User:Beatgr
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Beatgr is taking a short wikibreak and will be back on Wikipedia when current workload decreases! |
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[edit] Interests
As you can see from my topics - my interests are largely historical: History during the initial Space race (1950 - 1975); scientific history - both developments and biographies of noted scientists; national and international scientific awards, college radio stations, western Illinois history, and railroads (largely the CB&Q "The Burlington Route" -- now part of BNSF railroad).
[edit] History
The FIRST pillar of Wikipedia states: Wikipedia is not the place to insert your own opinions, experiences, or arguments — all editors must follow our no original research policy and strive for accuracy.
This is weakest link or "crumbling" pillar of Wikipedia. After 3 or 4 WikiBots edited well researched and documented original entries in early 2006, it appears that this is a losing battle at Wikipedia. Between frustrated 'Spin Doctors', these automated bots -- that seem to have their own censorship -- and frustrated writers attempting to script "new versions of history" seem to be running throughout Wikipedia.
[edit] Contributions
I have made contributions and content corrections (with references) to these Wiki subjcts or topics:
- International Geophysical Year, Explorer program, Ulysses probe, Explorer 1
- Space Race, Rockoon, Gravitational slingshot
- Pioneer program, Pioneer 3, Pioneer 4, Explorer 49
- James Van Allen, William Hayward Pickering, Herbert Friedman
- Shortwave
- Illinois Route 3, Illinois Route 336, U.S. Route 67
- Illinois Country, Forgottonia
- Illinois River, LaMoine River, Mississippi river
- WVKC - yes, this is the Knox College radio station. Knox granted an honorary doctorate to Jimmy Wales in June 2006.
- WRKC, WRSK, WIUX
[edit] Creations
I created these Wikipedia entires through experiential knowledge on the subject, research and external reference sources (e.g. published books, articles or verified web references). Most of these entires are historical in nature, while other subjects may be considered, by some, to be trivial in nature.
- Military Tract of 1812
- Lake Chicago, Bernadotte, Illinois, Camp Ellis
- American Royal Zephyr, Kansas City Zephyr, Illinois Zephyr, Carl Sandburg (Amtrak)
- Macomb and Western Illinois Railroad, Keokuk Junction Railway
- Illinois Route 9
- Explorer 17, Pioneer H, Hawkeye 1, Outer solar system missions, Geiger tube telescope
- National Air and Space Museum Trophy
- WIUM, WIUW, WIUS
- Shutruk Nahunte, Electronics Illustrated
[edit] Plans
Wikipedia articles that require further editing or formatting (when I have time):
Unfortunately, Jim passed away on August 9 , 2006. It was a pleasure to know him -- and I will hopefully revise his biographical entry in near future.
Wiki Projects that I am currently assisting:
[edit] Wiki losing neutrality and I am losing interest
This web article by Larry Sanger, one of the Wikipedia co-founders, Wikipedia credibility & management problems-- summarizes the current Wikipedia operational problems very well. Some respectable institutions have informed their students -- that they now discourage Wikipedia for sole source material. Before Wikipedia Mr. Sanger and Jimmy Wales worked on Nupedia --- Richard Matthew Stallman well known GNU founder created his early vision in GNUPedia. Richard Stallman's initial proposal Mr. Sanger is now focused on Citizendium.
You may see Jimmy "Jimbo" Donal Wales on the public relations / television circuit in Fall 2006. Make your own assessment and judgements from what you hear, read and see - that is what democracy is all about. Charlie Rose interview
Recent Midwest busienss interview with Jimmy Wales You Can Be Bold, Beautiful; Just Don’t Be Reckless Great points, maybe Wikipedia editors should acutally read his statements.
I am reducing my volunteer contribution time to Wikipedia - and do not intend on providing financial support -- in Wikipedia's present form and organziational structure. My limited time can be better spent with more rewarding projects and initatives. Too bad, Wikipedia seems like a nice idea - but it is attracting too many "Spin Control" editors - that really aspire to be an administrator here on Wikipedia or on the "Board of Editors" at a major publication (but have failed) or at encyclopedias. This medium may be new -- but people can not seem to change.
[edit] Reference
- Svoboda, Elizabeth One-Click Content, No Guarantees, IEEE Spectrum, June 2006, pages 64-65
