Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability - Revision history

JackFromWisconsin: fix my bolding

2025-08-30T16:39:04Z

fix my bolding

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:39, 30 August 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	All content ~~on the~~ '''Consumer Rights Wiki''' must be verified by presence of a citation in the article. That means whenever you assert something as true (ex. Samsung requiring a subscription to display pictures on a TV they sell) requires an ''inline citation''. The corresponding citation for the example would look like this: <ref name="forum2">{{cite web \|date=2025-08-01 \|title=Solved: Frame TV cannot display slideshow of my own personal pictures unless I pay membership fee \|url=https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/tv/frame-tv-cannot-display-slideshow-of-my-own-personal-pictures/td-p/12892255 \|publisher=Samsung Community}}</ref>.		'''All content''' on the Consumer Rights Wiki '''must be verified''' by presence of a citation in the article. That means whenever you assert something as true (ex. Samsung requiring a subscription to display pictures on a TV they sell) requires an ''inline citation''. The corresponding citation for the example would look like this: <ref name="forum2">{{cite web \|date=2025-08-01 \|title=Solved: Frame TV cannot display slideshow of my own personal pictures unless I pay membership fee \|url=https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/tv/frame-tv-cannot-display-slideshow-of-my-own-personal-pictures/td-p/12892255 \|publisher=Samsung Community}}</ref>.

	Ideally while editing, sources are introduced when new content is added to this wiki. If you see content that should have a citation, yet doesn't, please use the <code><nowiki>{{citation needed}}</nowiki></code> template.		Ideally while editing, sources are introduced when new content is added to this wiki. If you see content that should have a citation, yet doesn't, please use the <code><nowiki>{{citation needed}}</nowiki></code> template.
Line 39:		Line 39:
	#*AI content farms (these are no better than citing ChatGPT)		#*AI content farms (these are no better than citing ChatGPT)

	== When content needs to have a source ==		==When content needs to have a source==
	Anything likely to be challenged. This means any facts you assert as true, quotes, or descriptions about products.		Anything likely to be challenged. This means any facts you assert as true, quotes, or descriptions about products.

	* Facts should have the highest quality of sources.		*Facts should have the highest quality of sources.
	* Quotes need to be sourced from where you got the information from. This is the one time you can cite Wikipedia if you take a quote from there.		*Quotes need to be sourced from where you got the information from. This is the one time you can cite Wikipedia if you take a quote from there.

	==How to make an inline citation==		==How to make an inline citation==
Line 50:		Line 50:
	In source editor, paste in the following wikitext:		In source editor, paste in the following wikitext:
	<nowiki><ref>		<nowiki><ref>
	{{cite web		{{cite web
	\|last=		\|last=
	\|first=		\|first=
	\|title=		\|title=
	\|url=		\|url=
	\|website=		\|website=
	\|date=		\|date=
	\|access-date=		\|access-date=
	}}</ref></nowiki>		}}</ref></nowiki>
	Then fill in the information you have, with the url and title fields being mandatory.		Then fill in the information you have, with the url and title fields being mandatory.

JackFromWisconsin: /* When content needs to have a source */ clarify

2025-08-24T23:10:44Z

When content needs to have a source: clarify

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:10, 24 August 2025
Line 43:		Line 43:

	* Facts should have the highest quality of sources.		* Facts should have the highest quality of sources.
	* Quotes need to be sourced from where you got the information from. This is the one time you can cite Wikipedia.		* Quotes need to be sourced from where you got the information from. This is the one time you can cite Wikipedia if you take a quote from there.

	==How to make an inline citation==		==How to make an inline citation==

JackFromWisconsin: add to page

2025-08-21T02:20:04Z

add to page

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:20, 21 August 2025
Line 38:		Line 38:
	#*Other wikis ([[wikipedia:wikipedia:Don't_cite_Wikipedia_on_Wikipedia\|even Wikipedia doesn’t source itself]])		#*Other wikis ([[wikipedia:wikipedia:Don't_cite_Wikipedia_on_Wikipedia\|even Wikipedia doesn’t source itself]])
	#*AI content farms (these are no better than citing ChatGPT)		#*AI content farms (these are no better than citing ChatGPT)

			== When content needs to have a source ==
			Anything likely to be challenged. This means any facts you assert as true, quotes, or descriptions about products.

			* Facts should have the highest quality of sources.
			* Quotes need to be sourced from where you got the information from. This is the one time you can cite Wikipedia.

