I used to be an Online Researcher in my previous life. The job required scouring the internet for not-for-profit associations, societies and foundations around the world. This was for a client that supplied telephone directories to libraries and universities across North America.
The intricacies of the job is irrelevant. The pay rivaled that of a minimum wage earner. But the job allowed me to explore the Internet way before SEO consultants learned to manipulate search engines. After my stint, I never looked at Google the same way again.
One of my online discoveries at that time was Wikipedia. The website was still unknown except to its army of volunteers who passionately wrote articles to add to Wiki's expanding database. I didn't get my sources there but it was a good way to pass the time. For someone who used to spent his recess inside the library reading tomes of encyclopedia, finding Wikipedia was like hitting the jackpot.
Fast forward six years later, everyone gets their information from the free online database. Forget the citations or the 100% accuracy of a page, knowledge is what's important. Everything from the Moon Hoax, to the Toyota War, to the details of TV5's Face to Face are found there.
And after spending my entire career doing online jobs, Wikipedia is still the number 1 distraction from finishing my paperwork.
After several weeks of intense campaign, Wikipedia was able to generate more than enough funds to run its operations. Reading the "thank you" message from its founder Jimmy Wales, I learned that 2010 has been their most successful fund raising campaign yet.
I felt ashamed that I wasn't able to donate $5 dollars for the fund raising considering that I cannot live a day without opening Wikipedia's page. What's more shameful is that with Bentusi's presence, my Paypal Account gets its funds. Transferring dollars to my favorite website is now just a click of a button.
But it's not too late. 2011 will be the year I give back.
But it's not too late. 2011 will be the year I give back.
Below the letter was a link which details Wikipedia's global celebrations after the foundation turned a decade this year. After clicking it, the invitation was laid before my eyes:
January 15, 2011
Description
In celebration of Wikipedia's tenth anniversary, Wikimedia Philippines (WMPH) is proud to organize the first Philippine Wikipedia Takes the City photo scavenger hunt, Wikipedia Takes Manila.* What is it? Wikipedia Takes Manila is a Wikipedia Takes the City-style photo scavenger hunt, with coverage of the City of Manila. Teams will take pictures of various buildings, monuments and structures in Manila throughout the day. Following the event will be a party for contest participants and guests.* Where is it? The central meeting place for this event will be at Paco Park, San Marcelino St., Paco, Manila. The mass uploading of pictures obtained, awards ceremony and party for participants and guests meanwhile will be held at Shakey's Pizza, Maria Orosa Ave. cor. United Nations Ave., Ermita, Manila.* When is it? Wikipedia Takes Manila will be held on Wikipedia Day, January 15, from 9:00 am PST onwards.* Who can join? Anyone can join Wikipedia Takes Manila. If you can form a team of 2-3 people and have your own cameras, come sign up! You can register using this form.* How much? Wikipedia Takes Manila is free! However, teams are responsible for paying for fares and entrance fees incurred in the course of the competition.
Sounds a good excuse to broaden my horizons.
Here's a little confession. Many years ago, I was contemplating the idea of contributing articles to the website. But because I found the instructions for joining too complicated, and my writing skills too inferior, I opt to remain a silent reader.
This invitation is a chance to correct past hesitations, and perhaps accomplish what I aspired to do.