Just because of the open user policy, and the ability to edit anything.
2006-10-06 04:56:25 · 10 answers · asked by TheBedel 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
It tends to be accurate because, although it can be edited by anyone, there are quality controls in place. However, if you plan to use it for academic purposes, it's best to verify and expand on the Wikipedia information with a different source.
2006-10-06 04:58:59 · answer #1 · answered by Joy M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just like anything on the web, don't take anything at face value. If you can't confirm it anywhere else, than I'd say it's mostly useless. It depends on what you're looking for, and who's doing the writing.
For example, I was looking up information on Star Wars, Expanded Universe (this is about the novels and stuff that occurs outside the books). The first entery was very helpful.
It talked about books I've already read (such as Han and Leia's marraige and kids, Luke going over to the Dark Side), so I think it's safe to guess the rest of it is accurate. I also found similar info on starwars.com.
So, read what is there, and look on other sites, especially if they are official, like in my above example. If they match rather well, then you can consider that Wikipedia entery reliable.
2006-10-06 12:01:56 · answer #2 · answered by oweaponx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sight it's self is not very reliable because of its open user policy. However, it makes a good starting point and often times there are links at the bottom of a pages wiki that lead to very useful source material.
2006-10-06 12:05:41 · answer #3 · answered by Akfek_Branford 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For obscure, trivial information that is hard to find elsewhere, Wikipedia is a great resource. However, for research or information about topics that require accuracy and in-depth knowledge, the chances of getting correct information drops. Basically if enough people believe what one person says then it is true whether it is true or not. This can be dangerous and therefore makes it unreliable in my opinion.
2006-10-06 12:02:50 · answer #4 · answered by Grand Moff Pugsly 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
trust me, wikipedia is not a reliable source. the validity of it is questionable because any nutcase could get on there and make stuff up..yeah so i mean you can look at it for ideas but i wouldnt use it as a source to right papers or anything
2006-10-06 11:59:57 · answer #5 · answered by sarah 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you are looking for.
Anything controversial or politically charged will be questionable since the submitters will try to introduce their own viewpoints.
However tor trivial, hard to find information, especially related to a "geek subject" it can be a gold mine.
Take, for example, a long well written article about the seven different styles of Light-saber Combat.
2006-10-06 12:21:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should always cross check any source of information and that warning increases with the Internet. With that said I have always found Wikipedia remarkably informative as well as accurate.
2006-10-06 12:06:29 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's good if you want to get a general overview of a topic, but I would research the details by comparing with other sources, it's not uncommon for there to be errors in specific details, or so I've heard!
2006-10-06 12:00:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mmmmmm, any information on the net has to be double checked personally.
Maybe its just my personal preference...
(",) Have A Nice Day!
2006-10-06 12:05:30 · answer #9 · answered by helpdesk916 ♦♣♠♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find that it's quite accurate and credible. You can usually rely on the info.
2006-10-06 11:59:34 · answer #10 · answered by Jeanne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