A "Google" search on almost any topic will likely, in the top five results, return a reference to a Wikipedia article.
So far, so good.
The problem with Wikipedia is that anyone can post or edit articles - with almost complete anonymity - so there is no way of knowing whether the information is accurate or complete. Too many of the articles that I have reviewed lean far towards the trivial and many appear to be pushing a particular point of view.
Most users, unfortunately, accept what is written with little critical scrutiny. As a result, Wikipedia now has the potential to disseminate lies, misinformation, and propaganda in a way that few other media channels can.
Perhaps I am an old fogey but I consider that anonymously provided information should always be regarded with caution - if not suspicion. In addition, the wise words of one of my former clients come to mind: "you don't always get what you pay for but you rarely get more!"
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About the Author
- Hugh Elliot
- Mr. Elliot is a founding partner of Collingwood Partners, LLC. He has been an independent management, mergers and acquisitions, finance, and business consultant since 1979. His clients have included government contractors, manufacturing, service, research and development, financial, professional, and banks. He specializes in assisting small and rapidly growing companies with strategic planning, financial management and the management of growth both organically and by acquisition. Mr. Elliot was born and educated in the United Kingdom. He immigrated to the United States in 1968 becoming a naturalized citizen in 1991. He graduated from the University of Cambridge (England) with a BA (Hons) in Agricultural Science and an MA in Agricultural Economics. In addition to his other responsibilities, Mr. Elliot serves as an International Judge for the sport of sailboat racing.
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