does wikipedia know all?

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
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i think it does.

i wonder if i can cite to it?
 

BigJ

Lifer
Nov 18, 2001
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Doesn't Wikipedia take submissions from users? So there could be erroneous information on it? That's why my professors don't allow citing from Wikipedia.

EDIT: "Welcome to Wikipedia, a free-content encyclopedia that anyone can edit."
 

NakaNaka

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2000
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Originally posted by: KingNothing
Originally posted by: ElFenix
i wonder if i can cite to it?

That seems wrong, but you should try and see if you get away with it. What school are you at?

DO NOT cite Wikipedia. First, professors do not want you citing encyclopedias. There are much better places to get information. Secondly, there was a post on the Volokh Conspiracy about Wikipedia being cited in court cases and how if the judge knew what it was he would have probably thrown out the briefs. Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, there is no one checking to make sure the facts are correct. Citing Wikipedia is a bad bad idea, even though I love it so much. Use it for background and find another source for what you're looking for.
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
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Mar 20, 2000
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Originally posted by: NakaNaka
Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, there is no one checking to make sure the facts are correct.

yeah, that is the problem. no professional fact checkers.


encyclopedias are good for when you need to cite something basic, like who commercialized radio in the 1920s. something that has nothing to do with your topic, but your editors require you to cite all facts.