Hi all, tomorrow is Wikipedia Day, and this year we're celebrating Wikipedia's 18th birthday since it was founded in 2001. We'd love to hear from the community online about why they value Wikipedia, and share the best responses to encourage others to think about editing Wikipedia and getting involved in the community. If you want to, you can respond to the questions below by posting a text or video message on social media (we are on Twitter, Facebook and Instagam as @wikimediauk) and tagging Wikimedia UK.

For Wikipedia's 18th birthday we are asking everyone to tell us why they value Wikipedia. Tweet us your answers to these questions with the hashtag #WikipediaDay
  • What does Wikipedia mean to you?
  • Why do you think people should value Wikipedia?
  • What would you say to someone to encourage them to become a Wikipedia editor?'
We will also be releasing some CC licensed interview footage with Jimmy Wales throughout the day which people can reuse however they like, and maybe a podcast too (if I have time).

The WIkimedia Foundation are doing something similar, with the theme of Wikipedia becoming a 'young adult', and are asking the community to engage by doing any of the following, using the same hashtag, #WikipediaDay:

  • Send Wikipedia your favorite birthday selfie! (If you’re concerned about privacy, you’re free to get creative: birthday selfie of you cat? Birthday selfie made of legos?!)

  • Share a fact about Wikipedia (or even your favorite fact on Wikipedia) and we’ll reply back in the most snarky 18-year-old way we possibly can.

  • Recommend a place for Wikipedia to visit. What can we do now that we couldn’t before adulthood?!

  • Tag a celebrity in a Wikipedia-themed birthday wish! (What if Marie Kondo got rid of all the unreliable sources that did not “spark joy?” Wish upon a star. ✨)

  • Spread the good vibes. Wish a chapter or affiliate an early upcoming birthday instead. :)

Please join us and help spread the news about Wikipedia turning 18!

John Lubbock

Communications Coordinator

Wikimedia UK

+44 (0) 203 372 0767

 

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