Wikipedia donations

[woodbutcherbower]

No affiliation whatsoever - but it's an unbelievably comprehensive resource which consistently provides most answers to most questions. It's been the subject of repeated takeover attempts by the corporate 'big boys' all of which have been comprehensively fought off and rejected in the desire to remain uncluttered, unbiased - and independent.

I donate £2 ($2.65) a month to keep this resource alive. It's peanuts for someone like me who's gaining information from it on a semi-daily basis. The recent answer I gave to a new FOG member regarding the grey Festool RAL colour shade? Wikipedia. The longitudinal curvature and downwards pitch angles for an upcoming UK narrowboat interior fit-out job? Wikipedia. The pickups Eddie Van Halen used on his home-made 'Frankenstrat' guitar? Wikipedia. Technical specs for the DB605 engine going into the 1/32 scale WW2 Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 model I'm currently building? Wikipedia.

Consider doing what I do. The world will be an emptier place without it.

Kevin

 

[bertv]

True. Everyone here should donate. I do.

 

[sawdust-samurai]

Technical specs for the DB605 engine going into the 1/32 scale WW2 Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 model I'm currently building? Wikipedia.

Kevin

I've been a donator for many, many years now.  But what I want to know is more about your Bf109G-6 model.  Is it a plastic kit or something out of wood?

 

[Duckler]

Aaaahhh …. the political bias and misinformation on Wikipedia make me hesitant to consult it for certain things. But I can see your perspective

 

[woodferret]

I like the circular references in wikipedia where pop culture sources trump scientific ones, if they agree with the editors stance (WP:RS) is so abused.  Occasionally we get entries from experts that'll add valuable reference links, but then that editorial infighting game, and yes - it is a game, just makes them go ugh, and move on.  Most expert fields are 'it depends' and require nuance, often relying on seemingly conflicting sources - the expertise is in understanding the boundary conditions of said references.  Wikipedia tries to simplify and cultivate the one-true-voice which is why it's frowned upon.

 

[mino]

Aaaahhh …. the political bias and misinformation on Wikipedia make me hesitant to consult it for certain things. But I can see your perspective

This.

Almost anything even remotely related to politics (history, current economy ..) is a swamp of propaganda and mis/dis/whatever- information.

On the other hand, the technical topics on *old* stuff and fundamental things like Physics or Math are a gold mine of knowledge. It is also a great reference for answers to the "what should I think to conform" question.

The way I give back to the community is by editing articles in my field of expertise. That is the most valuable support one can give anyway.

What makes me sad, thinking about it, that it is not (anymore) possible to constructively help with nothing of real importance. A lone person just does not have the bandwidth to fight semi-professional writer groups with an agenda.

 

[woodbutcherbower]

I want to know is more about your Bf109G-6 model.  Is it a plastic kit or something out of wood?

It’s a plastic kit by Trumpeter, with a pile of aftermarket PE components by Eduard. It will be the fifth 109 I’ve built - the others being an E-3, an E-4, an E-7/Trop, and a K-4. I might start a scale modelling thread in the ‘General Friendly Chat’ section at some point.

 

[sawdust-samurai]

I want to know is more about your Bf109G-6 model.  Is it a plastic kit or something out of wood?

It’s a plastic kit by Trumpeter, with a pile of aftermarket PE components by Eduard. It will be the fifth 109 I’ve built - the others being an E-3, an E-4, an E-7/Trop, and a K-4. I might start a scale modelling thread in the ‘General Friendly Chat’ section at some point.

I used to love building model airplanes, but I've not done it in decades.  I did buy some Wingnut Wings WWI aircraft kits to have when I retire.  lol  If you start that thread, I'd love to see some of your builds.