Wikipedia needs donations

[BobbyC81]

If you use Wikipedia at all, please donate. They’re just asking for a $2.75 donation but you can donate more.

 

They’re not meeting their goal and if they don’t by year end, they may have to go paywall.

[AlCowlingsTaxiService]

I’m not meeting my financial goals either (owning my own private island) so I might have to put a paywall on my TBD responses … pay up people! 😂

[Wacka]

Couldm't happen to a nicer website.

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

1 hour ago, BobbyC81 said:

If you use Wikipedia at all, please donate. They’re just asking for a $2.75 donation but you can donate more.

 

They’re not meeting their goal and if they don’t by year end, they may have to go paywall.

[ExiledInIllinois]

This will put me out of business with guys like @BringBackFergy & @Mike in Horseheads !

 

 

Oh well...

Plan B:  Funk & Wagnalls bookshelf edition!

[ExiledInIllinois]

I asked AI why people hate Wikipedia... This is what it gave me.😆🤣

 

"People often hate due to fear of the unknown, insecurity, and a desire to protect their in-group from perceived threats. This intense aversion can stem from personal experiences, social conditioning, and emotional responses like anger and fear."

 

AI is quoting Wikipedia!😆

 

"Understanding the Roots of Hate

Fear of Differences

One primary reason people hate is fear. When individuals encounter something or someone different from themselves, it can trigger feelings of insecurity and anxiety. This fear often leads to hostility towards those perceived as outsiders.

In-Group vs. Out-Group Dynamics

The in-group versus out-group theory explains that people tend to favor their own group while viewing outsiders as threats. This instinctual behavior is a survival mechanism, where love for one's group is accompanied by aggression towards others.

Projection of Self-Hate

People often project their own insecurities and undesirable traits onto others. This psychological phenomenon leads individuals to attack those they perceive as embodying what they dislike about themselves. By hating others, they deflect attention from their own flaws.

Social and Cultural Influences

Amplification Through Technology

The rise of social media has made it easier for hate to spread. Online anonymity can lead to more aggressive behavior, as people feel less accountable for their actions. Hate often generates more engagement online, further fueling negative sentiments."

Loneliness and Insecurity

Many individuals who express hate do so out of feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. This emotional state can lead to a desire to lash out at others, creating a cycle of negativity that is hard to break.

Conclusion

Hate is a complex emotion rooted in fear, social dynamics, and personal insecurities. Understanding these factors can help in addressing and reducing hate in society."

 

Add a simple ? to that question and you get this:

 

"Reasons for Criticism of Wikipedia

Lack of Authority and Reliability

Wikipedia is not considered a primary source for research. Critics argue that the lack of authoritative oversight leads to unreliable information.

The open editing model allows anyone to contribute, which can result in inaccuracies and misinformation.

Systemic Bias

Wikipedia has been accused of systemic bias, where certain viewpoints are favored over others, often unintentionally. This can lead to skewed representations of topics.

Specific groups have organized campaigns to address perceived biases, such as the pro-Israel group CAMERA, which sought to correct what they viewed as inaccuracies in articles related to Israel.

Content Issues

Articles can be edited to reflect personal biases or agendas, leading to a lack of neutrality. This is particularly evident in politically sensitive topics.

The quality of articles varies significantly, with some being well-researched while others are overly simplistic or incomplete.

Community and Editing Practices

The standard of debate among editors can be low, often devolving into squabbles rather than constructive discussions. This can hinder the improvement of articles.

Some users feel that the editing process is dominated by a small group of active contributors, which can marginalize diverse perspectives.

Exposure to Vandalism

Wikipedia is vulnerable to vandalism, with a study indicating that a small percentage of articles contain damaged content. While many edits are quickly corrected, some misinformation can persist for a time.

These factors contribute to the mixed feelings many have towards Wikipedia, despite its vast repository of information."

 

Isn't this really everything in life?

[boyst]

Well, if anyone needs ways to beat any paywall... I'm here to help.

 

Eff Wikipedia. 

[Bad Things]

13 hours ago, Wacka said:

Couldm't happen to a nicer website.

