Have you ever turned to Wikipedia for information? If so, there’s a high likelihood that you’ve come across contributions from Stephen Pruitt. Under his elaborate pen name “Ser Amantio di Nicolao,” Pruitt has amassed over 6 million edits and authored more than 33,000 articles – the highest number for any individual in the almost 25-year lifespan of the site.

Since initiating his editing journey in 2004, Pruitt has subtly emerged as one of the most significant figures on the internet. He is responsible for at least one edit on a third of all English entries, tackling a wide range of topics from historical figures to refining grammar, citations, and formatting.

In 2017, Time magazine recognized him as one of the 25 most impactful people online, sharing the honor with figures like Donald Trump and Kim Kardashian.

Mr. Pruitt holds such a pivotal role in Wikipedia that the platform’s founder, Jimmy Wales, has personally met him and referred to him as “a very prolific editor.”

Wales emphasized that Wikipedia’s strength relies not only on its most active contributors but also on the variety of editorial styles that keep the site thriving.

“We aim to move away from the notion of ‘edit count’ as a measure of activity,” Wales commented to BBC Science Focus.

“Clearly, if someone has six million edits, they are an extremely active Wikipedian. However, there are others who edit less frequently, taking time to do research before returning to contribute thoughtfully, which is equally crucial, unlike merely performing maintenance with scripts and tools.”

“We require all types of contributors to compile this body of knowledge.”

Pruitt was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1984, raised in Virginia, and earned a degree in art history from the College of William & Mary. His inaugural Wikipedia entry focused on his distant relative, Peter Francisco, a Revolutionary War hero known as “Virginia Hercules.”

Now, Pruitt dedicates several hours each day to editing, often utilizing software tools to automate repetitive tasks. He is also an active participant in the Women in Red project, which strives to bridge the gender gap on Wikipedia by creating entries for notable women who lack representation.

“Sometimes it’s odd to think that a third of Wikipedia was contributed by one individual,” says Wales. “Well, in reality, one person has contributed to a third of it, which is astounding. But his contributions largely consist of refining grammar, ensuring accurate spelling, and fixing references – the technical aspects that enhance its quality, which is crucial.”

When questioned by CBS Morning in 2019 about his dedication to Wikipedia, Pruitt simply stated, “I’m captivated by the idea of providing free access to all information. My mother grew up in the Soviet Union, making me acutely aware of what it means to make knowledge and information freely available.”

Read more: