User:Hbazarte

hbazarte

Pennsylvania... In the Poconos Standard Education... However my extracurricular activities have never stopped,

As a child, like so many of the “Baby Boomers,” I have vivid memories of sitting alone for endless hours exploring, imagining and dreaming of what could be, while paging through our family’s collection of old and dusty encyclopedias. At that time, I had no idea what effect that particular investment of my time would have on the rest of my life.

My name is Hank, and I am retired from the Financial Industry. Currently I am a full-time Information-and-Research-Junkie, who has been for many years, using Wikipedia in order to “fuel” my insatiable childhood addiction for “more input." I have especially enjoyed observing this particular site’s metamorphosis, as it has transitioned itself from a position of relative obscurity, to one that currently possesses an authoritative and peerless worldwide presence.

Now that I'm retired and possess the prerequisite time necessary to once again properly feed such an unrelenting habit, Wikipedia has become my mainstay of choice. At times it has served me well by satisfying very specific inquiries and investigations. However, what an unmatched joy it has been to click my way through spontaneous and unrehearsed trains of thought that have taken me to destinations often unimagined. I am now delighted to have learned that I have the opportunity to become a Wikipedia “giver” rather than just a “taker.” As with so many other endeavors in life, “baby–steps” are often required in the beginning, and Wikipedia is no different. As a prelude, the site allows individuals to periodically take on the mantle of "editor." They allow those who are at the very least willing, a chance to "tidy up" the work of others who may be seeking to or already have contributed articles to the site. This is done with a view towards eventually contributing a constructive and informative article to this impressive international online encyclopedia. From my perspective; this offers a genuinely thrilling prospect. In a way it represents a perfect marriage for anyone who is committed to the process of formulating and understanding the "connections" that link all things.

I know that some believe that this should be a brief introduction; however, what place does brevity have with passion?

Not too long ago I had looked up an old saying on Wikipedia. I was thoroughly fascinated by not only its history and semantics but by its unrelenting relevance for over 175 years. "The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword" is a familiar old adage that of late had recaptured my attention and then inadvertently took me on a "Research Ride" that eventually lasted a couple of hours.

All of that got me to thinking about another more recent “Research Ride” that zeroed in upon a modern-day expression/slogan that had also made a significant mark on modern society. The slogan of which I speak was more specifically related to the business community.

"Do What You Do Best and Outsource the Rest" is an expression that has not only maintained its relevance for more than 25 years, but the interesting process that it advocates has continued to significantly impact big business on a global scale. Experts have claimed that it has literally changed the world.

Having gleaned this information at the same time that I was becoming newly enamored with Wikipedia, put me on an interesting train of thought. After having read much of the information on editing and acquiring some of the badges that go along with the tutorials, I figured that maybe this would be the time to take a shot.

I am certainly not naïve enough to imagine that I could escape the rigorous Wikipedia editing process unscathed. I was actually surprised to realize that in many ways I would actually welcome the healthy and unbiased criticism that seems to be a part of this amazing process. So rather than just sticking my toes into the water, I am at this time fully immersed and I'm looking for instruction.

Don’t worry about being gentle. By now I think I can take it. Just be honest!