Why’s that?

[Fleezoid]

I'm sorry. Somebody makes a website that provides a service, and I'm supposed to donate money to keep it running? I've used it, but I ain't losing sleep if it goes away.

Growing up, us older folks used to have to use the library or encyclopedias for info.

 

I give to charity, but I'm sick of the constant rounding up at stores, and the tip screen that's throw in my face.

[BobbyC81]

22 minutes ago, Fleezoid said:

I'm sorry. Somebody makes a website that provides a service, and I'm supposed to donate money to keep it running? I've used it, but I ain't losing sleep if it goes away.

Growing up, us older folks used to have to use the library or encyclopedias for info.

 

I give to charity, but I'm sick of the constant rounding up at stores, and the tip screen that's throw in my face.

Yet, a bunch of you donated to Andy Dalton’s charity just because he led another team to a win that put the Bills in the playoffs ending the drought?

[Dr. Who]

I don't find Wikipedia particularly reliable. It's a convenience, but not something necessary. I wouldn't pay for it. I did a test run of Grokipedia for an author I like. It was far more informative and thorough than the comparable Wikipedia entry.

[haroldwaide]

9 hours ago, BobbyC81 said:

Yet, a bunch of you donated to Andy Dalton’s charity just because he led another team to a win that put the Bills in the playoffs ending the drought?

Yes we did.  The difference is that there was no pressure.  It was presented as an idea of something we could do in celebration of ending the drought.  Nobody said " either donate, or TBD is going to go behind a payw as ll

 

Notice the difference?

[ExiledInIllinois]

15 hours ago, Bad Things said:

Why’s that?

Gotta be what it claims it's own criticism is.  Most likely political too...

 

I mean... It's not like things aren't sourced.

12 hours ago, Dr. Who said:

I don't find Wikipedia particularly reliable. It's a convenience, but not something necessary. I wouldn't pay for it. I did a test run of Grokipedia for an author I like. It was far more informative and thorough than the comparable Wikipedia entry.

It is nice for finding stuff that's usually set in stone... Like who won the 1981 SuperBowl... Or who was drafted in the 15th round of the 1972 NFL draft...

[Mike in Horseheads]

36 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

Gotta be what it claims it's own criticism is.  Most likely political too...

 

I mean... It's not like things aren't sourced.

It is nice for finding stuff that's usually set in stone... Like who won the 1981 SuperBowl... Or who was drafted in the 15th round of the 1972 NFL draft...

Bing or Ask Jeeves can pry answer that

[US Egg]

I’ve given in the past, admittedly, naively. Bought into the “woe as me pitch”. Read up a little on the financials, surprise, surprise, it’s a labyrinth. I’ll never learn. But, yeah he’s on the naughty list now. 

[ExiledInIllinois]

14 minutes ago, Mike in Horseheads said:

Bing or Ask Jeeves can pry answer that

OR...  Go old-school and call the librarian @ the reference desk of your local public library.  She's gotta be pretty lonely these days! 

 

 

[Mike in Horseheads]

1 minute ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

OR...  Go old-school and call the librarian @ the reference desk of your local public library.  She's gotta be pretty lonely these days! 

 

 

In your case just ask your wife!

[Sweats]

15 hours ago, Fleezoid said:

I'm sorry. Somebody makes a website that provides a service, and I'm supposed to donate money to keep it running? I've used it, but I ain't losing sleep if it goes away.

Growing up, us older folks used to have to use the library or encyclopedias for info.

 

I give to charity, but I'm sick of the constant rounding up at stores, and the tip screen that's throw in my face.

 

 

 

I've never used it even once.

 

Anytime i need to know anything, i just Google it.........it's a crapshoot sometimes cause i will get the answers i need about 50% of the time and porn the rest of the time, but i like those odds.

[US Egg]

16 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

OR...  Go old-school and call the librarian @ the reference desk of your local public library.  She's gotta be pretty lonely these days! 

Just don’t be late returning a book:

 

[ExiledInIllinois]

1 hour ago, Mike in Horseheads said:

In your case just ask your wife!

I won't get an answer for 10 days! LoL...