If you’ve been on Wikipedia in the last few weeks (which you likely have), you might’ve seen the thank you note from founder Jimmy Wales:

Wow. What can I say? Thank you.

We’ve just ended the most successful fundraiser in our history, $7.5 million USD raised in less than 8 weeks.

Incredible. But I’m not surprised.

In 2001, I took a bet on people, and you’ve never let me down.

You have created the largest collection of human knowledge ever assembled: 14 million encyclopedia articles in 270 languages, still growing and getting better every day. You have supported, funded and protected it…

I’m not ashamed to admit that I frequently use Wikipedia to find information on everything from trivial tidbits to abstract theories. What I do find shameful, is the fact that after years of using Wikipedia, this week was the first time I ever made a donation and offered something back.

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