wikipedia; Monitoring your article and updating as needed"
Puzzle globe infringement (removed). Texas based.
Talks about getting press for non-notables.
writinglord.com
[edit]- [219]
- Probably UNIMER Centroamérica
Google targeted search ad: "Hire Professional Wikipedia Writer to create Best Wikipedia Page.100% Money back Guarantee"
Yourprmanager
[edit]Ticket#10759339
Zibble Tech
[edit]Zibble Tech is a marketing company based in Karachi, Pakistan with registered entities in the UK and USA. Its modus operandi is similar to #Abtach and offers services such as logo design, web development, ghostwriting, and Wikipedia editing. As of January 2024, it is advertising on Google Ads under Branding Studio Incorporated LLC [220].
- Websites
- zibbletech.com
- zibble-tech.com
- wikipediathrive.com
- wikipediafied.com
- wikicurators.wiki
Other related websites and useful information
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Unidentified
[edit]Various domains yet to be attributed:
- bestghostwriters.org
- elitewikipublishers.com / wikicreationinc.com / timesghostwriters.com
- theghostwritingservices.com
- whitehatwikiwriters.com
- wikioo.net
- wikipageconsultant.com
- writersclique.com
- wikipublishersonline.com / elitewikiwriting.co.uk / premiumwikiconsultants.com / premiumwikiconsultants.co.uk / aw-616930398 / elitewikipedia.com / getghostwriters.com / wikinativeinc.com / professionalwikiwriters.com / wikiperfectionists.com / wikpedias.com / speedy-wiki-listing.com / octadesignstudios.com / lunacoding.com / 360ghostwriting.com / ua-195000985
- Companies with unidentified domains
- techhorizontal.com, based in Karachi, offering Wikipedia editing per data of LinkedIn profiles
- canvasdigital.net, based in Karachi, offering Wikipedia editing per data of LinkedIn profiles
- cloudstafftechnologies.com, based in Karachi, offering Wikipedia editing per data of LinkedIn profiles
- Nextac LLC, nextacllc.com, based in Karachi, offering Wikipedia editing per data of LinkedIn profiles
- Q Technologies, qtechnologies.org, based in Karachi, offering Wikipedia editing per data of LinkedIn profiles
Disclosed paid editing but blocked
[edit]These companies used to do disclosed paid editing but have been blocked.
Catelyn Benson & C o
[edit]- Stone cold Staffordshire (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
- Company services as advertised on Freelancer.com: [228]
Manchester (UK) based company offering writing services, including Wikipedia article creation. The one editor affiliated with the company, User:Stone cold Staffordshire, fully complied with WP:PAID and properly disclosed, but was blocked in May 2019 for advertising and promotion on Wikipedia.
Publicis
[edit]- Mslgroupofficial (talk · contribs) (username block)
- 67.246.61.* and 167.246.61.0/24 blocked for 3 years (corporate IP)
- Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Susana Hodge - possibly subcontractor
- At least four disclosed editors from subsidiaries MSL and Team One
Details - Publicis PR company and US subsidiaries at COIN.
Disclosed paid editing
[edit]Most paid editors who disclose their conflicts of interest do not get blocked.
CREWE
[edit]In 2012, Wikipedians formed a group called the Corporate Representatives for Ethical Wikipedia Engagement (CREWE), and the UK's Chartered Institute of Public Relations published a guideline for best practices in engaging with Wikipedia.
In 2014, members of CREWE published an open letter on-wiki committing to upholding those guidelines. Non-profit PR industry groups and academics associated with this effort, and potential contacts:
- MDC Partners (Michael Bassik, User:Mbassik)
- Chartered Institute of Public Relations, (Paul Wilkinson, User:Paul W, and Rob Brown, User:Rubblebrain)
- Institute for Public Relations, (Tina McCorkindale)
- PR Council (Renee Wilson)
- Sam Ford, MIT / Western Kentucky University, (User:Leumas712)
- Andrew Lih, American University (User:Fuzheado)
- Marcia DiStaso, Penn State University (User:MarciaDiStaso)
Signatories to the open letter (and later representatives of those groups):
CREWE editors
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Other agencies that are confirmed participants (listed on the letter, as of 6/2019; some accts never edited):
Inactive members
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Beutler Ink
[edit]Beutler Ink editors
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EthicalWiki
[edit]EthicalWiki editors
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L Strategies
[edit]L Strategies
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Lumino
[edit]Lumino editors
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HoT Tomato
[edit]HoT Tomato editors
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WhiteHatWiki
[edit]WhiteHatWiki editors
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Open Knowledge Association (OKA)
[edit]OKA editors
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Founder (and primary donor):
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StellaResults
[edit]StellaResults editors
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To the point collaborative
[edit]To the point collaborative editors
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Miscellaneous
[edit]Miscellaneous paid editors not blocked
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In addition to the miscellaneous editors and agencies listed under CREWE above:
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Defunct
[edit]855 spammer
[edit]adtelligent.net
[edit]Blocked users from here.
Advanced Writing Services
[edit]- advancedwritingservices.com/wikipedia/
- "[A] change on your Wikipedia article can degrade the accuracy of the content. Advanced Writing Services offers a range of service plans to monitor your Wikipedia article."
- puzzle globe infringement
agenda21 Digital Limited
[edit]- agenda21digital.com
- Paid by Domestic & General to create Draft:Domestic & General
ALS Marketing
[edit]- alsmarketing.co.uk
- Formerly offered Wikipedia editing services
AMCPR
[edit]- amcpublicrelations.com
- Formerly offered Wikipedia editing services
- Account(s)
Anvil Media
[edit]- anvilmediainc.com
- Formerly offered Wikipedia editing services
The Big Green Tree
[edit]The Big Green Tree was a marketing company based in India.
- Websites
- tbgt.in
- wikipediacreators.com (WIPO)
Direct Online Marketing
[edit]- directom.com
- Formerly offered services for editing Wikipedia.
- JonathanBentz (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · page moves · block user · logs · block log · arb · rfc · lta · SPI · cuwiki)
Mister Wiki
[edit]- misterwiki.com
MyWikiBiz.com
[edit]- User:Thekohser User:MyWikiBiz and many socks: WMF banned
My Wiki Pro
[edit]- Website (no longer active)
Smarter wiki
[edit]Wikigenies
[edit]- wikigenies.com ([230])
WikipediaServices.com
[edit]Wiki Wookiee
[edit]- wikiwookiee.com
- Offer to spam links to articles for SEO purposes.
Online marketplaces
[edit]- www.fiverr.com/gigs/wikipedia Fiverr
- www.guru.com/d/jobs/q/wikipedia/ Guru
- SeoClerk
- UpWork
- PeoplePerHour
- Freelancer