How should you handle alleged authoritative contributions?

Answer 1

== == Below are some recommendations from WikiAnswers Supervisors to help you understand the ins and outs of properly posting and editing Q&As and effectively communicating with other contributors. They are not meant to replace the official WikiAnswers Terms of Use or other WikiAnswers guidelines as presented in our detailed Help Center.

Sometimes, contributors will edit an answer claiming to have authoritative knowledge or credentials.

Even if some editors could be just expressing real life qualifications, it is not uncommon to make that claim just for imposing a view or for attaining priority at the eyes of an inexperienced editor or supervisor.

It is important to remember that in the virtual world, qualifications and authoritative knowledge are difficult to prove without revealing a large amount of personal information and even then, the steps to authenticate those claims are beyond the scope of WikiAnswers.

There are some mistakes to be avoided:

* Don't assume that an editor has superior knowledge over another, based on claims of authoritative knowledge.

* Don't assume that an editor's IP reveals who the editor may be or where he works. Almost anyone can connect using an organization's specific IP - even a janitor or a frequent visitor. There may also be a library or convention center on site where almost anyone can use the connection. IPs are not defining or identifying.

* Do not assume that an editor is on the "right" side of a controversy merely because of his claimed authoritative knowledge - and don't protect or side with him, either.

* Never assume that one particular editor's contributions are always correct.

There are some simple ways to deal with contributions claiming authoritative knowledge:

* Suggest that the editor add authoritative links to his contribution. Authoritative sources are those with acquired credibility: universities, serious publications, research organizations, independent studies, etc. Blogs, commercial sites or biased sites are not authoritative sources.

* Request that the editor provide his information in an informative tone referring to the sources of such information within the content of the answer (as far as those references don't qualify as SPAM).

Remember that WikiAnswers is a place where everyone can help provide answers and is therefore vulnerable to specific agendas and covert advertisement. Keep answers informative, accurate and useful.