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Wikipedia
The encyclopedia anyone can edit.
- Founded By: Jimmy Wales, Larry Sanger
- Blog: Wikipedia blog
- Twitter: wikipedia
- Alexa Rank: 8
- Compete Rank: 6
- Known For: "The sum of all human knowledge"
Summary
Wikipedia (sometimes called "That Other Wiki", or "TOW" by other wikis (like TV Tropes) is an immensely popular MediaWiki based internet encyclopedia. Wikipedia is heralded as "the free encyclopedia", as it benefits from free labor, just like any other wiki. While a valiant, though unrealistic, goal, Wikipedia has become known for pointless edit wars, and occasional serious inaccuracy (particularly in articles on politics and current events).
Origins
Wikipedia was founded in 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, although Wales has disputed Sanger's role in the founding of the site. "TOW" was originally a sub-project of the "Nupedia", developed by Jim Wales' pornographic website "Bomis." "Bomis" was known at the time for their "Babe of the Day" feature...Jim Wales has a history of pornographic web ventures. Speaking of images which may not be work safe, you can even find quite a few explicit images on Wikipedia and other Wikimedia sites today. After the start of the English Wikipedia, other language editions followed.
Current status
Wikipedia is a widely used reference since sources and accuracy have become less important. It consistently appears in Alexa's top ten most popular sites, and is often a top result returned by Google and Yahoo. A good portion of Wikipedia's contributors are vandals.
Facts
- Originally, Wikipedia was created to hold rough drafts for articles on Nupedia.
- Wikipedia is powered by MediaWiki.
- Wikipedia won the 2004 Webby Award for "Best Community".
Images
 Picture request tag on the Cleveland Steamer Wikipedia article. |
 Every Wikipedia editor, ever. |
 Wikipe-tan, the anime mascot, with Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales. |
 Hypnotic, right? |
 A vandal inserts Weegee |
 xkcd shows us how Wikipedia protests work (from xkcd by Randall Munroe) |
 "Ever notice how Wikipedia has a few words it really likes?" (xkcd by Randall Munroe) |
 Jay Leno is quite the Indian giver! |
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 Oh, the irony! |
 Believe it or not, there are actually people who care about this kind of stuff. |
 USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST |
 Fact Cat knows. |
 Citation needed. |
 This kids gonna be a hell of a nerd. |
Videos
Related Pages
External Links
You can find additional websites here.
Explore our other categories for information on different subjects!
