I decided to be an Editor at Wikipedia!
By The Horse
@TheHorse (220250)
Walnut Creek, California
August 12, 2020 1:40pm CST
There are some academics I know who don't have a Wikipedia page, including my former Advisor at UCSB. I decided I want to write a couple of bios, so I signed up to be an Editor at Wikipedia.
They start you out slow, giving you poorly written pieces to edit. And then they gradually up the ante. You CAN write your own pieces immediately, but their introductory email said that the failure rate for those who try to run before they can walk is about 99%.
Wish me luck! It will be another nice diversion during these odd times. Hopefully it won't cut into my book-writing or MyLot time. As Greg Brown sings, "Time ain't money when all you got is time."
11 people like this
13 responses
@snowy22315 (182203)
• United States
12 Aug 20
That sounds like it will be a fun challenge.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (472087)
• Switzerland
14 Aug 20
@TheHorse Just to mention one I checked the name "Telesforo Fini" (brother of my great grandfather). Those mentioned are "family history" and several things they say are totally wrong.
I informed my cousin, if he wants he can leave a message with the necessary corrections.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
13 Aug 20
Good luck in this new endeavor of yours.
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
12 Aug 20
I started writing articles on Textbroker, just to keep my writing updated. It's hard work, because I've been away from it for so long! You will do good, just remember that it will take a lot of your time, perfecting everything. Why do they expect perfection? It's ridiculous, how picky they are.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220250)
• Walnut Creek, California
13 Aug 20
@kobesbuddy Do they give you subjects to write about? Or can you choose your own?
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
13 Aug 20
@TheHorse That's what I like about Textbroker, also. If I don't contribute a writing for a while, they're not upset. If it was for a prolonged period of time, they probably wouldn't like it. If I don't feel up to writing, I don't take on a project. Most writings are for 1-2 days, then I'm notified whether they're accepted or not. They've been very good to me!
2 people like this
@jvicentevalera (13671)
• Santiago, Chile
13 Aug 20
Oh my God! What if all of the sudden you become a famous writer for Wikipedia? I bet you will leave us! Lol I am kidding best vibes fo to you Horse!
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220250)
• Walnut Creek, California
13 Aug 20
@jvicentevalera In my dreams. But maybe I'll become an established and dependable editor over time. I'm not sure exactly what I'll gain from that, but it's worth pursuing.
2 people like this
@jvicentevalera (13671)
• Santiago, Chile
13 Aug 20
@TheHorse anytime my friend! Keep us posted to know how your doing as an editor in chief! Lol
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220250)
• Walnut Creek, California
13 Aug 20
I would say "yes" to the proofreader question. The article they gave me to practice on was on a subject unfamiliar to me (a small town in Brazil) was poorly written. I mostly corrected punctuation, rewrrote some sentences, deleted redundancies, etc. I did no additional research and changed no facts.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181717)
• United States
13 Aug 20
I'm assuming this is all volunteer work? Good luck. You will do great. Have a wonderful Thursday.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (220250)
• Walnut Creek, California
14 Aug 20
@LindaOHio Thanks, Linda. It will be a good outlet for me. I'll feel like I'm "contributing" to something while I'm still (mostly) stuck at home.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181717)
• United States
14 Aug 20
@TheHorse You will be a good asset for them!
1 person likes this
@Spontaneo (14700)
• United States
12 Aug 20
Go for it! Lots of good luck going your way! Woo Hoo 
1 person likes this
