Re: "reductio ad Wikipedium"

In article <1192028705.756751.31980@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>, 
mjdrabik@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 says...
> "reductio ad Wikipedium"
> 
> a logical fallacy which assumes the form of "Wikipedia (or other wiki
> reference) states X; therefore X must be false";

You realize that the ultra-gameability of Wikipedia makes it 
unuseable as a primary source, yes?
 
> Given Wikipedia's (undeserved) poor reputation for accuracy, this
> logical fallacy is often mistaken for a valid argument.  Also known as
> reference snobbery.

Their reputation for inaccuracy is not undeserved.
 
> Just because it appears on Wikipedia doesn't mean it's not true.

The converse is also true: Just because it appears on Wikipedia does 
not mean that it is true.
 
> I've been using this phrase for a while but have never seen it
> online.  Today I googled it and didn't get any hits that used this
> phrase in this way, therefore I am claiming this as an original idea.
> It might be my first.

Go for it!

> I'm posting it at rec.arts.sf.written.robert-jordan in honor of the
> many fine threads I have enjoyed here.  Also because Novak was the
> inspriration for this bit of annoyance.

And I'll agree to disagree in honor of the same.
-- 
Duncan J Macdonald
duncan.macdonald@[EMAIL PROTECTED]