Wikipedia Day on January 15 is an occasion that celebrates the birth and formation of the site. Almost every single person in the world knows what Wikipedia is. When we search for something, a Wikipedia link is the first thing that pops up on our search engines. It is also a popular site since it provides in-depth information and presents everything in a user-friendly way. So without further ado, let’s dedicate this day to the information provider that has been feeding us with knowledge since day one. Happy Wikipedia Day!
History of Wikipedia Day
There was a time when students and researchers would need to go through tons of books in a library to attain information regarding a certain topic. This was the time when the internet had not reached the heights of innovation it has today. However, the world as we know it, completely evolved when this search engine was formed, and numerous websites were created to provide people with information regarding several topics. One of these famous websites is Wikipedia — also known as the free internet encyclopaedia. Overseen by the nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation, the website is recognized for facilitating the creation and development of articles.
Here’s a bit more on the history of Wikipedia. It all started when Jimmy Wales established Bomis, Inc., a web portal company, in 1996. By March 2000, Wales had introduced “Nupedia” to the world. This was a free online encyclopaedia that had an editor in chief, and a team of individuals who were reviewing the information published. In 2001, Nupedia was supplemented with a wiki software, and Wikipedia was launched as a feature of Nupedia.com. However, after several discussions, Wikipedia was relaunched as an independent website, and managed to publish over 20,000 articles in its first year! This included work in 18 different languages such as French, German, Polish, Dutch, Hebrew, Chinese, and Esperanto.
Today, it has become one of the most visited sites in the globe and has information regarding almost every single topic of interest. However, schools and universities do not permit the use of Wikipedia in term papers due to a lack of proper references used by the site.
Wikipedia Day timeline
Wikipedia is up and running.
Nupedia closes and Wikipedia takes over its articles.
The English Wikipedia has about one million articles.
Wikipedia has 374,000 articles.
Wikipedia Day FAQs
What day is Wikipedia’s birthday?
January 15, 2001, since the site was established and edited on this date.
Who is the founder of Wikipedia?
The founders of Wikipedia are Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger.
Does Wikipedia make money?
Yes. But the site does not make money through ads. It makes money through donations by readers, as well as merchandise sales.
How to Celebrate Wikipedia Day
Form a Wikipedia page
Interested in knowing how Wikipedia works? Create a page of your own regarding a book, a movie, or a celebrity you are unable to find a Wiki page for.
Write an article
To celebrate the day, search a bit on the advantages and disadvantages of Wikipedia for students and write an article for publishing.
Do a study on its use
Find out how Wikipedia is used in assignments and whether it is the right source to quote, by conducting an online survey of school-going kids.
5 Fun Facts You Need To Know About Wikipedia
Incorrect information
Not all users provide accurate information on Wikipedia.
Fact-checking is not on point
In 2005, American journalist John L. Seigenthaler, Jr.’s biography falsely labeled him as a conspirator in the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy.
Fixing information
Wikipedia relies on users to fix the articles.
Blocking IP addresses
The administrators of the page can block people.
Wikipedia’s pornographic images
In 2010 Wiki Commons showed illegal depictions of sexual acts involving children.
Why Wikipedia Day is Important
Its highlights the importance of Wikipedia
The day highlights the importance of Wikipedia, how it helps people, and why it is so famous throughout the world.
It also highlights its issues
The day also looks at the issues of the site. Since the pages can be edited by users, they are not considered reliable sources in the world of academia.
It promotes ideation
The day serves the purpose of encouraging people to come up with unique website ideas of their own. Anything we once considered odd, can make it big if presented correctly.
Wikipedia Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 15 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 15 | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 15 | Friday |
| 2028 | January 15 | Saturday |
| 2029 | January 15 | Monday |
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