Hello. I amSaltymagnolia, but you can also call meSalty. I am an author and amateur maritime historian from the United Kingdom.My username is a somewhat unsubtle nod to theGrateful Dead song, as well as my tendency to act in a somewhat cantankerous manner. I only use this username on Wikipedia; any other accounts of a similar name on different platforms are in no way affiliated with me. I mostly find myself gravitating towards creating content of a historiographical nature, usually towards the maritime history of theGreat Lakes, a region which for inconceivable reasons has fascinated and captivated me for over a decade. I am also significantly interested in British railways and industry, as well as Japanese history and culture.

I originally joined Wikipedia under the name ofGreatLakesShips in November 2017, as a naive 13-year-old boy seeking a reprieve from the monotony of my daily life through challenges which might occupy my mind. I initially joined to correct a single error on an article I had viewed a documentary about. Upon diving further into the contents of Wikipedia, I learned about the dearth of content covering my field of interest, I decided to make a concerted effort to ameliorate it. My first article, covering the short service life and demise of the freighterWilliam C. Moreland awakened the nascent historian within me, resulting of my further exploration of not only the various historical resources which continue to aid me, but also hone my writing skills, as well as discovering various mechanics of my chosen platform. As a result of creating several (albeit rather stubby) articles in my first few months, I felt proud to have made a difference. I even met a few people, most notablyKablammo, who continued to provide me with support and encouragement years on into my journey.

Thanks to a few incidents I was involved in, or witnessed, it's safe to say I only really enjoy the areas of Wikipedia which revolve around content creation/improvement, with little interest in its social or bureaucratic aspects. Due in part to what I perceive as a shift away from a truly neutral point of view, namely the increasedpolitical correctness and associated systemic bias, as well as certain disruptive editors receiving minor punishments for actions most of us would be indefinitely banned for, I have become disillusioned with most of Wikipedia's practices. The noticeable rise in hostility and bureaucracy, as well as the decline of content–oriented editors have similarly made this place much less attractive these recent years. However, as contemptible as I find many of the authorities and their practices on this project, I nonetheless still see promise, and will continue to contribute.