Evaluating Web Sites
Remember: Anyone can publish on the Web, even a nut who wouldn't get
past an editor of a magazine. So:
- Don't let an attractive site keep you from judging the contents critically.
- Try to verify facts in more than one source, because it is easy to
fabricate "facts" on the Web.
- Consider the Authority and Bias of the page producer:
- What person or organization is responsible for the page?
- What credentials does this person or organization have to write
about the topic? (for example, a professor in this field, an organization
or government agency working in this area)
- Is the purpose of the organization clear? (This way you know
their biases).
- If the views expressed are controversial, try to find another
point of view to see both sides. Do you really expect a Serb or a Croatian
to speak without bias on Bosnia?
- Check the date of the information for timeliness.
Bottom line: Don't accept everything on the Web as
true. Be a critical reader.
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