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For those who use Wikipedia for research..

by Audrey Harvey
6 replies
In today's Brisbane Courier Mail.

Irish student's Wikipedia hoax fools newspapers | The Courier-Mail
#research #wikipedia
  • Profile picture of the author Steven Fullman
    Originally Posted by Audrey Harvey View Post

    Great story, Audrey. I love it (perversely)...mind you, I do work in the newspaper business

    I smell a future copycat craze..!

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
    Hey Audrey

    I think you should have entitled this thread:

    "For those who use the Internet for research"

    ...because nothing can be taken as gospel truth.

    Google the symptoms of a simple ailment. Within seconds you'll be hit with millions of pages of information, some diagnosing the condition correctly and others telling you you've only got weeks left to live.

    Yesterday I read a supposedly serious newspaper article online which stated that to lose one stone (14 pounds) in weight, all you had to do was eat 3,500 calories less per week.

    The truth is, 3,500 calories is the equivalent of one pound, not one stone.

    Cheers,

    Neil
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  • Profile picture of the author blargins
    I find wikipedia to be a largely unreliable source of information, particularly in keeping up with news, sports and events.

    The link you provide proves that.

    On a lighter note, I have seen supporters of opposing football (soccer) teams deliberately sabotaging their rivals team and players pages, often with highly amusing results.

    It's not something I have ever done though.
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  • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
    Reading this thread reminded me of somewhat a more worrying aspect to this, from a couple of years ago:

    BBC NEWS | Technology | Wikipedia 'shows CIA page edits'

    Cheers,

    Neil
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    Wow Neil, that's an even more impressive link!! Scary stuff.

    I'm fortunate, I stick to working in my own niche and get all my info and research from board certified veterinary specialists - I know they know what they're talking about!
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  • Profile picture of the author thatgirlJ
    Hey Audrey,

    Wow! That is funny (and scary!)

    I read Wikipedia, but don't use it for research -- except to scout out the reference links at the bottom to see if there are any good resources there.

    This is a good reminder to all of us to be extra careful, lol
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