Seenoevil:Citing Sources
From Seenoevil
Seenoevil tries to ensure that within it's pages there remains a clear distinction between factual information, logical argument and opinion. Factual information should always be linked to a source. When factual information is not linked you may use {{source needed}} to request that one be provided. A reference is needed in the following circumstances:
- When facts of any type are included.
- When a quotation is given in an article. This includes paraphrases.
- When the opinion of a prominent individual, organization or expert opinion (legal, scientific etc.) is included.
- To confirm statements about public opinion, or the opinion of a sub group of the general public.
Not all sources can be linked to information on the Internet. In these cases written references should be inserted (for example in Harvard format) to enable the reader to check these themselves where possible. When a written reference is given it is appropriate to insert {{link requested}} as a request for an on-line link for those unable to check the particular written source.
Useful alias
- {{source}}
- {{citation needed}}
- {{cn}}
- {{citation}}
- {{link}}
A note on opinion
Political arguments can involve shades of all possible opinions. It is generally bad practice to insert statements of the form "Many people think..." without citing sources. In some circumstances it may still be legitimate to insert possible opinions without indicating who believes them provided they are clearly flagged as such and their inclusion adds to the debate. In the rare cases this is necessary you can use {{opinion|text=...}} where ... is the text of the opinion you wish to flag, to indicate that a source for the opinion is not given. For example:
|
It could be thought that using the phrase 'it could be thought' is sufficient to indicate an opinion, and indeed in many cases it is. |
The use of this template does not in itself make inclusion of an opinion legitimate. The primary consideration should always be if it's inclusion adds to the debate.
