Wikipedia
I am a devoted user of Wikipedia. I use it all the time in the book business, especially when I am dealing with an unfamiliar author, topic, location, etc... I have mentioned Wikipedia in musings frequently and have promoted them. Wikipedia is a free resource but starting years ago, they kicked off an annual fundraising initiative. I have been a contributor for a few years now. I would hate to see them disappear. But my relationship came perilously close to ending this month.
When the first fundraising ask was made this year, I did not respond. They reached out again and I did make my contribution, in October. But the ask did not come from Wikipedia, it came from the Wikimedia Foundation. I was wary since it was a sound alike and hence overtones of a scam. But it was legit. Obviously, they had set up a foundation to take care of the money raising activities. I know how this works, I served a full nine years on the Nova Scotia Community College Foundation Board, stepping off earlier this year having reached the maximum allowed.
Then early this month I got an e-mail from the Wikimedia Foundation – My fourth attempt to reach you, john, signed by the Deputy to the CEO, Wikimedia Foundation. I thought this to be very unprofessional, they could have, at least, capitalized “john”.
Here was my thoughtful response:
“I hate getting pestered for donations. I don’t ever want to receive a “dunning letter” like this again. 4th time, indeed. Check your records and you will see I made a donation on October 7, 2025. Fix your systems!!
Another mess up like this and I will never donate again. Or continue to say nice things about Wikipedia in my blogs and conversations.
Disappointingly yours
John (Andy) Cutten”
I was pleasantly surprised, when two days ago I received an apology and an explanation of their error, caused by their having me twice in their database, Raven & Gryphon Fine Books as well as my consulting presence as a partner in the consulting firm Halifax Global Inc. My previous payments likely had a link to the latter. They have merged the files under the book business.
I responded nicely, I think:
Hi (name):
Thank you for your response. That means a lot to me. And you have chosen the correct e-mail to use.
Till next year.
Cheers
Andy
PS my full name is John Andrew. Perhaps you could change my name in your donation records.
And later that day, I received a note, saying that they have made the name change.
I am mollified. Missteps of a young foundation.
I hope – we’ll see.
AI
Do you embrace it, avoid it, or dip your toe in the water to get started? You certainly cannot avoid it if you use the internet, in any way shape or form.
I have been presented to, talked with clients, my business partners and read so much about it that I now know that it is an extremely powerful and beneficial tool. But, it has to serve me.
My idea was first; I had to choose which AI platform to use. So far, the platform has chosen me, and it is Google AI mode. Says so on my search engine. It is a bit invasive, as well. We use Google for the book business. Lately, I have noticed that if I go to a series of back-and-forth e-mails that I have with someone, at the top of the page there is an AI Overview and summary of the e-mails. I ignore it but I do feel somewhat uncomfortable with it.
When I use the search engine, especially if I ask a question, the first response is the AI response. Then, if appropriate, Wikipedia, YouTube, and others.
Pretentious – absolutely. Of value – absolutely.
I used it twice for the book business this week, with terrific success.
1) I recently acquired a Fortune Press book from 1934 – Don Leon by Lord Byron. But searching Wikipedia for Lord Byron, there was no mention of this title. So, I asked the question – who wrote Don Leon and attributed it to Lord Byron. The answer is, no one really knows, but AI laid out the story behind the book, who the likely authors were and so on. And then there was a note from AI – in effect, would you like more information on this topic. I said yes and twice as much info was provided.
a. This was so useful. I am doing more work, including reading the book, so stay tuned, a musing coming up on this fascinating and curious book.
2) Seeing how successful this was, I thought about a book that I have called Belinda, published in 1797, autonomously. I have tried for years to find out who actually wrote it, looking at various pseudonym listings and such. So, I asked AI and I got the answer right away – British physician and translator John Nott.
a. Here is the fun part – the info was good, but I then brought up his Wikipedia page that had more detail and detailed references.
Wikipedia and AI
Tonight, I am a happy boy. The problem with Wikipedia has been dealt with in a professional manner and my whole foot has been dipped into the AI waters. It is not one or the other but rather the ability to use them together to improve the research required for the rare book business. The more informed my description of a valuable book is the better chance of it being purchased by someone who appreciates the detail.
I think.