Draft:Reliable sources - Revision history

Tungstenchan: Text replacement - "BattleTechWiki" to "BattleIntelligence"

2025-05-01T01:55:36Z

Text replacement - "BattleTechWiki" to "BattleIntelligence"

imported>Tumult&Travail: still needs carving down - we are still not Wikipedia and our historical coverage has to dive into muddier piles of primary sources - but there's an in-universe bit now to direct people to relevant info and give some guidance

2024-11-23T02:04:19Z

still needs carving down - we are still not Wikipedia and our historical coverage has to dive into muddier piles of primary sources - but there's an in-universe bit now to direct people to relevant info and give some guidance

New page

<noinclude>{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}</noinclude>
{{For|the ''policy'' on reliable sources|BattleTechWiki:Verifiability#Reliable sources}}
{{subcat guideline|content guideline|Reliable sources|BTW:RS|BTW:RELY|BTW:RELIABLE|BTW:RELIABILITY}}
{{nutshell|BattleTechWiki requires [[BTW:CITE#Inline citations|inline citations]] for all challenged or likely-to-be-challenged material, as well as for all quotations. New editors seeking a general overview should start with the [[Help:Referencing for beginners|referencing for beginners help page]].}}

BattleTechWiki articles on '''real world topics''' should rely on '''reliable sources''', published when possible, ensuring that {{strong|all majority and significant minority views}} are presented ({{crossref|see [[BattleTechWiki:Neutral point of view]]}}). If no reliable sources are available, [[BattleTechWiki:Notability|BattleTechWiki should not have an article on the topic]].

For coverage of '''in-universe topics''', the question of source reliability is largely one of canonicity: articles must be based on official canon and apocryphal sources. [[Canon]] and [[Policy:Canon]] cover canonicity and its interpretation.

== Overview ==
This guideline explains what constitutes reliable sources on '''real world''' matters. The policy on sourcing is [[BattleTechWiki:Verifiability]], which mandates [[BattleTechWiki:Citing sources#Inline citations|inline citations]] for challenged material or direct quotations. These policies apply rigorously to all content; in case of conflicts between this guideline and sourcing policies, the policies take precedence.

Articles should be built on reliable sources with a reputation for fact-checking and accuracy. Only present the views of reliable authors, avoiding original interpretation of primary materials by editors. This overview is not exhaustive; sourcing always depends on context and requires editorial judgment.

==What defines a source?==
Reliable sources are produced through a transparent, credible publication process or by recognized experts. However important things to remember are:

* '''Published sources''' - ''Published'' refers to material made publicly available, including text, audio, video, or multimedia. The key criteria are that the source originates from a reputable publisher and can be cited. Archived copies should exist, though accessibility via the internet is not mandatory.
* '''Context matters''' - Source reliability depends on the statement and context. Reliable sources {{em|directly support}} the claims made in BattleTechWiki articles. Avoid over-reliance on tangentially related or passing remarks.
* '''Usage by other sources''' - How widely a source is cited by credible publications can indicate its reliability. Frequent, uncritical use suggests reliability; widespread skepticism or controversy does not.
* '''News organizations''' - Established outlets are generally reliable for factual content but scrutinize opinion pieces and breaking news for biases or inaccuracies.

== Questionable and self-published sources ==
{{main|BattleTechWiki:Verifiability#Reliable sources}}
* Questionable sources lack fact-checking or editorial oversight and are unsuitable for contentious claims.
* Self-published materials are generally unreliable unless authored by an established expert in the field.

=== Questionable sources ===
Questionable sources are those with a poor reputation for fact-checking or lacking editorial oversight. These include websites and publications known for extremist views, promotional content, or heavy reliance on rumors and personal opinions. Such sources are generally unsuitable for contentious claims about third parties, including individuals, organizations, and broader entities. Their appropriate use is highly limited.

