Wales snaps & leaves interview after host asks, ‘You’re Wikipedia’s Founder or Co-Founder?’
In a shocking turn of events, Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, lost his cool during a podcast interview when the host asked him if he was the founder or co-founder of the online encyclopedia. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of Larry Sanger, who is often credited as the co-founder of Wikipedia. Wales has previously contested Sanger’s contributions to the project, and it seems that the topic is still a sensitive one for him.
The interview, which was supposed to be a discussion about Wikipedia and its impact on the world, took a dramatic turn when the host asked Wales to clarify his role in the founding of the website. Wales, who had introduced himself as the founder of Wikipedia, was taken aback by the question and responded angrily. “It’s the dumbest question in the world,” he said, his voice rising in frustration.
The host, seemingly taken aback by Wales’ reaction, tried to clarify the question, asking if Wales was the sole founder of Wikipedia or if he had co-founded it with someone else. However, Wales was having none of it. He reiterated that he was the founder of Wikipedia and that the question was unnecessary. When the host continued to press the issue, Wales had had enough. He stood up and walked out of the interview, leaving the host and the audience stunned.
The incident has sparked a lot of debate about the role of Larry Sanger in the founding of Wikipedia. Sanger, who is often credited as the co-founder of Wikipedia, has a different version of events. According to Sanger, he and Wales worked together to develop the concept of Wikipedia, and he played a crucial role in its early development. However, Wales has contested Sanger’s claims, stating that he was the sole founder of Wikipedia and that Sanger’s contributions were minimal.
The controversy surrounding the founding of Wikipedia is not new. For years, Wales and Sanger have been at odds over the issue, with each side presenting a different version of events. While Wales has consistently maintained that he is the sole founder of Wikipedia, Sanger has insisted that he played a crucial role in the project’s development.
The incident has also raised questions about the accuracy of Wikipedia’s own history. The online encyclopedia has a page dedicated to its own history, which states that Wales and Sanger co-founded the website in 2001. However, Wales’ reaction to the question suggests that he may not agree with this version of events.
The video of the incident has gone viral, with many people weighing in on the controversy. Some have come to Wales’ defense, stating that he is the undisputed founder of Wikipedia and that Sanger’s claims are exaggerated. Others have criticized Wales for his behavior, stating that he should be more gracious and willing to acknowledge the contributions of others.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is clear that the incident has highlighted the complexities and nuances of the history of Wikipedia. The online encyclopedia has become an indispensable resource for millions of people around the world, and its impact on the way we access and share information cannot be overstated. However, the controversy surrounding its founding serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly straightforward stories can be complex and multifaceted.
In conclusion, the incident involving Jimmy Wales and the podcast host has sparked a heated debate about the role of Larry Sanger in the founding of Wikipedia. While Wales has consistently maintained that he is the sole founder of the online encyclopedia, Sanger has insisted that he played a crucial role in its development. The controversy serves as a reminder that the history of Wikipedia is complex and multifaceted, and that there may be more to the story than meets the eye.
