Wikipedia - Jessica

Like a couple people have stated here, I use Wikipedia when I can't find any other information or to get a quick overview of the subject. I have always felt that it isn't that reliable because of what people have told me. I sided on the pessimistic view that since everyone can contribute freely to the encyclopedia, it proabably had a lot of false information. I was always taught that wikipedia is not reliable to site or use on academic papers so I don't use it frequently. When I have looked at it, I have enjoyed all of the information that I can get very fast. It is extremly convenient to get quick facts. It's been a great starting point for a research project or to double check my facts that I have found from somewhere else.
After reading the articles about wikipedia I definately put more stalk into it. Knowing there are editors and some guidlines comforts me in the knowledge that can be found. It's kind of intriguing to know a box has been opened that I can sift through for knowledge about anything! Yes I may get some unreliable information, but for the most part I can count on the information being right and trusting that the people who volunteer their time to editing are doing exactly that, volunteering their time. Now if they are going to volunteer their time, it puts a lot more weight that they will do it right and for our benefit as a society.

I don't think Wikipedia can conquer expertise. The experts have researched for years and years and have a lot more knowledge than say a student who has been looking into the topic for a short period of time. I think everyone of any age can contribute significantly to a discussion over a topic. As they talked about the 15-year old writing an article, he may have experienced something and wrote about it that no one else could have found that information. I think it is very cool that all types of people contribute to the website. People from all walks of life, ages, and different experiences can widen our knowledge and understanding. As the article talked about there is contribution of ability and contribution of diversity and it works together have to have some very credible information. Wales said it this way, "We are gathering together to build this resource that will be made available to all the people of the world for free. That's the goal that people can get behind." Whether it's from an expert or from a child who has experienced something, we can learn from them all and expand our knowledge through this type of diverse encylopedia.

I do not give up my time on this, and it's mostly because I don't feel I have enough reliable information to contribute adequately. If I was die-hard on some topic, I would probably write about it and contribute. People like to give up time to share what they have learned and to learn from others. We are as they say in an information overloaded world. I think our society likes to be a part of the shared economy and give a little of themselves for the benefit of others. It's just like telling your best friend down the street the new recipe that you tried out and was so delicious that they need to try it. The internet and wikipedia for that matter may tie us together in a strange way.