Wikipedia says it's losing contributors - Technology & science - Tech and gadgets - msnbc.com

Wikipedia says it's losing contributors - Technology & science - Tech and gadgets - msnbc.com

The use and citation of Wikipedia has been debated by educators since it gained popularity and momentum nearly ten years ago. However, regardless of how one feels about citing primary versus secondary sources, one thing we cannot dispute, Wikipedia is widely used and is a staple in information gathering. So why should you, as a student, care about the decline in contributors to the site (beyond your use of Wikipedia for research)? As an open-source, non-profit entity Wikipedia provides an avenue for information and education to anyone who cares to access it. Free flow of information is important to a strong society. At the break neck pace with which the world is changing and our demand/need for information ever increasing, Wikipedia is a valuable tool. If Wikipedia reaches a crisis state with regard to the decline in contribution we lose a venue for free access to information. What can you do? Evaluate your interests, your strengths and hone your writing and research skills and consider contributing to the larger body of knowledge and the free flow of information by becoming a contributor.