Who are the Main Contributors Writing Wikipedia Articles?
Wikipedia, the largest and most comprehensive online encyclopedia, is a remarkable collaborative effort driven by a diverse group of individuals around the world. However, the contributions are not evenly distributed among all editors. This article aims to explore the identity and characteristics of the most significant contributors who write Wikipedia articles. We will delve into the statistics, the process, and the people behind these remarkable contributions.
The Tides of Contributions on Wikipedia
On the English Wikipedia, it is common to see a list of accounts with the most edits at List of Wikipedians by number of edits. However, it is important to note a few key points:
Edit-O-Matic: Many editors have opted out of being tracked or have chosen pseudonyms to protect their identity or privacy. Automated Bots: Some accounts are automated bots that make regular edits but do not necessarily create original content or aspire to author articles.Lots of edits does not always mean significant content creation. To truly understand the role of those who write Wikipedia articles, one must look beyond the sheer number of contributions and dive into the article creation process itself.
Article Creators on English Wikipedia
The list of editors who have created articles on the English Wikipedia before September 2017 can be found at List of Wikipedians by article count. This list provides a more accurate representation of who is actually creating original content. Among the top contributors to this list is Dr. Blofeld, who has created almost 100,000 articles!
By sorting the list by non-redirects, one can see the true creators of articles, not just any edits. These individuals are dedicated to writing and maintaining high-quality content, which is crucial for the encyclopedia's reliability and comprehensiveness.
Quality Article Creators: Featured Article Nominations
A more stringent measure of article quality is the List of Wikipedians by featured article nominations. Featured articles go through a rigorous review process where they are evaluated based on various criteria including prose quality, the use of references, and formatting. The individuals who are involved in these nominations are often recognized for their exceptional contributions to the encyclopedia.
The featured article process not only highlights the creators of these top-notch articles but also reflects the collaborative effort and commitment of the broader community. These articles are held to the highest standards and serve as benchmarks for the encyclopedia as a whole.
Conclusion and Reflection
The world of Wikipedia editing is a fascinating ecosystem of dedicated contributors. However, it is the true writers and content creators who stand out. Dr. Blofeld and others like him have made monumental contributions to the world's knowledge in diverse and vast ways. Their hard work and dedication have made Wikipedia the essential resource it is today.
As Wikipedia continues to grow, it is important to recognize and appreciate the efforts of these dedicated editors and article creators. Their work is more than just edits; it is the foundation of reliable and accessible information for millions of users worldwide.