Frequently Asked Questions
This page addresses some frequently asked questions about Wikimedia UK. For frequently asked questions about Wikipedia, see Wikipedia:FAQ.
Is Wikimedia UK a charity?
Wikimedia UK is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. We are in the process of applying for charity status; for the latest information see Charity status application.
What area the relationships between Wikimedia UK, Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation?
Wikimedia UK is an independent organisation that has been recognised as a local chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation. The Wikimedia Foundation operates Wikipedia, among other projects. Wikimedia UK supports the local activities around Wikipedia, including running events, talking to the press and providing funding to support Wikimedia activities locally.
How popular are the Wikimedia projects?
- The English Wikipedia has over 3 million files (More)
- Wikimedia Commons has over 5 million freely licensed media files, used on Wikipedia (More)
- Over a quarter of internet users in the UK use Wikipedia (More)
- Wikipedia is one of the top ten most popular websites on the internet
Who edits Wikipedia?
You can! Wikipedia is constructed and maintained by millions of volunteers. There is no barrier to editing Wikipedia - you can simply click on the "edit" button and get started! (More information.)
How reliable is Wikipedia?
You shouldn't trust content just because it's on Wikipedia - it could have been written by anyone. The best approach is to trust information that has references attached to it - ideally by checking those references. From an academic perspective, Wikipedia may not be an acceptable source; indeed, some professors and teachers may reject Wikipedia-sourced material completely, however if you check the sources listed yourself you can cite them instead. (More information.)
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