About

RationalWiki^[1] is an alternative internet wiki encyclopedia which describes its purpose as a challenge "pseudoscience and the anti-science movement," "explorations of authoritarianism and fundamentalism" and an "analysis and criticism of how these subjects are handled in the media."

History

RationalWiki^[1] was launched on May 22nd, 2007^[1] as a direct response and counterpoint to Conservapedia. Many of the early editors, were former Conservapedia editors and "engage in acts of cyber-vandalism." This was due, in part, to Dr Peter A Lipson's attempts to edit a Conservapedia article on breast cancer. According to the LA Times,^[7] "The vandals have inserted errors, pornographic photos and satire, including this addition to an entry on Atty. Gen. Alberto R. Gonzales: 'Mr. Gonzales is a strong supporter of torture as a law enforcement tool for use against Democrats and third world inhabitants.'"

In 2010, the RationalWiki Foundation was made a nonprofit organization, which stated aims are to promote "science, critical thinking, and rational discourse through open and collaborative media."^[8] It was later renamed the RationalMedia Foundation.

Features

Although its original purpose was to monitor the activities of Conservapedia and the online presence of Andrew Schlafly,^[2] it has become an extensive encyclopedia in its own right, written in a self-described "snarky" tone.^[3]

In appearance and function, RationalWiki resembles Wikipedia. Users can search for specific topics or choose random and recent entries.

They describe their purpose on the homepage of the website. It states:

Our purpose here at RationalWiki includes:

1. Analyzing and refuting pseudoscience and the anti-science movement;
2. Documenting the full range of crank ideas;
3. Explorations of authoritarianism and fundamentalism;
4. Analysis and criticism of how these subjects are handled in the media.

We welcome contributors, and encourage those who disagree with us to register and engage in constructive dialogue.

Traffic

RationalWiki has since overtaken Conservapedia in popularity. As of 2019, RationalWiki^[4] ranks as the 10,636th most popular site in the United States and Conservapedia ranks as the 24,448th most popular.

Search Interest

External References