How I Built This with Guy Raz Wikipedia: Jimmy Wales (2018)
Jan 27, 2020
Jimmy Wales, the visionary founder of Wikipedia, shares the fascinating story behind the groundbreaking online encyclopedia. He discusses the evolution from his early internet ventures to launching Wikipedia, emphasizing the significance of community-driven knowledge and the challenges faced during the dot-com crash. Wales reflects on how innovative solutions emerged amid financial difficulties and how Wikipedia transformed from a questioned source to a trusted resource. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted segment on a dating app for dog owners inspired by personal experiences.
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Early Love for Encyclopedias
- Jimmy Wales loved reading encyclopedias as a child.
- His family updated their encyclopedia annually with stickers.
From Academia to the Internet
- Jimmy Wales pursued a PhD in finance but left academia for options trading.
- He developed a web browser in his free time, fueled by his belief in the internet's potential.
Nupedia's Inefficiency
- Nupedia, Wikipedia's predecessor, had a seven-stage review process.
- This rigorous process proved inefficient, hindering content creation.