I use the Wikipedia several times a week. If I need to quickly determine proteomics from genomics, after seeing a lecture by Tim Berners-Lee, I know where to go.
I know that it may have some inaccuracies as they exist in invoices, weather forecasts, menus, accounting practices, newspapers, and take off and landing times. Life is largely inaccurate and we plan for it. We read things twice, use accountants, carry umbrellas, and leave early for work even when there isn't supposed to be any traffic.
The Wikipedia is uniquely human in that it isn't always perfect, but often just enough to get the essence of something. Sometimes the gist is all we have time for. Glossy magazine covers are perfect, but at the same time, they are largely incomplete and leave us wanting much more.
It is also something much greater than just a Web site where anyone can edit pages. It is more like a testament of our society and its diversity. Where else can you find a living record of the Funnel Cake, Corn Dog, or even Marmite?
[Caution: Marmite is an acquired taste]
It isn't the Wikipedia that is inaccurate. We are.
