Archive:Stories: Difference between revisions

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+{{cquote|When Wikipedia first came out, I scoffed, probably like many, that it was just a place where people could write whatever they want.  As time went by and I noticed more and more reference material was being steered from and to Wikipedia, including many schools and youth organizations, I began to reconsider.
+I am the parent of a boy scout working on his Eagle project.  I am also a boy scout leader and my primary purpose in the troop is to teach merit badges.  To my great surprise, in the online workbooks, every reference to find information for a particular requirement is outlined in Wikipedia.
+I am also earning my fourth college degree and I find myself searching the Internet often, trying to find the best answer to a number of questions that are not clear in the textbooks I use.  Sure enough, the fastest and easiest to understand are always found in Wikipedia!
+For that, I thank you and ask that you continue with the outstanding work. Over time, you have certainly changed my opinion.
+If I were a weathly man, I would give you more money.
+What you have given me in return, for free, far outweighs what I was able to give back with the donation.
+Thank you, Wikipedia, and thank you to all the people who help make it what it is.}}
+<hr>
 {{cquote|Wikipedia is great from several standpoints. First, it is extremely helpful in that it provides such a good overview of information on such a wide variety of topics. Second, it is a very powerful demonstration of what can be accomplished when the contributions of many can be aggregated into a whole that in this case is clearly greater than the sum of its parts. Third, at a time when commercial interests dominate the agenda, it is heartening and inspiring to have commercial free access to information and knowledge by all. Bravo!}}