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The world's largest encyclopedia available on the Web at www.wikipedia.com. Using wiki software, Jimmy Wales started Wikipedia in 2001. By the end of 2005, there were 1.8 million entries in more than 100 languages on every conceivable subject, written and edited by hundreds of thousands of contributors from all walks of life. Since Wikipedia is an unrestricted wiki, anyone can create or edit an entry (see wiki).
Admired and Admonished
Wikipedia is widely praised for its incredible breadth, covering subjects, sometimes in great depth, that would never appear in any encyclopedia, online or print. There are so many "eyes" looking at an entry that erroneous information is often caught rather quickly. However, Wikipedia is also disparaged because people can make edits without divulging any of their credentials or experience in the subject. Of course, this is the case with any information on the Web. In addition, if vendors see comments about their category of products, nothing stops them from editing a definition that tilts it toward their particular expertise.
In addition, since anyone can contribute, every caliber of writing is exhibited from the ridiculous to the sublime. Writing is a skill that takes time to master; witness the fact that people love reading books by famous authors because their particular writing style is appealing. When one is subjected to numerous styles of prose in one article, digesting the material may not be pleasant. See Wikipedian.
There Is a Hierarchy
Although anybody can contribute, there is still a hierarchy. Many contributors are identified only by IP address, while others use screen names. Several hundred administrators have the power to delete entries and block IP addresses to keep vandals from changing meaningful descriptions to obscene language as well as others who continuously add strong opinions or political commentary. Jimmy Wales has the ultimate authority. See Wikia and knol.
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