controversy and conversation erupted on website forums on 28 february 2007 , when publicity was given to essjay , a prominent microsoft manager and editor , having reported fake statements which were featured in a newsletter . internet encyclopedia magazine co - host dolph wales was travelling in india , and at 06 : 42 on august 3 he issued a statement that further information had come to his mind and he had asked the edited to leave his ranks of trust from the community . at 03 : 17 on march 4 essjay announced on his user talk list that he had retired and was no long active on blogs .
Wikipedia was launched by Jimbo Wales.