	==How to make an inline citation==		==How to make an inline citation==
Line 44:		Line 50:
	In source editor, paste in the following wikitext:		In source editor, paste in the following wikitext:
	<nowiki><ref>		<nowiki><ref>
	{{cite web		{{cite web
	\|last=		\|last=
	\|first=		\|first=
	\|title=		\|title=
	\|url=		\|url=
	\|website=		\|website=
	\|date=		\|date=
	\|access-date=		\|access-date=
	}}</ref></nowiki>		}}</ref></nowiki>
	Then fill in the information you have, with the url and title fields being mandatory.		Then fill in the information you have, with the url and title fields being mandatory.

Keith: added info about videos (mainly aimed at YT)

2025-08-19T11:15:35Z

added info about videos (mainly aimed at YT)

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:15, 19 August 2025
Line 17:		Line 17:
	#*Industry publications with editorial standards		#*Industry publications with editorial standards
	#*Specialist blogs with established expertise and reputation		#*Specialist blogs with established expertise and reputation
			#*Videos from a reputable specialist channel
	#*Technical documentation from reputable organizations		#*Technical documentation from reputable organizations
	#'''Medium reliability'''		#'''Medium reliability'''
Line 22:		Line 23:
	#*Industry analysis that is not peer-reviewed		#*Industry analysis that is not peer-reviewed
	#*Statements from consumer advocacy organizations		#*Statements from consumer advocacy organizations
			#*Videos from a reputable general interest or non-specialist channel
	#*Technical explanations from recognized experts		#*Technical explanations from recognized experts

Line 31:		Line 33:
	#*Legal statements from lawyers of a party to an event		#*Legal statements from lawyers of a party to an event
	#*Personal blogs without established credibility		#*Personal blogs without established credibility
			#*Videos from a disreputable source (e.g. a low-effort content farm)
	#*Claims sourced anonymously (see below)		#*Claims sourced anonymously (see below)
	#'''No reliability''' (These are unable to be used)		#'''No reliability''' (These are unable to be used)
	#*Other wikis ([[wikipedia:wikipedia:Don't_cite_Wikipedia_on_Wikipedia\|even Wikipedia doesn’t source itself]])		#*Other wikis ([[wikipedia:wikipedia:Don't_cite_Wikipedia_on_Wikipedia\|even Wikipedia doesn’t source itself]])
			#*AI content farms (these are no better than citing ChatGPT)

	==How to make an inline citation==		==How to make an inline citation==

JackFromWisconsin: formatting

2025-08-19T02:06:32Z

formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:06, 19 August 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	All content on the '''Consumer Rights Wiki''' must be verified by presence of a citation in the article. That means whenever you assert something as true (ex. Samsung requiring a subscription to display pictures on a TV they sell) requires an ''inline citation''. The corresponding citation for the example would look like this: <ref name="forum2">{{cite web \|date=2025-08-01 \|title=Solved: Frame TV cannot display slideshow of my own personal pictures unless I pay membership fee \|url=https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/tv/frame-tv-cannot-display-slideshow-of-my-own-personal-pictures/td-p/12892255 \|publisher=Samsung Community}}</ref>.		All content on the '''Consumer Rights Wiki''' must be verified by presence of a citation in the article. That means whenever you assert something as true (ex. Samsung requiring a subscription to display pictures on a TV they sell) requires an ''inline citation''. The corresponding citation for the example would look like this: <ref name="forum2">{{cite web \|date=2025-08-01 \|title=Solved: Frame TV cannot display slideshow of my own personal pictures unless I pay membership fee \|url=https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/tv/frame-tv-cannot-display-slideshow-of-my-own-personal-pictures/td-p/12892255 \|publisher=Samsung Community}}</ref>.

	Ideally, sources are introduced when new content is added to this wiki. If you see content that should have a citation, yet doesn't, please use the <nowiki>{{citation needed}}</nowiki> template.		Ideally while editing, sources are introduced when new content is added to this wiki. If you see content that should have a citation, yet doesn't, please use the <code><nowiki>{{citation needed}}</nowiki></code> template.

	==Reliable sources==		==Reliable sources==
Line 40:		Line 40:
	In source editor, paste in the following wikitext:		In source editor, paste in the following wikitext:
	<nowiki><ref>		<nowiki><ref>
	{{cite web		{{cite web
	\|last=		\|last=
	\|first=		\|first=
	\|title=		\|title=
	\|url=		\|url=
	\|website=		\|website=
	\|date=		\|date=
	\|access-date=		\|access-date=
	}}</ref></nowiki>		}}</ref></nowiki>
	Then fill in the information you have, with the url and title fields being mandatory.		Then fill in the information you have, with the url and title fields being mandatory.