Be cautious of sources that seem credible but fail to meet the reliability standards required by this guideline. For example, the ''Journal of 100% Reliable Factual Information'' might engage in [[w:predatory publishing|predatory publishing]], with questionable peer-review processes that undermine its reliability.

=== Self-published sources (online and paper) ===
{{main|BattleTechWiki:Verifiability#Self-published sources}}
Self-published works, such as personal web pages, [[w:self-publishing|self-published books]], or social media posts, are generally unacceptable as sources. Examples include blogs, tweets, and forum posts.

However, self-published expert sources may be acceptable if the author is an established expert with prior work published by reliable, independent sources. Even in these cases, such sources should '''never''' be used for contentious claims about living individuals, regardless of the author's expertise.

==== User-generated content ====
Websites with predominantly [[w:user-generated content|user-generated content]] are usually not reliable. This includes personal blogs, group blogs (except for reputable ones like those of newspapers or magazines), [[w:content farm|content farm]]s, [[w:forum|forum]]s, [[w:Social networking service|social media sites]], and collaboratively created platforms like most wikis.

=== Self-published and questionable sources as sources on themselves ===
Self-published or questionable sources may be used as sources of information {{strong|about themselves}}, especially in articles about themselves, without the requirement that they be published experts in the field, so long as the following criteria are met:
# The material is neither unduly self-serving nor an [[BattleTechWiki:Verifiability#Exceptional claims require exceptional sources|exceptional claim]].
# It does not involve claims about third parties (such as people, organizations, or other entities).
# It does not involve claims about events not directly related to the subject.
# There is no reasonable doubt as to its authenticity.
# The BattleTechWiki article is not based primarily on such sources.

=== Spurious sources produced by machine learning ===
Machine learning (ML)-generated content, including AI-generated text, has increased in prevalence. While ML tools can assist in content creation, they may also generate fabricated information or "hallucinate" citations that appear credible but are entirely fictional. Exercise caution and verify all claims and citations from sources suspected of using ML-generated content.

== Specific Contexts ==
* [[BattleTechWiki:Real People|Real people]] demand high sourcing standards to protect against harm.
* [[BattleTechWiki:No original research|Sources]] require careful use to avoid undue interpretation.
* Quoted material must be accurate and attributed correctly.

== See also ==
* [[BattleTechWiki:Citing sources]]
* [[BattleTechWiki:Verifiability]]
* [[BattleTechWiki:No original research]]

[[Category:BattleTechWiki reliable sources| ]]
[[Category:BattleTechWiki referencing]]
[[Category:Guidelines]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:55, 30 April 2025
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	<noinclude>{{pp-semi-indef\|small=yes}}</noinclude>		<noinclude>{{pp-semi-indef\|small=yes}}</noinclude>
	{{For\|the ''policy'' on reliable sources\|~~BattleTechWiki~~:Verifiability#Reliable sources}}		{{For\|the ''policy'' on reliable sources\|BattleIntelligence:Verifiability#Reliable sources}}
	{{subcat guideline\|content guideline\|Reliable sources\|BTW:RS\|BTW:RELY\|BTW:RELIABLE\|BTW:RELIABILITY}}		{{subcat guideline\|content guideline\|Reliable sources\|BTW:RS\|BTW:RELY\|BTW:RELIABLE\|BTW:RELIABILITY}}
	{{nutshell\|~~BattleTechWiki~~ requires [[BTW:CITE#Inline citations\|inline citations]] for all challenged or likely-to-be-challenged material, as well as for all quotations. New editors seeking a general overview should start with the [[Help:Referencing for beginners\|referencing for beginners help page]].}}		{{nutshell\|BattleIntelligence requires [[BTW:CITE#Inline citations\|inline citations]] for all challenged or likely-to-be-challenged material, as well as for all quotations. New editors seeking a general overview should start with the [[Help:Referencing for beginners\|referencing for beginners help page]].}}
	<!-- NOTE TO EDITORS: Check for redundancy with [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:Verifiability]] and [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:No original research]] before adding material. Consistency is crucial. -->		<!-- NOTE TO EDITORS: Check for redundancy with [[BattleIntelligence:Verifiability]] and [[BattleIntelligence:No original research]] before adding material. Consistency is crucial. -->
	~~BattleTechWiki~~ articles on '''real world topics''' should rely on '''reliable sources''', published when possible, ensuring that {{strong\|all majority and significant minority views}} are presented ({{crossref\|see [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:Neutral point of view]]}}). If no reliable sources are available, [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:Notability\|~~BattleTechWiki~~ should not have an article on the topic]].		BattleIntelligence articles on '''real world topics''' should rely on '''reliable sources''', published when possible, ensuring that {{strong\|all majority and significant minority views}} are presented ({{crossref\|see [[BattleIntelligence:Neutral point of view]]}}). If no reliable sources are available, [[BattleIntelligence:Notability\|BattleIntelligence should not have an article on the topic]].

