2007-07-14 09:53:06 · 19 answers · asked by SV 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Trivia
Excellent. I'm glad to see most people realise just how inaccurate Wikipedia can be. I asked the question because, worriyngly in my view, Wikipedia is so often given as a factual source in answers on Yahoo!.
2007-07-14 10:16:02 · update #1
Neither is an authoritative source, and one ought not to rely upon or believe anything one reads on either site -- without external verification from an authoritative source (such as an encyclopedia or dictionary). Nevertheless, as many of the answerers before me have written, Wikipedia is by far the less unreliable of the two. Both sites accept unsolicited "information" from anyone and post it to the web, but users can review and amend each other's answers on Wikipedia. On Yahoo! Answers, every individual's answer to a question is published in its entirety -- often giving the impression that a matter of clear and established fact is somehow under dispute.
2007-07-14 10:18:03 · answer #1 · answered by shakespearean 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Wikipedia probably gets most of its information from other sources, such as encyclopedias; whereas Yahoo Answers is based on the knowledge and experience of the people who answer questions. Not all the answers you get on here can be classified as reliable, but I think basically the advice is well-intentioned. You just have to be able to sort the good ones from the practical jokers and the meanies. Wikipedia probably has reliable information, but if you want a more personal touch, Yahoo Answers is your best bet.
2007-07-14 09:59:05 · answer #2 · answered by gldjns 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yahoo! Answers often has opinions, rather than facts. If you want more accuracy, check out any sources listed to verify the information. Wikipedia is more accurate, but it is not really a reliable source of information. While there are editors who check the entries for accuracy, Wikipedia is still full of errors. It's always best to look for primary source documents and to always verify the information that you find on any question/answer or user-written site.
2007-07-14 10:01:32 · answer #3 · answered by supremegalacticempress 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are two ways to look at it. Yahoo! Answers could provide the best answers because people who know have less of a commitment when answering and will be more likely to answer (takes a minute rather than the hours it takes to figure out how to use Wikipedia and then waiting for approval). But Wikipedia is more well known than Yahoo! Answers and attracts the authorities.
Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer but this may help you choose which to go by.
2007-07-14 09:58:34 · answer #4 · answered by Misc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wikipedia is an excellent source of information, but since users who may enter in information that is not proven fact do put in such information, certain pages may contain unreliable fact. A good practice is when using Wikipedia is to find another web page that backs up what was said on Wikipedia.
2007-07-14 14:35:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were doing a school research project, I would go with Wikipedia. It is still not your BEST bet when it comes to reliable information, but is pretty good.
If you were getting advice on a topic, than I would go with Yahoo! Answers. You don't get human input with Wikipedia.
So really, it all depends on what exactly you are looking for. Personally, I use both when trying to find out information.
2007-07-14 10:09:52 · answer #6 · answered by tha.supernova 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wikipedia had a test done on it some time ago (i think it was a year) and it was as accurate (or close to) as brittannica. the thing is, if someone puts misinformation on there, people quickly edit it back to what it's supposed to be. the only problem is if you use it in that short period of time and actually believe that shakespeare defended this world against aliens.
aside from that, wiki has sources at the bottom that allow you to learn more. (not always the case here)
2007-07-14 10:30:52 · answer #7 · answered by Mike S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think for a good laugh or a good opinion answer, Yahoo works. If you want an actual FACTUAL answer... better find something more reliable than both yahoo and wikipedia.
2007-07-14 10:20:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the type of information. If your life depends on it, neither. For opinion, Yahoo. For sometimes factually correct, either. For example, I just read an answer voted "the best" on Yahoo that stated you are a dependent of your parents until you are 25 if you are a college student, no matter whether you live with them or not. This is so FALSE. Be careful!
2007-07-14 09:56:58 · answer #9 · answered by poetcomic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wikipedia
While users vote on answers here, there are rules on Wikipedia that will be enforced by an overlooking group of dedicated users perpetually changing opinion to fact.
2007-07-14 10:23:55 · answer #10 · answered by anonymous 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