Isn't is still set up where anyone can change the wording on that site? Wouldn't seem very reliable if that's still the case.
2006-11-06 11:38:06 · 7 answers · asked by Jeff C 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Wikipedia is very valuable as a preliminary reference tool. It is very complete and frequently updated, something that no other reference tool I know is.
On the other hand, as you indicate the data is not necessarily reliable. I use wiki when I start looking things up. It is very good at suggesting other sites or lines of thought to continue with. For anything important I would be sure to confirm it on another more specialized site. And no one will score points with me in an argument by citing evidence from wikipedia.
2006-11-06 11:43:29 · answer #1 · answered by sofarsogood 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People can change the content of pages, however, for research purposes, history related pages are far less likely to be vandalized. Most people use their time to screw with a band's page that they don't like. Wikipedia does also monitor vandalism.
Wikipedia has the information on a topic all in one place; instead of searching for 20 minutes to find something, it is right there in one place. Also, pieces of information often have citations so you can see where they come from.
2006-11-06 19:47:58 · answer #2 · answered by fruitcakeweather 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contrary to popular belief, Wikipedia is very accurate in the sense that for an article to be published it goes through a thorough revision and accuracy check by administrators and any changes to articles are voted in.
Wikipedia may not be 100% accurate in all situations, but it will in most because it represents the knowledge of several people.
2006-11-06 19:42:58 · answer #3 · answered by Ricky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they do monitor vandalism though, and lock any topics that have been tampered with. because the wikipedia community is so large any vandalism of subjects don't stay that way for long because they're easily spotted by regular users.
there is a debate about the overall accuracy of the site because it is created by regular users unlike more established encyclopedias.
2006-11-06 19:40:14 · answer #4 · answered by piquet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its still a resource since its is monitored by many of thsoe who participate to keep it current, honest and up to date. AS with any research, its also best to check what you read on Any website (not just wikipedia) with credible sources like books, newspapers and magazines.
2006-11-06 19:41:07 · answer #5 · answered by arus.geo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's accurate enough - the reason everyone uses it is because it's free. Other online encyclopedias can cost up to $100/year.
2006-11-06 19:49:38 · answer #6 · answered by Devin J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is handy, readily available on the web and free! Now, if you have any problems with it, compare it with Britannica or any other major Encyclopedia, see the difference, if any, and satisfy you curiosity! What else can I say?
2006-11-06 19:49:25 · answer #7 · answered by Nikolas S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