JackFromWisconsin: Add a how-to section

2025-08-19T02:05:35Z

Add a how-to section

JackFromWisconsin: Create separate Verifiability Page, split from Consumer Rights Wiki:Editorial guidelines

2025-08-19T01:59:28Z

Create separate Verifiability Page, split from Consumer Rights Wiki:Editorial guidelines

New page

All content on the '''Consumer Rights Wiki''' must be verified by presence of a citation in the article. That means whenever you assert something as true (ex. Samsung requiring a subscription to display pictures on a TV they sell) requires an ''inline citation''. The corresponding citation for the example would look like this: <ref name="forum2">{{cite web |date=2025-08-01 |title=Solved: Frame TV cannot display slideshow of my own personal pictures unless I pay membership fee |url=https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/tv/frame-tv-cannot-display-slideshow-of-my-own-personal-pictures/td-p/12892255 |publisher=Samsung Community}}</ref>.

Ideally, sources are introduced when new content is added to this wiki. If you see content that should have a citation, yet doesn't, please use the <nowiki>{{citation needed}}</nowiki> template.

== Reliable sources ==

=== What counts as a reliable source ===
Sources should be weighted according to their reliability and authority:

# '''Highest reliability''' (Use these first)
#* Court decisions, regulatory findings, and official government documents
#* Peer-reviewed academic journals and research publications
#* Official company documents and statements (for establishing claims, not for establishing facts)
#* Primary source documents (contracts, terms of service, etc.)
# '''High reliability'''
#* Major established news organizations with strong fact-checking processes
#* Industry publications with editorial standards
#* Specialist blogs with established expertise and reputation
#* Technical documentation from reputable organizations
# '''Medium reliability'''
#* Books published by reputable publishers
#* Industry analysis that is not peer-reviewed
#* Statements from consumer advocacy organizations
#* Technical explanations from recognized experts

=== What should be used with caution ===

# '''Lower reliability''' (These should be avoided and only used for the likes of consumer sentiment and other low-stakes situations)
#* Social media posts (even from verified accounts)
#* Forums and community discussions
#* Legal statements from lawyers of a party to an event
#* Personal blogs without established credibility
#* Claims sourced anonymously (see below)
# '''No reliability''' (These are unable to be used)
#* Other wikis ([[wikipedia:wikipedia:Don't_cite_Wikipedia_on_Wikipedia|even Wikipedia doesn’t source itself]])

== Use of sources ==

=== Handling anonymous sources and vague attributions ===
Phrases like "a person familiar with the matter" and "on information and belief" require careful handling:

* Claims attributed to anonymous sources should never stand alone as the sole basis for significant allegations against companies or individuals
* When citing reporting that uses anonymous sources, clearly indicate this in your citation: "According to The New York Times, which cited 'people familiar with the matter,'..."
* Anonymous source claims should be treated as significantly less reliable than on-the-record statements
* When multiple reputable publications independently verify information with their own anonymous sources, this increases reliability but still requires caution
* Information from anonymous sources should be presented as claims rather than established facts

'''Red flags''' that should prompt additional scrutiny:

* Claims that seem designed primarily to generate controversy
* Information that only comes from a single anonymous source
* Multiple outlets citing the same original anonymous source
* Allegations that remain unsubstantiated even after significant time has passed
* Claims that contradict documented evidence or on-the-record statements

=== Balancing perspectives and due weight ===

* Represent viewpoints in proportion to their prominence in reliable sources
* Do not give undue weight to fringe theories or minority viewpoints
* When presenting controversial topics, ensure that mainstream perspectives are adequately represented
* When reporting on disputes, ensure that all major parties' positions are fairly represented
* Avoid creating false equivalence between positions that have different levels of support

=== Handling conflicting information ===
When reliable sources conflict:

* Acknowledge the conflict explicitly
* Give preference to more recent information when appropriate
* Give preference to more specialized or authoritative sources on the specific topic
* Present multiple perspectives when the conflict represents genuine expert disagreement
* Avoid taking sides in ongoing disputes; instead, describe the differing positions

=== Source transparency ===

* Wiki contributors should be able to verify sources
* Avoid citing sources that are not publicly accessible
* If utilizing paywalled content, provide sufficient information for others to locate it (archive links are often useful here)

=== Sourcing standards ===
We hold ourselves to higher standards than the individuals and companies we report on:

* Never lower your sourcing standards because of personal conviction about a topic
* Do not use the Wiki to advance personal vendettas or agendas
* Recognize that unsubstantiated claims can cause real harm
* Remember that our credibility depends on rigorous adherence to these guidelines

By following these guidelines on appropriate sourcing, we maintain the Wiki's integrity as a reliable resource for consumer protection information and advocacy.

