Post 2

Prior to the reading, I thought of Wikipedia as a secondary source for information. I would take my chances browsing the internet through search engines such as Google for specific websites that related to the topic at hand. Over the years, I have only heard negative things about Wikipedia through teachers, students, etc. The website has somewhat of a stigma that comes along with it, since it appears to be very opinion-based and open to fault due to the freedom of postings. I have to admit it, despite the many warnings I have received, I have used Wikipedia numerous times as a source for varies papers. I also tend to use the site as a "quick fix" for getting immediate answers and information online. Wikipedia always seems to come up as the first link in a Google search, so I tend to click on it more often than not.

After the readings, I realize the valuable potential Wikipedia truly has as a source and finding sources through the website. I always saw the external links throughout my Wikipedia searches and at the bottom of the pages but I never really gave them a second look of took advantage of them. Although there is a common misconception that anyone can post anything on Wikipedia, I knew that the people that run the website check postings before they are officially placed on their website because I have tried to post something "goofy" about my brother on there in the past. I still believe that I should be careful when using Wikipedia as a source by checking the sources each page lists and maybe varifying the information on other websites, but the readings give Wikipedia a little more value and credit in my book. One thing that really stood out to me is the fact that you can see how a page has developed on the website, this was something I did not know prior to the readings. I also never knew about the five pillars that form Wikipedia's fundamental principles of operations. These guidelines make Wikipedia a more valuable source, more reliable, and provide freedom while maintaining regulations and a safe, user friendly environment.

There is much to learn about academic and research-based writing from the processes that happen on Wikipedia. The reviewing, conversing, revising, and sharing processes that Wikipedia uses can be seen as a valuable model for how we should base our writing process. Following these same steps will help us develop, refine, and broaden our work before submission. Overall, I found the readings interesting and informative. My outlook on Wikipedia has slightly changed and I can see myself using it more comfortably as a reliable source in the future.