- Wikipedia is source to be evaluated rhetorically, being extra careful to parse the language for indications of bias. One must examine the text carefully, looking for what Wikipedia calls "Weasel Words".
- Wikipedia is a source that is egalitarian, and, as such, the information presented must be corraborated by running down its sources, listed on the page itself.
- Yeah, you need to cite Wikipedia; otherwise, it is plagiarism.
Who do I do all this explaining to? College Freshmen. Eighteen year olds. Not septagenarian presidential candidates holding a degree from the Naval Academy.
I usually start out with "Wikipedia is not an acceptable source for a college paper." Apparently it's good enough for the White House.
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