Wales snaps & leaves interview after host asks, ‘You’re Wikipedia’s Founder or Co-Founder?’
The world of online encyclopedias was shaken recently when Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, stormed out of a podcast interview in less than a minute. The reason behind this abrupt exit was a question posed by the host, which Wales deemed to be “the dumbest question in the world.” The question in question was whether Wales was the founder or co-founder of Wikipedia. This incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of Larry Sanger, who is often credited as the co-founder of Wikipedia, and Wales’ contributions to the online encyclopedia.
The podcast interview began with Wales introducing himself as the founder of Wikipedia. However, the host seemed to be unsure about Wales’ role in the creation of the online encyclopedia and asked him to clarify whether he was the founder or co-founder. Wales, visibly irritated by the question, responded by saying, “It’s the dumbest question in the world.” He further emphasized that he had already introduced himself as the founder of Wikipedia, and the host should have taken that as a clear indication of his role.
When the host pressed on, asking Wales to confirm whether he was the sole founder or if there was a co-founder, Wales’ frustration grew. He reiterated that he was the founder of Wikipedia and that the question was unnecessary. However, the host continued to probe, asking Wales about Larry Sanger’s role in the creation of Wikipedia. This was the final straw for Wales, who promptly got up and left the interview.
The controversy surrounding Wales’ role in the creation of Wikipedia is not new. Larry Sanger, who is often credited as the co-founder of Wikipedia, has been involved in a long-standing dispute with Wales over the extent of his contributions to the online encyclopedia. While Sanger claims to have played a significant role in the development of Wikipedia, Wales has contested these claims, downplaying Sanger’s involvement.
The question of whether Wales is the sole founder of Wikipedia or if Sanger deserves to be recognized as a co-founder is a complex one. According to Wales, he is the sole founder of Wikipedia, and Sanger’s contributions were limited to his role as an employee. However, Sanger has argued that he was instrumental in the development of Wikipedia, and his ideas and vision were crucial to the online encyclopedia’s success.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of founders and co-founders in the creation of successful startups. While some have come out in support of Wales, arguing that he is the sole founder of Wikipedia, others have defended Sanger’s right to be recognized as a co-founder. The debate highlights the complexities of startup culture, where the lines between founders, co-founders, and employees can often become blurred.
The podcast host’s question, although seemingly innocuous, touched a raw nerve for Wales. The fact that he was asked to clarify his role in the creation of Wikipedia, despite having introduced himself as the founder, was perceived as a challenge to his authority and legacy. Wales’ reaction, although extreme, underscores the passion and dedication that he has for Wikipedia and his role in its creation.
In conclusion, the incident highlights the complexities of startup culture and the debates that can arise over issues of foundership and legacy. While Wales’ reaction may have been extreme, it underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the contributions of founders and co-founders. As the debate surrounding Wikipedia’s foundership continues, it is essential to consider the perspectives of both Wales and Sanger, and to acknowledge the complexities of their roles in the creation of the online encyclopedia.
