User:Hjr7786

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Introduction
I have just completed the Wikipedia Tutorial. For the amount of information and the multiple opportunities which Wikipedia offers, I thought it sufficiently explained to me the processes of Wikipedia in an organized fashion. I often search on Wikipedia, from the word meanings to historical events, or famous musical groups. It is a useful tool, although it is not always accepted as a source in academic research. I have already had a short experience with Wikipedia in a past telecommunications class, but I do not ever remember being a registered user. I knew already that Wikipedia is controlled mostly by anyone with internet connection and the means to update articles with their own knowledge, creating a constantly updated Wikipedia. With the tutorial I just finished, I learned much more on the proper etiquette of users or wikiquette as it is sometimes called. I never realized there were talk pages for discussion where people can ask questions regarding different pages. I also found it extremely interesting that there were so many sister projects that I will assuredly use in the future.

Pros and Cons
As I mentioned briefly before, there are numerous pros to Wikipedia. For instance, the concentration and availability of information which is the foundation of an encyclopedia and the extension of such with advancements in information technology. Whenever I am seeking general knowledge of something, of anything, I simply search on google and Wikipedia is always the first page to appear, with the information I seek. Another pro is that it is constantly updated, thus always the most recent information on the web. It is also changeable by users all over the world with various backgrounds, and so the collaboration contributes to a multiple point of view, and hopefully unbiased articles. It is also very organized and efficient.

The cons of Wikipedia are shown when information is biased due to lacking or overly zealous users, and the fact that the information is so extensive and the pages so great in number, that sometimes the information is false. It is sometimes not double-checked nor referenced.

On Editing
I have found editing on Wikipedia to be extremely easy through the use of the tutorial and the creation of my user page. If I ever felt compelled, I believe I could easily edit another page in the proper manner. I also believe that the process of editing is very well-mannered if done so properly.

The Five Pillars
1. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia

2. Wikipedia has a neutral point of view

3. Wikipedia is free content

4. Wikipedia does not have firm rules

5. Wikipedia has a code of conduct

I completely agree with all of these policies and I believe they are the foundation which has catapulted Wikipedia to be what it is today, the most useful location of available information. I feel most strongly about the pillar of neutral point of view, because it is a very difficult position to acquire, but I believe for having free content and open registration that Wikipedia does a good job of promoting neutrality.

Interesting Wiki Links
Erykah Badu

Silvio Rodriguez

Muncie, Indiana

Barack Obama

Indiana University