Matt_Probert - 4:58 pm on Sep 26, 2007 (gmt 0)

the problem is the massive authority given to a UGC (user generated content) site

This is one of my big bug bears. As a human, I make mistakes. But, with regard to my encyclopaedia I am contactable, and accountable. People spot the odd typo (very embarrassing) and some even spot errors, which I then spend time and money rechecking with reputable sources - for example 'Jane's Yearbooks'.

The same is simply not true of so called UGC sites. They can publish all sorts of nonsense, and yet people take it as gospel. Okay, when some years ago I claimed that Iraq didn't have WMDs, in contradiction of the US and UK government's takes many people thought I was publishing nonsense, and I couldn't offer reputable sources to back up my claims, but I think I have been vindicated by the years.

Matt