[Big Mac]

I must say that while I used to detest Wikipedia in large part because of its informational model, I now see that despite its shortcomings it provides a lot of value. Since my position has softened on the site, I now don't really know how to react when I see content issues in articles, like incomplete information, improper punctuation, poor grammar and other problems. I'm often partially compelled to log in and help the article out, but then I remember that I have better things to do with my time than correct what many would see as minor problems with far flung articles on the site; usually that latter sentiment prevails.

When you come across such Wiki shortcomings, what is your reaction/what do you do?

[Chuckit]

If I have time, I fix it. I figure it's my way of saying thanks for all the easy information. If I don't have time, well, clearly it hasn't bothered anybody too bad so far.

[Kerrigan]

One time, I was reading about Huguenots on Wikipedia, and discovered the interesting tidbit that "Huguenots were BAMFs." I reacted by lolling.

[SSharon]

While doing some initial research on a flame retardant chemical used in electronics I noticed something wrong (because the law had just changed) and so I updated the article. It only took a few words and so not more than a minute of my time.

[- - e r i k - -]

Originally Posted by Big Mac 

I must say that while I used to detest Wikipedia in large part because of its informational model, I now see that despite its shortcomings it provides a lot of value. Since my position has softened on the site, I now don't really know how to react when I see content issues in articles, like incomplete information, improper punctuation, poor grammar and other problems. I'm often partially compelled to log in and help the article out, but then I remember that I have better things to do with my time than correct what many would see as minor problems with far flung articles on the site; usually that latter sentiment prevails.

When you come across such Wiki shortcomings, what is your reaction/what do you do?

Minor nitpick, but you don't have to be logged in to edit Wikipedia. It's really quick and painless to correct typos and the like.

[lexapro]

I just correct things. I always make sure to find sources to back up what I write.

[Andy8]

Originally Posted by lexapro 

I just correct things. I always make sure to find sources to back up what I write.

Exactly.

[ghporter]

The biggest thing I use Wikipedia for is to refresh my memory on "this was related to that" or anatomy questions. For what it's worth, the anatomy content is not only correct, it's very detailed and deep. All those Gray's Anatomy illustrations help too.

I haven't seen a "fact" that I recognized as needing correction so far, though I've found "fishy" stuff that I've further researched-and never gone back to follow up. My bad, probably.

[Eug]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan 

I reacted by lolling.

As did I.

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by Big Mac 

When you come across such Wiki shortcomings, what is your reaction/what do you do?

I fix it. If it's a factual error, or missing information, that will of course depend on my grasp of the topic, and if I don't feel competent in the area, I'll leave the fix to someone else who can do it better. But if it's something like a spelling or punctuation error, heck, that takes seconds to fix.

[Tiresias]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan 

One time, I was reading about Huguenots on Wikipedia, and discovered the interesting tidbit that "Huguenots were BAMFs." I reacted by lolling.

It's quite astonishing how quickly the vandalism is removed though. I once read with great surprise that the Minotaur of Greek legend was half man, half chicken. For one insane moment I wondered whether this were a radical new interpretation of the Greek source material. Then I refreshed the page and found that the article was already restored.

[Eug]

Canadian Minotaur



(Click for video)

[Chuckit]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan 

One time, I was reading about Huguenots on Wikipedia, and discovered the interesting tidbit that "Huguenots were BAMFs." I reacted by lolling.

The Huguenot-BAMF connection lives on!