	For coverage of '''in-universe topics''', the question of source reliability is largely one of canonicity: articles must be based on official canon and apocryphal sources. [[Canon]] and [[Policy:Canon]] cover canonicity and its interpretation.		For coverage of '''in-universe topics''', the question of source reliability is largely one of canonicity: articles must be based on official canon and apocryphal sources. [[Canon]] and [[Policy:Canon]] cover canonicity and its interpretation.

	== Overview ==		== Overview ==
	This guideline explains what constitutes reliable sources on '''real world''' matters. The policy on sourcing is [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:Verifiability]], which mandates [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:Citing sources#Inline citations\|inline citations]] for challenged material or direct quotations. These policies apply rigorously to all content; in case of conflicts between this guideline and sourcing policies, the policies take precedence.		This guideline explains what constitutes reliable sources on '''real world''' matters. The policy on sourcing is [[BattleIntelligence:Verifiability]], which mandates [[BattleIntelligence:Citing sources#Inline citations\|inline citations]] for challenged material or direct quotations. These policies apply rigorously to all content; in case of conflicts between this guideline and sourcing policies, the policies take precedence.

	Articles should be built on reliable sources with a reputation for fact-checking and accuracy. Only present the views of reliable authors, avoiding original interpretation of primary materials by editors. This overview is not exhaustive; sourcing always depends on context and requires editorial judgment.		Articles should be built on reliable sources with a reputation for fact-checking and accuracy. Only present the views of reliable authors, avoiding original interpretation of primary materials by editors. This overview is not exhaustive; sourcing always depends on context and requires editorial judgment.
Line 17:		Line 17:

	* '''Published sources''' - ''Published'' refers to material made publicly available, including text, audio, video, or multimedia. The key criteria are that the source originates from a reputable publisher and can be cited. Archived copies should exist, though accessibility via the internet is not mandatory.		* '''Published sources''' - ''Published'' refers to material made publicly available, including text, audio, video, or multimedia. The key criteria are that the source originates from a reputable publisher and can be cited. Archived copies should exist, though accessibility via the internet is not mandatory.
	* '''Context matters''' - Source reliability depends on the statement and context. Reliable sources {{em\|directly support}} the claims made in ~~BattleTechWiki~~ articles. Avoid over-reliance on tangentially related or passing remarks.		* '''Context matters''' - Source reliability depends on the statement and context. Reliable sources {{em\|directly support}} the claims made in BattleIntelligence articles. Avoid over-reliance on tangentially related or passing remarks.
	* '''Usage by other sources''' - How widely a source is cited by credible publications can indicate its reliability. Frequent, uncritical use suggests reliability; widespread skepticism or controversy does not.		* '''Usage by other sources''' - How widely a source is cited by credible publications can indicate its reliability. Frequent, uncritical use suggests reliability; widespread skepticism or controversy does not.
	* '''News organizations''' - Established outlets are generally reliable for factual content but scrutinize opinion pieces and breaking news for biases or inaccuracies.		* '''News organizations''' - Established outlets are generally reliable for factual content but scrutinize opinion pieces and breaking news for biases or inaccuracies.

