how reliable is wikipedia?

I once tried to find if the information is up to date on Wikipedia. I typed the name of a local actor, entering into politics in search box. The result I found has astonished me with the facts being upto date.It included the announcements he made one hour before the search. That is the level of Wikepedias reliability

I have been using Wikipedia for a long time now and has used it in many assignments, reports and projects. Well, I know Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, but I also know the site keeps watch of the authenticity of the articles. Have you encountered an article that has a Wikipedia warning or disclaimer on top saying that the article is either subject to removal because of unreliable sources or that the article is not 100% accurate? This means that the team of Wikipedia must be doing their part too. But with the millions of articles in the site, surely, errors could be possible. So it is also the responsibility of us, the searchers, to verify if what we see in Wikipedia can also be seen in other trusted sites.

It is Ok for goofing off but not for hardcore facts. A lot of colleges in the US now no longer allow it to be used as a source of information because it is full of inaccuracies. I will use it for quick information but always try to use other sources to back up the facts.

Don't worry dude, any information you give is first confirmed by wikipedia. It's not that billions of people are using Wikipedia without any confidence.

The question reliable is usually minor regarding the usefulness of Wikipedia. You can get a rough idea about any topics there and you will also get plenty of reference through which you can expand your knowledge further. Your complain is true, and your answer is you will get 50%-70 % reliable information on there. You have to increase the remaining percentage by investigating the the reference links.

Wikipedia operates on solicitation of its information posted on their site. Meaning, whatever in there could still be rebutted once you have a reliable or verified source. That's why there is that 'edit' button on their webpage.

the whole point of wikipedia it that the information is contributd by different people - if you look at the talk pages you can see the discussions for each article re. reasons for editing, any bias, disagreements/controvesys re the topic.

Wikipedia isn't all that reliable on some things. Some things are facts so it's not that far off the mark, but a lot are conjecture or personal opinion so you really have to do some homework on it. I use it to find out what people think, not for facts.

You see, Wikipedia is by the people and for the service of people. Your question on its reliablity is then totally on the hands of people. As long as people submit correct and factual information as well as edit the submitted ones to latest form, its reliablity is well assured. But we shall have to well study the information before grasping them to wisdom or action. Thanks for this nice topic!

I used to think they were a reliable source of information, however my children's school prohitbits using the site when they are doing computer research. The teacher said the site is not as reliable as it once was and that a lot of false information was being added to existing content. I still use it, but I compare its information with other sites and see if it matches.

wikipedia is not a reliable source . I use it to search common things or current things but you shouldn't trust everything that is on wiki. My high school did not allow us to use wiki as a source and most colleges don't allow it either , and that is because it is a user edited/made encyclopedia .. Most of the information there is not posted by actual proffessionals or scientists or realible sources anyone can add or edit information there so that is why it's not considered a reliable source . If you find some info on wiki you should confirm it with another source before just sticking with it..

wikipedia updates very fast. just like when Michel Phelps won his 8th gold medal, only 1 hour has pass, but it was already listed in wikipedia. Although i think there are some problems with its other articles, because some are not updated.

Well its ok to have some sort of reference but can you suggest another way to look for the definition of words in the net? I havent tried searching for site that offer the same or better service for free.

On wikipedia i see that Qubec have been founded in 2508 lol.

I have faith in wikipedia. Because you will not find a false information there. They gave you the option to edit because you might have something to share. They don't just put what you have to write there. I have not tried it but as far as i know they review the information before putting it with the other information.