Is a wiki site a reliable source of information?

Answer 1

WikiAnswers is as reliable as its Contributors WikiAnswers can't be considered a reliable source. Every answer to every question needs to be considered critically. You should consider other sources and speak to professionals in your area (a doctor, lawyer, etc.) in some cases. That said, WikiAnswers has some wonderful contributors. Every honest contributor helps make WikiAnswers a more reliable source.

WikiAnswers is as reliable as its Supervisors WikiAnswers is usually reliable because, as you can tell by the name, it is a Wiki, so anyone can edit it and make corrections. Also, there are supervisors that have special "Super Powers". For example:

• They can protect an answer from changes, if it is constantly being vandalized
• If someone makes a change to an answer, and it was better before, they can revert it.
• If one specific person is vandalizing the site, they can Block him/her.

Supervisors are assigned to specific topics, depending on what they know best.

Answer 2

Answers.com is a reference site that is based on over 100 licensed publications, including almanacs, encyclopedias, dictionaries and more. It is as reliable as the content it licenses.

Although Answers.com may seem reliable due to the fact it is actually displayed on the web, Answers.com may not be reliable in the case that opinions get into the matter.

Answer 3

Reliability of a wiki

Wikianswers can be reliable but not in all cases. WikiAnswers is a wiki so anyone can answer a question or change part of an answer. Most individuals that contribute to the site try to maintain a sense of credibility but no one can guarantee the accuracy of the information contained within the site. WikiAnswers can be a great source to begin your research but most information should be verified by another trusted source. Look to the "Related Links" section - if there is one - just below an answer, to see if information sources can be verified. Also keep in mind that not all incorrect answers are due to vandalism of the site. There is a lot of misinformation floating around out there, especially on the internet. Some of this information is used to answer questions with the best of intentions, not realizing that the information may be incorrect. Another answer My guess is 75% of the time it is, 25% of the time it's not. Many of the questions answered can't be found in a text book and are just someone's opinions, so watch out! Anyway, after getting an answer from WikiAnswers, I would type the question and then, separately, details from the answer, into Google and just see what comes up. WikiAnswers is a great source - however, do keep in mind that a 13 year old could have answered your question "How do you deal with teenagers?" or a six year old could have answered your question "Will President Obama really help our economy?"!
Yes

Answer 4

WikiAnswers would not be considered a reliable source in doing a research paper or serious research, no. There are great things to be found here, but anyone, anywhere, can post answers, so you will find people who lie, who vandalize the site, and who are rude just for the sake of being rude.

We do try to keep the site clean, and we try to get quality information in here. If you ever see anything you believe to be unreliable or erroneous, just let us know, and we'll look into it.

Other contributors give their opinion:

• WikiAnswers has many bright users who thrive to answer questions to the best of their ability. WikiAnswers is a great site to answer questions.
• WikiAnswers is full of knowledgeable contributors. Some people are Swine Flu experts, others are experts in Basketball, and yet others experts in automotive vehicles. Thus, all questions could be answered by an experienced contributor who understands much about the subject.
• The only way we can supply answers is by our contributors adding them. Whilst no answers should be trusted 100% without verification from another source (another answer, perhaps), you do have to realize that we are a Wiki and thus open to wrong answers. I can assure you that we do try and hunt these answers down and remove them from the site as soon as possible.

Answer 5

This site works on a best effort basis. Most members of the community who answer questions try to provide the best and most accurate possible answer to a question that is asked. But the site does not give any guarantee on the accuracy on the answers and does not accept any liability on the inaccuracy of the same.

Answer 6

It's the most reliable of all sources of it's type but if you are looking for exact percentage it's impossible since traffic is massive and answers are allowed to be improved constantly. Don't make assumptions when you ask questions and register to use it and that should help you if you wish to continue.

Answer 7

A survey of answers provided at WikiAnswers would show thousands of contributions that provide feedback that will assist the questioner in finding an answer to their problem. Some information is general, some specific and some responders advise the asker to seek professional advice. WikiAnswers is a forum dedicated to the sharing of information and is a good first step toward finding information to solve a problem.

Answer 8

It is like a Magic 8 Ball. It knows all. Trust. Believe. Learn.

Answer 9

yes