	== Questionable and self-published sources ==		== Questionable and self-published sources ==
	{{main\|~~BattleTechWiki~~:Verifiability#Reliable sources}}		{{main\|BattleIntelligence:Verifiability#Reliable sources}}
	* Questionable sources lack fact-checking or editorial oversight and are unsuitable for contentious claims.		* Questionable sources lack fact-checking or editorial oversight and are unsuitable for contentious claims.
	* Self-published materials are generally unreliable unless authored by an established expert in the field.		* Self-published materials are generally unreliable unless authored by an established expert in the field.
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	=== Self-published sources (online and paper) ===		=== Self-published sources (online and paper) ===
	{{main\|~~BattleTechWiki~~:Verifiability#Self-published sources}}		{{main\|BattleIntelligence:Verifiability#Self-published sources}}
	Self-published works, such as personal web pages, [[w:self-publishing\|self-published books]], or social media posts, are generally unacceptable as sources. Examples include blogs, tweets, and forum posts.		Self-published works, such as personal web pages, [[w:self-publishing\|self-published books]], or social media posts, are generally unacceptable as sources. Examples include blogs, tweets, and forum posts.

Line 42:		Line 42:
	=== Self-published and questionable sources as sources on themselves ===		=== Self-published and questionable sources as sources on themselves ===
	Self-published or questionable sources may be used as sources of information {{strong\|about themselves}}, especially in articles about themselves, without the requirement that they be published experts in the field, so long as the following criteria are met:		Self-published or questionable sources may be used as sources of information {{strong\|about themselves}}, especially in articles about themselves, without the requirement that they be published experts in the field, so long as the following criteria are met:
	# The material is neither unduly self-serving nor an [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:Verifiability#Exceptional claims require exceptional sources\|exceptional claim]].		# The material is neither unduly self-serving nor an [[BattleIntelligence:Verifiability#Exceptional claims require exceptional sources\|exceptional claim]].
	# It does not involve claims about third parties (such as people, organizations, or other entities).		# It does not involve claims about third parties (such as people, organizations, or other entities).
	# It does not involve claims about events not directly related to the subject.		# It does not involve claims about events not directly related to the subject.
	# There is no reasonable doubt as to its authenticity.		# There is no reasonable doubt as to its authenticity.
	# The ~~BattleTechWiki~~ article is not based primarily on such sources.		# The BattleIntelligence article is not based primarily on such sources.

	=== Spurious sources produced by machine learning ===		=== Spurious sources produced by machine learning ===
Line 52:		Line 52:

	== Specific Contexts ==		== Specific Contexts ==
	* [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:Real People\|Real people]] demand high sourcing standards to protect against harm.		* [[BattleIntelligence:Real People\|Real people]] demand high sourcing standards to protect against harm.
	* [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:No original research\|Sources]] require careful use to avoid undue interpretation.		* [[BattleIntelligence:No original research\|Sources]] require careful use to avoid undue interpretation.
	* Quoted material must be accurate and attributed correctly.		* Quoted material must be accurate and attributed correctly.

	== See also ==		== See also ==
	* [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:Citing sources]]		* [[BattleIntelligence:Citing sources]]
	* [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:Verifiability]]		* [[BattleIntelligence:Verifiability]]
	* [[~~BattleTechWiki~~:No original research]]		* [[BattleIntelligence:No original research]]

	[[Category:~~BattleTechWiki~~ reliable sources\| ]]		[[Category:BattleIntelligence reliable sources\| ]]
	[[Category:~~BattleTechWiki~~ referencing]]		[[Category:BattleIntelligence referencing]]
	[[Category:Guidelines]]		[[Category:Guidelines]]