Online+Journalism+Ethics+&+Wikis

Wikis present the question of whether or not information presented is true because people of all ages and education level can openly edit a Wiki. It is important to keep in mind the ethics of online journalism when participating in a Wiki.

Ironically enough, the online journalism wiki, OLJ: The Online journalism Review says the following information about online journalism (paraphrased by me (Melissa Lindsay):


 * Writers need to keep one important thing in mind: **NO PLAGIARISM.** When referencing something, link it!
 * Disclose where you got your information; whether it was from a book, your own common knowledge, your employer, your mother, etc. **DISCLOSE!**
 * **Avoid conflicts of interest** -- Never accept gifts or money for story coverage.
 * **Double check sources**; just because someone says something does not make it true. Do your research. Also, make aware to your audience if your work is satire or not literal.
 * **HONESTY IS A MUST.** Honesty helps your gain credibility and reliability. Don't disappoint your readers!

While these points may seem obvious, they are often forgotten. Keep these ethics in mind when writing or editing Wikis as it keeps their credibility current.

Read more here at the Online Journalism Review: http://www.ojr.org/ojr/wiki/ethics/