==References==

<references />

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:05, 19 August 2025
Line 3:		Line 3:
	Ideally, sources are introduced when new content is added to this wiki. If you see content that should have a citation, yet doesn't, please use the <nowiki>{{citation needed}}</nowiki> template.		Ideally, sources are introduced when new content is added to this wiki. If you see content that should have a citation, yet doesn't, please use the <nowiki>{{citation needed}}</nowiki> template.

	== Reliable sources ==		==Reliable sources==

	=== What counts as a reliable source ===		===What counts as a reliable source===
	Sources should be weighted according to their reliability and authority:		Sources should be weighted according to their reliability and authority:

	# '''Highest reliability''' (Use these first)		#'''Highest reliability''' (Use these first)
	#* Court decisions, regulatory findings, and official government documents		#*Court decisions, regulatory findings, and official government documents
	#* Peer-reviewed academic journals and research publications		#*Peer-reviewed academic journals and research publications
	#* Official company documents and statements (for establishing claims, not for establishing facts)		#*Official company documents and statements (for establishing claims, not for establishing facts)
	#* Primary source documents (contracts, terms of service, etc.)		#*Primary source documents (contracts, terms of service, etc.)
	# '''High reliability'''		#'''High reliability'''
	#* Major established news organizations with strong fact-checking processes		#*Major established news organizations with strong fact-checking processes
	#* Industry publications with editorial standards		#*Industry publications with editorial standards
	#* Specialist blogs with established expertise and reputation		#*Specialist blogs with established expertise and reputation
	#* Technical documentation from reputable organizations		#*Technical documentation from reputable organizations
	# '''Medium reliability'''		#'''Medium reliability'''
	#* Books published by reputable publishers		#*Books published by reputable publishers
	#* Industry analysis that is not peer-reviewed		#*Industry analysis that is not peer-reviewed
	#* Statements from consumer advocacy organizations		#*Statements from consumer advocacy organizations
	#* Technical explanations from recognized experts		#*Technical explanations from recognized experts

	=== What should be used with caution ===		===What should be used with caution===

	# '''Lower reliability''' (These should be avoided and only used for the likes of consumer sentiment and other low-stakes situations)		#'''Lower reliability''' (These should be avoided and only used for the likes of consumer sentiment and other low-stakes situations)
	#* Social media posts (even from verified accounts)		#*Social media posts (even from verified accounts)
	#* Forums and community discussions		#*Forums and community discussions
	#* Legal statements from lawyers of a party to an event		#*Legal statements from lawyers of a party to an event
	#* Personal blogs without established credibility		#*Personal blogs without established credibility
	#* Claims sourced anonymously (see below)		#*Claims sourced anonymously (see below)
	# '''No reliability''' (These are unable to be used)		#'''No reliability''' (These are unable to be used)
	#* Other wikis ([[wikipedia:wikipedia:Don't_cite_Wikipedia_on_Wikipedia\|even Wikipedia doesn’t source itself]])		#*Other wikis ([[wikipedia:wikipedia:Don't_cite_Wikipedia_on_Wikipedia\|even Wikipedia doesn’t source itself]])

	== ~~Use of sources~~ ==		==How to make an inline citation==
			In visual editor, click on "insert", "more", then Citation. Alternatively you can press Control-Shift-K. Then click through to "Manual" and click "Web". Then insert all relevant details, but at minimum include a link to the article and the title of the article.

	=== Handling anonymous sources and vague attributions ===		In source editor, paste in the following wikitext:
			<nowiki><ref>
			{{cite web
			\|last=
			\|first=
			\|title=
			\|url=
			\|website=
			\|date=
			\|access-date=
			}}</ref></nowiki>
			Then fill in the information you have, with the url and title fields being mandatory.

