Here in library-land, and I think generally in the community, people will trust the information in a printed book much more than a website - why? I think that there needs to be more understanding of different information resources online and more debate about what is a reliable information resource. Just because something is online does it make it less trustworthy? What about peer reviewing? User generated content? Who moderates these things?
I assume by now everyone has had a look at Wikipedia, and hopefully now knows a little more about how it works. Well, here are two websites which I thought I would share which will hopefully ignite some discussion about information resources in general.
**Please note that these two websites do contain material which can be considered offensive**
Conservapedia"Conservapedia, launched on November 21, 2006, is a conservative, "family-friendly" Wiki encyclopedia. " Conservapedia is a far right, extremely conservative version of Wikipedia, designed to challenge wikipedia as an educational resource. For fun, check out pages like the one on Barrack Obama
This website has attracted a lot of ire from online communities, academics and especially Trollers, so check out: Examples of Moronic Vandalism by the "tolerant"
on the other hand:
Uncyclopedia: which is a politically incorrect (yet funny) spoof of Wikipedia. This website is intended as satire/entertainment, however has also been targeted as some believe people may actually believe what has been published on the site.
Ultimately, I feel that the responsibility of checking out information lies with the user. Whether you are using information found in print media or online people should always question the details and intent of the author and publisher of the material, and people should always look at how a work has been referenced.. After all, I personally have seen many books I disagree with, and don't even get me started on print resources like The West newspaper. Websites like Conservapedia make my skin absolutely crawl, but it is difficult for anyone who supports free media to argue that it should be shut down - after all, I'm sure that the people who contribute to the page think I am just as crazy.
What do other people think about these websites? Do you consider issues surrounding information the same way when using print and online resources?
Good work Chelsea Karen W
ReplyDeleteOh dear, Conservapedia gets you hooked. It's like a horrible bizarre parallel world I just could not look away from ....
ReplyDeleteInfo, Yes, it becomes entertaining until you realise it is designed and touted as a genuine education resource... *shudder*
ReplyDeleteIt is scary how many people believe what is "published" these days. Whilst the internet has meant that we can access lots more information quicker, one should keep in mind how factual that information really is.
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