Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia that allows anyone to contribute and edit articles on various topics. It is collaboratively built and maintained by a global community of volunteers.
Detailed answer to your inquiry
Wikipedia is a remarkable online platform that goes beyond being just an encyclopedia. It is a vast and continuously expanding resource that provides information and knowledge on a wide range of topics. This collaborative project has revolutionized the way we access and share information, empowering individuals to contribute to its growth.
According to Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of Wikipedia, “Imagine a world in which every single person on the planet is given free access to the sum of all human knowledge.” This powerful quote encapsulates the essence of Wikipedia, as it strives to democratize knowledge and make it accessible to everyone. With over 55 million articles in more than 300 languages, it truly reflects a global community of volunteers who tirelessly work together to create, edit, and maintain its content.
Interesting Facts about Wikipedia:
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Inception: Wikipedia was launched on January 15, 2001, by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. It has since become one of the largest and most visited websites in the world.
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Crowdsourced Knowledge: Wikipedia operates on the concept of crowd wisdom. It allows anyone to edit and contribute to its articles, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.
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No Ads: Unlike many other websites, Wikipedia is ad-free and relies solely on donations to cover its expenses. This keeps the platform free from any commercial bias.
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Open-Source Software: Wikipedia’s software, called MediaWiki, is an open-source project. It means that the source code is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.
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Neutral Point of View: Wikipedia aims to present information from a neutral perspective, avoiding bias or favoritism towards any particular viewpoint. This commitment to neutrality is a fundamental principle of the platform.
Below is a table showcasing a comparison of some well-known encyclopedias:
| Encyclopedia | Notable Features |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Free, collaboratively edited, vast scope |
| Encyclopædia Britannica | Credible sources, expert-written articles |
| World Book | Multimedia content, user-friendly interface |
| Britannica Online | Regularly updated, interactive features |
| Microsoft Encarta | Multimedia content, interactive quizzes |
Wikipedia’s impact on the dissemination of knowledge is immeasurable. It has transformed the way we access information, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and collaborative learning. With its commitment to neutrality, vast content, and dedicated volunteer community, Wikipedia continues to be an invaluable resource available to all.
Video answer to your question
The Crash Course Navigating Digital Information video on “Using Wikipedia” emphasizes the common misconception about its unreliable information and discusses how Wikipedia’s transparent editing process helps ensure accuracy, whereas its content policies include neutrality, no original research, and verifiability. It also mentions how using Wikipedia for lateral reading and citation harvesting can be more useful than relying on it for in-depth research. The video also demonstrates how to use citations on Wikipedia, their reliability concerns, and the importance of evaluating the reliability of sources. Though criticized for gender and racial biases, the community tries to manage content through volunteers and administrators, who act as writers, editors, and checkers of content.