What is Wikipedia
When asked "What is Wikipedia?" participants in the workshop gave a variety of vivid and imaginative responses that capture both the complexity and community-driven nature of the platform. One person described it as “an organic encyclopedia,” highlighting Wikipedia's constantly evolving state. It’s not static like traditional books, as another participant noted: “Wikipedia is like an encyclopedia that can be constantly updated, not like books that have to go through a big process of editing.” This immediacy, combined with the collaborative effort of thousands of people, makes Wikipedia feel alive and dynamic.
“It’s an open source, open-ended, ever-evolving encyclopedia..”
Others focused on Wikipedia’s role as an open-source, ever-expanding knowledge hub. One participant captured this perfectly: “It’s an open source, open-ended, ever-evolving encyclopedia,” which reflects Wikipedia’s commitment to accessibility and continual growth. Another described it as “a decentralized community contributing to a knowledge bank of verifiable and reliable sources for any topic you can imagine.” This idea of collective knowledge and transparency underscores the mission of Wikipedia to serve as a central source of truth that anyone can contribute to.
Wikipedia is also seen as much more than a simple repository of facts. One participant compared it to “an online library and archive of information that discusses the human condition, thoughts, beliefs, and ideas.” This captures the depth of information available on Wikipedia, which goes beyond just data to encompass the vast range of human experience. Similarly, another person called it “a global community of archivists working together to tell the story of the universe,” showcasing the grand, almost philosophical view of Wikipedia’s role in documenting history and knowledge.
“A global community of archivists working together to tell the story of the universe.”
The social aspect of Wikipedia stood out to many participants. One described it as “a swirling whirlpool of brain goo with lots of gremlins yelling over each other via keyboard,” a humorous nod to the sometimes chaotic but always active community of editors. This sense of anonymity mixed with communal effort was also noted: “It feels individual and communal at the same time, but also it’s anonymous—it makes me feel infamous!” Wikipedia’s anonymity allows people to contribute without seeking personal recognition, but the collective impact of their work is undeniable. Another participant likened it to a beehive, saying, “Wikipedia is a beehive protecting a world of knowledge,” reinforcing the idea that while anyone can contribute, the platform is carefully guarded by a community that ensures accuracy and integrity.
“Wikipedia is a beehive protecting a world of knowledge.”
Some found beauty in Wikipedia’s organic and mutable nature. One editor described it as “a knitting of relevant digital information that mutates with thousands of collaborators looking for how to create and verify the information.” This sense of constant growth, weaving together countless strands of knowledge, speaks to the collaborative spirit at the heart of Wikipedia. Others embraced its playful side, with one participant calling it “a massive global ecosystem playing a game to open knowledge,” and another describing it as “a circus of nerds.” These metaphors capture the joy and excitement of contributing to something bigger than oneself.
Ultimately, participants agreed that Wikipedia is a community-driven project with an immense impact. As one person summed up, “Wikipedia is a community, an organic archive, and an opportunity to add to one of the world’s biggest libraries the subject matter you are interested in.” This sense of empowerment and shared purpose is what makes Wikipedia not just an encyclopedia, but a global movement toward open and accessible knowledge for all.
