User:StefanijaSili

Hi all :)

I was reading the TYPO Pledge Page and, while I do take that pledge, I thought it more appropriate to specify on my own user page my appreciation for Wikipedia generally.

I was using the internet since the beginning of it being available commercially. At that time, (I believe I started in 1989 or '90 it been so long I can't recall) :) it was a lovely place of exploration and information. Though it was a commercial service, i.e. you paid someone for connection, there was no commercialism on the world wide web yet. People were eagerly sharing information and, with good technique, you could find anything.

And then the dark ages of commercialism started. I became despondent. There was nowhere that information seemed to be free anymore. At the very least, you were required to provide them with personal information to continue and often you were required to subscribe to their service to access their content. I was literally a few days from leaving the internet for good.

But, miraculously, Wikipedia arrived! I am SO grateful for the founders and this website. It restored my faith in humanity and gave the commercialized internet a much needed slap-down. Besides being a godsend in its own right, Wikipedia started yet another trend of allowing information to be free again.

Thank god!

Whenever possible, I donate during the yearly drive. Unfortunately, there have been years I haven't been in position to, but I consider it an absolute pleasure and I always change my Facebook status to remind everyone that it's time to show their appreciation.

I hope that I can contribute well. I know that I will not be able to have any kind of schedule of contributions but I wanted to sign up to allow the potential for my assistance when I have the time or knowledge.

Thank you Wikipedia and all you Wikipedians! You are one of the best things to happen to modern society :)

With deep sincerity,

S. 19:10, 15 September 2013 (UTC)