Wales snaps & leaves interview after host asks, ‘You’re Wikipedia’s Founder or Co-Founder?’
Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, recently appeared on a podcast to discuss his brainchild, the online encyclopedia that has revolutionized the way we access and share knowledge. However, the interview took an unexpected turn when the host asked Wales if he was the founder or co-founder of Wikipedia. Wales, who had introduced himself as the founder, took umbrage with the question and snapped at the host, calling it “the dumbest question in the world.”
The exchange was brief, with Wales becoming visibly irritated and walking out of the interview in less than a minute. The host’s question may have seemed innocuous to some, but it touched a sensitive nerve for Wales, who has been involved in a long-standing debate over the founding of Wikipedia. Larry Sanger, who worked with Wales on the project, is often credited as the co-founder of Wikipedia. However, Wales has previously contested Sanger’s contributions, leading to a public feud between the two.
The controversy surrounding Wikipedia’s founding dates back to the early days of the project. Wales and Sanger launched Wikipedia in 2001, with the goal of creating a free online encyclopedia that would be edited by volunteers. However, as the project grew in popularity, the two founders began to disagree over the direction of the site. Sanger left Wikipedia in 2002, citing differences with Wales over the site’s governance and editorial policies.
Since then, Wales has downplayed Sanger’s role in the founding of Wikipedia, leading to a public dispute between the two. Sanger has accused Wales of trying to erase his contributions to the project, while Wales has maintained that he is the sole founder of Wikipedia. The debate has been ongoing for years, with neither side showing any signs of backing down.
The recent podcast interview was just the latest example of Wales’s sensitivity on the issue. When the host asked him if he was the founder or co-founder of Wikipedia, Wales took it as a personal attack and responded angrily. “It’s the dumbest question in the world,” he said, before standing up and walking out of the interview.
The incident has sparked a lively debate online, with some defending Wales’s reaction and others criticizing him for being overly sensitive. However, regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is clear that the question of Wikipedia’s founding is a complex and contentious issue.
Wales’s reaction to the question may have been extreme, but it highlights the passion and dedication that he has for the project. As the founder of Wikipedia, Wales has invested countless hours and resources into building the site, and he is fiercely protective of its reputation and legacy.
At the same time, Sanger’s contributions to Wikipedia should not be dismissed. As a co-founder of the site, he played a significant role in shaping its early development and direction. While Wales may dispute the extent of Sanger’s contributions, it is clear that he was an important part of the team that launched Wikipedia.
Ultimately, the question of who founded Wikipedia is less important than the impact that the site has had on the world. As a free online encyclopedia, Wikipedia has democratized access to knowledge and information, providing a valuable resource for people around the globe. Whether Wales or Sanger is credited as the founder, the fact remains that Wikipedia is a remarkable achievement that has changed the way we live and work.
In conclusion, the recent podcast interview with Jimmy Wales highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding Wikipedia’s founding. While Wales’s reaction to the question may have been extreme, it underscores the passion and dedication that he has for the project. As the debate over Wikipedia’s founding continues, it is clear that the site’s impact on the world is what truly matters. With its mission to provide free access to knowledge and information, Wikipedia remains an essential resource for people around the world.
