In my previous blogging life, I found myself increasingly using Wikipedia as a valued resource, often shedding unexpected light on subjects I thought I knew something about. I found myself often going off on tangents, completely forgetting my original enquiry. Then I discovered the lure of the 'Random Article' button, through which Wikipedia reveals its true greatness.

Suddenly you find yourself propelled on a journey of discovery, quantum leaping from one unrelated subject to another. Knowing that the text of each article is freely editable by anyone who feels the urge gives the material an added dimension. For example, alighting upon an article about the town of Sweetwater, Florida, nestled among the usual geographical and statistical information was the following statement:

The town founders were primarily Russian Circus midgets. Many of the original homes were miniature scale houses built to accommodate the midgets.

A prankster at work I thought, but checking other sources I found that it was indeed true. Sweetwater was actually colonised by retired Russian circus dwarves who built tiny houses for themselves.

Three thoughts occurred to me in quick succession. The first was that the joy of 'random articling' one's way through the world's knowledge was akin for me to the joy of travel, never knowing what was around the next corner, who one would bump into and what one would discover. The second thought was that it would be great to chronicle the journey I was taking. The third was: wouldn't it be great to enrich this experience by improving Wikipedia along the way through my own research into the subjects I came across? I figure that all I can contribute to Wikipedia is the factual information. My thoughts on what I find will find an outlet here.

So here I am. I've created the blog and I'm ready to depart on my journey. Only one thing left to do: create my Wikipedia account...