Klatsch: What Online Information Can You Trust?

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coffee Waves
Image by Omar_MK via Flickr

In looking for data to use in a story, I came across what sounded like valid data. But it wasn’t enough. The article didn’t say where the data came from. So I searched hard to see if I could find a study or some valid resource to backup the data that I wanted to use. I found zero. This experience compelled me to better remember to “trust, but verify.”
I don’t instantly trust Wikipedia articles because the public can edit them. While I’m sure many Wikipedia editors work hard to ensure its accuracy, it’s a massive site that receives many daily updates. I added an entry for a company making an effort to stick to facts with no promotion. In fact, I used a few other Wikipedia pages as examples. Wikipedia editors deleted the article and all references to the company. I posted several messages in the Wikipedia talk pages to no avail. It’s a harsh reminder that humans are behind the free encyclopedia. And our thoughts and emotions don’t always follow logic.
Leslie A Joy points to a great article on How to Find the Best Resources from The Renegade Writer.
klatsch n. “A casual social gathering, usually for conversation.” Source: The Free Dictionary
So how do you know what online information you can trust?

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6 thoughts on “Klatsch: What Online Information Can You Trust?”

  1. Pingback: Tweets that mention Klatsch: What Online Information Can You Trust? | Meryl.net -- Topsy.com

  2. Meryl,
    Thanks for the reminder about not assuming that the information on Wikipedia is correct. I use it a lot and I shouldn’t make that assumption because I know better.
    As a rule of thumb, the most credible sources of information are commercial online databases such as Lexis/Nexis and so on. Information coming out of universities, government and often industry watchdogs are often good bets as well.
    Avil
    .-= Avil Beckford’s blog …How to Read to Solve a Problem =-.

  3. Hi Meryl
    Guess it’s one of the problems of the web.. so much info and so much rubbish!
    I use the net to find most of my info when I’m writing speeches, quotes, jokes, stories, and most of the info is pretty good.
    Much easier than buying books or going down to the local library.
    Looks like a case of swings and roudabouts.
    .-= Keith Davis’s blog …A helping hand… =-.

  4. @Avil, excellent rule of thumb. Thanks for the reminder.
    @Keith, indeed. One good thing about social media… connects us with others who may be a primary source or point to a trusted one.

  5. Meryl, I have to say that I am so not a fan of wikis. In fact, the term grates on my nerves for some reason. Have you ever tried to build a page on wikipedia? Cumbersome does not even begin to describe it.
    When researching, I search and then try and verify facts through two or more sites. Of course they need to be sites other than TMZ or Icanhazcheeseburger or anything like that. 🙂
    George
    .-= George Angus’s blog …What’s Your Writing Background? =-.

  6. @George, I’ve used my share of wikis (different brands) and they’re not too user-friendly, you’re right. I agree with your process — verify data on at least two sites. Icanhazcheeseburger may not be the place for facts, but it’s the place for laughs 🙂

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