"Demopedia" Help! What is it? What is wikipedia that it's based on???

[KoKo]

for us non-techies who are trying to learn and desperate, could someone give a synopsis about what it is, why it's good, why DU'ers are happy to have it, and what I need to know to use it, and why I should want to use it.

Many thanks if someone can give me a "down to earth" explantion...as a "dial up" user...But, hey I'm not a "dummy here," so I can understand if you just do a little "step-by-step."

Many thanks...if anyone's up to the challenge....

[xultar]

1. I was just about to post the same thing. So, you're not alone...n/t

[Lone Pawn]

2. Go to

http://www.wikipedia.org

It will tell all.

[xultar]

3. DUH, I've been here before. OK. I get it. n/t

[KoKo]

4. Okay....I have a snip...so it's a "free encyclopedia anyone can edit..."

So why the heck should I care about DU having it? Why does DU need a "free encyclopedia anyone can edit?" :shrug: I didn't get enough info from the site. Can someone give me an example of how I would use this on DU? Thanks.

The goal of Wikipedia is to create an information source in an encyclopedia format that is freely available. The license we use grants free access to our content in the same sense as free software is licensed freely. This principle is known as copyleft. That is to say, Wikipedia content can be copied, modified, and redistributed so long as the new version grants the same freedoms to others and acknowledges the authors of the Wikipedia article used (a direct link back to the article satisfies our author credit requirement). Wikipedia articles therefore will remain free forever and can be used by anybody subject to certain restrictions, most of which serve to ensure that freedom.

To fulfill the above goals, the text contained in Wikipedia is licensed to the public under the GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL). The full text of this license is at Wikipedia:Text of the GNU Free Documentation License.

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. Think of it as a liberal's encyclopedia. Instead of having to come onto

DU and beg for help with: global warming, W's lies, etc etc...you should be able to look it up in the Demopedia.

At least, that is my guess. :)

[KoKo]

7. So it's like having "Archives" one can search but you can also edit fomer

comments or articles? :shrug:

I think it would be good for research on topics like 9/11, Iraq Invasion, etc. We've all needed a place we can find former research without looking for the poster or subject. I don't think I understand it..yet though. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how it's being used.

Thanks..!

[UTUSN]

6. A Treasury of Your Timeless Vignettes/Definitions/Rants

If you witness a defining moment (O'REILLY, Tweety)---you can enter it (but anybody can edit) for future reference when it comes up in discussion again. Great concept and congratulations to DU again.

[KoKo]

8. Still hoping someone can give an example, I can understand as to how

to use it, and what it is...:eyes: