I made a choice to search for the word encyclopedia in Wikipedia. Since Wikipedia is quite a large online search site, I know I would get a hit on the word. Since this assignment was about finding and comparing words in different encyclopedias, I thought everyone should be aware of the meaning of this word.
Wikipedia says that: An encyclopedia, encyclopaedia or (traditionally) encyclopædia is a comprehensive written compendium that contains information on all branches of knowledge or a particular branch of knowledge.
This is exactly what Wikipedia dose. It provides you with information about the word you have chosen to search for. In the articles that Wikipedia provides, the reader can also find links imbedded in the text that will lead him or her to further articles involving the hyperlinked words. I find this to be a very good search tool. This way you do not have to type your word in to the search field over and over again.
In Wikipedia, the article is divided into sections which will make it easier to find the right information fast. For example, in the article on Encyclopedia you can get a fast track to the general history of encyclopedias or to a specific historical episode of the encyclopedia.
If we then compare Wikipedia to Encyclopædia Britannica online you get a whole other search result. When typing in encyclopedia you get a random selection of articles with the word in them. However, if you type in encyclopædia you get the definition of the word.
Encyclopædia Britannica online says: Reference work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or that treats a particular branch of knowledge comprehensively.
Encyclopædia Britannica online is more like a traditional dictionary, stating the meaning of the word and then leaves it at that. Of course Britannica has also the hyperlinks in the text that takes the reader further in their search. However, Britannica only hyperlink words which have something to do with the word of the article while Wikipedia hyperlink all words that the online encyclopedia has an article on.
Of course there is that big question of trust. Wikipedia is written by us, the people of the world. Anyone can add anything to this encyclopedia…almost. There are of course some restrictions. Britannica on the other hand is run by the Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Corporation and what you can find online you can also find in the book version of Encyclopædia Britannica.
I, however, are quit fond of Wiki and feel that it provides a broad range of information that is easy to take in and will therefore stick with my wiki.
What can I say…it is wiki wiki.
Cecilia
