Luxor4u

Not trying to stir things up but Wiki is quoted quite a lot as proof of this or that, why? How do we know that the information on Wiki is correct, just who posts the information on there

carrie wrote:Not trying to stir things up but Wiki is quoted quite a lot as proof of this or that, why? How do we know that the information on Wiki is correct, just who posts the information on there

In terms of encyclopaedia-type info Wikipedia matches Britannica in terms of accuracy Anyone can edit.

It is often a useful starting point for info on any topic and contains references to other sources, articles, books etc. which can be accessed for further information.

I would never regard Wikipedia (or any article, book etc.) as "proof" of anything....rather it may provide supporting information. This is why it's so important to quote references (rather than copy & paste excerpts) so the reader can make their own judgement as to the veracity of any statement.

As Newcastle has stated Wiki is really only as a point of reference and is often inaccurate, although it is a good basis as a search tool. Very few things on the web are definitive proof of anything being true or false so you should always use as many sources as possible before making up your own mind. Having said that, well known facts such as historical events are usually reported accurately as are past political events. The problem lies in trying to use it to support an argument as often support for both sides can be found depending upon where you read it.

Horus wrote:As Newcastle has stated Wiki is really only as a point of reference and is often inaccurate, although it is a good basis as a search tool. Very few things on the web are definitive proof of anything being true or false so you should always use as many sources as possible before making up your own mind. Having said that, well known facts such as historical events are usually reported accurately as are past political events. The problem lies in trying to use it to support an argument as often support for both sides can be found depending upon where you read it.

Quite correct. you only have to reference some back posts on this forum to prove the point.