Archive - The Wikipedian

Wikipedia Got a Letter from the Government the Other Day

A Trump official's risible letter to the Wikimedia Foundation represents a real attempt to intimidate an institution it cannot control

May 1 •

February 2025

The Fight for Hebrew Wikipedia Puts the Wikimedia Foundation in a No-Win Situation

An existential crisis at the Hebrew Wikipedia mirrors Israel's deepening divides—and the world's. Now, the WMF must decide whether to step in.

Feb 20 •

The Right’s War on Wikipedia is Just a Repackaging of its War on Journalism

In its exaggerated critique of Wikipedia's standards for reliable sources, the Media Research Center attempts a striking feat of false equivalence

Feb 13 •

Hard Out Here For a WiR: Can the Wikimedian-in-Residence Position Survive?

Wikipedians working at cultural institutions are struggling with brittle tools and a lack of resources to support their work. Now they're facing a new…

Feb 6 •

December 2024

The Top 10 Wikipedia Stories of 2024

2024 was nothing if not a consequential year for the world’s biggest encyclopedia. Here’s a look at Wikipedia's major milestones, notable missteps, and…

Dec 30, 2024 •

November 2024

Is the Wikimedia Foundation about to sell out its editors—and its principles?

At a time of rising authoritarianism, the Wikimedia Foundation faces a choice it may celebrate—or regret—forever

Nov 13, 2024 •

September 2024

Can Wikipedia Stay Neutral in the 2024 Presidential Election?

Are Wikipedia editors politically biased toward the left? And does Wikipedia's very mission statement necessarily imply a partisan worldview?

Sep 11, 2024 •

August 2024

Wikimania 2024: Have a Katowice Day

Wikipedia editors gathered in Poland last week to discuss generative AI, generational succession, the war in Ukraine, and Japanese TV

Aug 15, 2024 •

June 2024

Did Wikipedia "ban" the Anti-Defamation League? The truth is more complicated

Contrary to news reports, Wikipedia's decision doesn't group ADL with the National Enquirer—it's closer to HuffPost and Rolling Stone, sources useful…

Jun 26, 2024 •

February 2024

All the News that's Fit to Post, Part 4: Trump on Trial, and Why ITN Will Never Change

The serene presentation of Wikipedia's front-page "In the news" section belies the messy truth behind the headlines: a never-ending newsroom argument…

Feb 1, 2024 •

William Beutler

January 2024

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