			==Use of sources==

			===Handling anonymous sources and vague attributions===
	Phrases like "a person familiar with the matter" and "on information and belief" require careful handling:		Phrases like "a person familiar with the matter" and "on information and belief" require careful handling:

	* Claims attributed to anonymous sources should never stand alone as the sole basis for significant allegations against companies or individuals		*Claims attributed to anonymous sources should never stand alone as the sole basis for significant allegations against companies or individuals
	* When citing reporting that uses anonymous sources, clearly indicate this in your citation: "According to The New York Times, which cited 'people familiar with the matter,'..."		*When citing reporting that uses anonymous sources, clearly indicate this in your citation: "According to The New York Times, which cited 'people familiar with the matter,'..."
	* Anonymous source claims should be treated as significantly less reliable than on-the-record statements		*Anonymous source claims should be treated as significantly less reliable than on-the-record statements
	* When multiple reputable publications independently verify information with their own anonymous sources, this increases reliability but still requires caution		*When multiple reputable publications independently verify information with their own anonymous sources, this increases reliability but still requires caution
	* Information from anonymous sources should be presented as claims rather than established facts		*Information from anonymous sources should be presented as claims rather than established facts

	'''Red flags''' that should prompt additional scrutiny:		'''Red flags''' that should prompt additional scrutiny:

	* Claims that seem designed primarily to generate controversy		*Claims that seem designed primarily to generate controversy
	* Information that only comes from a single anonymous source		*Information that only comes from a single anonymous source
	* Multiple outlets citing the same original anonymous source		*Multiple outlets citing the same original anonymous source
	* Allegations that remain unsubstantiated even after significant time has passed		*Allegations that remain unsubstantiated even after significant time has passed
	* Claims that contradict documented evidence or on-the-record statements		*Claims that contradict documented evidence or on-the-record statements

	=== Balancing perspectives and due weight ===		===Balancing perspectives and due weight===

	* Represent viewpoints in proportion to their prominence in reliable sources		*Represent viewpoints in proportion to their prominence in reliable sources
	* Do not give undue weight to fringe theories or minority viewpoints		*Do not give undue weight to fringe theories or minority viewpoints
	* When presenting controversial topics, ensure that mainstream perspectives are adequately represented		*When presenting controversial topics, ensure that mainstream perspectives are adequately represented
	* When reporting on disputes, ensure that all major parties' positions are fairly represented		*When reporting on disputes, ensure that all major parties' positions are fairly represented
	* Avoid creating false equivalence between positions that have different levels of support		*Avoid creating false equivalence between positions that have different levels of support

	=== Handling conflicting information ===		===Handling conflicting information===
	When reliable sources conflict:		When reliable sources conflict:

	* Acknowledge the conflict explicitly		*Acknowledge the conflict explicitly
	* Give preference to more recent information when appropriate		*Give preference to more recent information when appropriate
	* Give preference to more specialized or authoritative sources on the specific topic		*Give preference to more specialized or authoritative sources on the specific topic
	* Present multiple perspectives when the conflict represents genuine expert disagreement		*Present multiple perspectives when the conflict represents genuine expert disagreement
	* Avoid taking sides in ongoing disputes; instead, describe the differing positions		*Avoid taking sides in ongoing disputes; instead, describe the differing positions

	=== Source transparency ===		===Source transparency===

	* Wiki contributors should be able to verify sources		*Wiki contributors should be able to verify sources
	* Avoid citing sources that are not publicly accessible		*Avoid citing sources that are not publicly accessible
	* If utilizing paywalled content, provide sufficient information for others to locate it (archive links are often useful here)		*If utilizing paywalled content, provide sufficient information for others to locate it (archive links are often useful here)

	=== Sourcing standards ===		===Sourcing standards===
	We hold ourselves to higher standards than the individuals and companies we report on:		We hold ourselves to higher standards than the individuals and companies we report on:

	* Never lower your sourcing standards because of personal conviction about a topic		*Never lower your sourcing standards because of personal conviction about a topic
	* Do not use the Wiki to advance personal vendettas or agendas		*Do not use the Wiki to advance personal vendettas or agendas
	* Recognize that unsubstantiated claims can cause real harm		*Recognize that unsubstantiated claims can cause real harm
	* Remember that our credibility depends on rigorous adherence to these guidelines		*Remember that our credibility depends on rigorous adherence to these guidelines

	By following these guidelines on appropriate sourcing, we maintain the Wiki's integrity as a reliable resource for consumer protection information and advocacy.		By following these guidelines on appropriate sourcing, we maintain the Wiki's integrity as a reliable resource for consumer protection information and advocacy.