Overview
Wikipedia is a free-content encyclopedia that operates under an open collaboration model. It is written and maintained by volunteers, known as Wikipedians, using the wiki software MediaWiki. Its mission is to provide free access to the sum of all human knowledge.
• Content is freely editable by anyone, except in cases where editing is restricted to prevent vandalism.
• Articles are written in a neutral tone and rely on verifiable sources.
• Wikipedia is hosted by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation.
History
Origins
Wikipedia originated as a complementary project to Nupedia, an online encyclopedia with articles written by experts and reviewed through a formal process. Due to slow progress on Nupedia, Wales and Sanger launched Wikipedia as a faster alternative using wiki technology.
• The first edit occurred on January 15, 2001.
• It initially used UseModWiki software before transitioning to MediaWiki in 2002.
Early Growth
Wikipedia gained traction after mentions on Slashdot and Kuro5hin, leading to increased participation.
• By its first year, over 20,000 articles were created.
• Early media coverage helped solidify its reputation as a valuable resource.
Purpose
Wikipedia's primary goal is to benefit readers by providing a comprehensive and accessible encyclopedia covering all branches of knowledge.
• It serves as a tertiary source summarizing mainstream knowledge.
• Its principles are encapsulated in its "Five Pillars," emphasising neutrality and free access.
Structure and Features
Content Creation
Wikipedia articles are created collaboratively. Users can draft content in a sandbox before publishing.
• Articles must adhere to guidelines like neutrality and verifiability.
• The platform discourages original research or promotional content.
Editing Process
Anyone can edit most pages. However, certain pages are protected to prevent vandalism or edit wars.
• Changes are tracked via version histories.
• Editors frequently monitor pages for accuracy and reliability.
Languages
Wikipedia is multilingual, with over 300 language editions. The English Wikipedia is the largest, hosting millions of articles.
• Each language edition operates independently but follows similar guidelines.
Technology
Wikipedia runs on MediaWiki software, an open-source platform specifically designed for collaborative editing.
• Features include version control, templates, and discussion pages for editors.
• The platform automatically generates tables of contents for articles with multiple sections.
Criticism
Despite its success, Wikipedia has faced criticism regarding reliability and bias due to its open-editing model.
• Articles can be subject to vandalism or biased edits.
• Critics argue that anonymity reduces accountability among contributors.
Associated Projects
The Wikimedia Foundation oversees several sister projects:
- Wiktionary: A dictionary and thesaurus
- Wikibooks: Free textbooks and manuals
- Wikisource: A repository of source texts
- Wikiversity: Educational resources
- Wikivoyage: A travel guide
- Wikinews: A freely editable news site
- Wikispecies: A species directory
- Wikidata: An abstract database of things and words
- Wikifunctions: A database of computer functions
Censorship of Wikipedia
Wikipedia has been censored by governments in a few countries including (but not limited to): China, Iran, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan. Some instances are examples of widespread Internet censorship in general that includes Wikipedia content. Others are indicative of measures to prevent the viewing of specific content deemed offensive. The duration of different blocks has varied from hours to years.
- Sourced from the Censorship of Wikipedia wiki on Wikipedia.org.
Possible Censorship of Wikipedia in the United Kingdom
Wikipedia could be blocked in the United Kingdom, because of the Online Safety Act 2023 (Online Safety Bill). The bill wishes to bring in new age requirements for children and new content moderation. The Wikipedia Foundation has stated it will not comply with the new law, potentially getting Wikipedia banned in the United Kingdom.
Ms MacKinnon wrote: "The Wikimedia Foundation will not be verifying the age of UK readers or contributors."
Conclusion
Wikipedia has revolutionised access to information through its collaborative model and commitment to free knowledge. While challenges like reliability persist, it remains an unparalleled resource for millions worldwide.
Learn More
- What is Wikipedia? | Definition from TechTarget https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/Wikipedia
- History of Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Kovitz?mobile-app=true&theme=false%29
- Wikipedia:How to create a page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:How_to_create_a_page
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:MOS
- Wikipedia:Purpose https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Purpose
- History of wikis - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FlexWiki
- Help:Your first article - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H:YFA
- Help:Wikitext - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Wikitext
- Wikipedia:About https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About
- How to Write a Wikipedia Page So It'll Get Approved - Wordtune https://www.wordtune.com/blog/write-a-wikipedia-page
- Article - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_original_research?mobile-app=true&theme=falseCampfire
- How to Develop and Create a Wikipedia Page that Sails Through ... https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/articles/how-to-develop-a-wikipedia-page/