I had the sudden
revelation that
Everything is a collection of
opinions, rather than a collection of
facts. This may be blatantly
obvious, but just because it's so obvious, we tend to overlook its
meaning. It means that we can't use Everything to search for
data on subjects that interest us; all we will get is opinions from
nameless individuals.
Voting doesn't help, either; voting will help promote the opinions that most accurately reflect the general view of this small,
elitist community that we form. Not necessarily the best, the most
factual, the most
researched ones. And given that many
node on subjects that they are not
experts on, we might get only one side of the story, and we don't even know which one.
So, when noding information (as opposed to funny but noisy comments), please document your nodes. Do some research. Quote your sources. Mention opinions which contradict yours. Separate fact, opinion and fiction.
Everything is an encyclopedia. Or not. Your choice, but I believe that Everything has to be Everything.