Re: Science writing classes

["Patty Ralrick" <pattyralrick@hotmail.com>]

Hi Adam,

> Then why cite from books - a notorious source of published opinion that is
> often free of rigorous peer review?

Basically because once a book is published, no one can get in there and 
change what was said.  While living in the dorms, I knew people who thought 
it "fun" to crack into internet sites and mess with them.  These are the 
same people who knew how to change their grades, paste someone elses picture 
over an established picture, etc.  I understand about the security of 
journal sites, but there's always someone out there just a little bit more 
computer savvy than the guy who set up the security.

Also, I personally know someone who has a bad attitude about certain 
paleontologists (he's been kicked out of a couple colleges all ready) and I 
could see him gleefully hacking into a site and changing things around.  
This person is the main reason that I'm wary of information found on the 
internet.

> Any informed reader will automatically check the source of any citation and
> value it accordingly.

I certainly hope so!  I'm sure that there are perfectly safe sites out 
there, but as the old saying goes - one bad apple....

Thanks for your thoughts.

Patty
************************************************
"I'm reaching up and reaching out.  I'm reaching for the random or what ever 
will bewilder me.  And following our will and wind we may just go where no 
one's been.  We'll ride the spiral to the end and may just go where no one's 
been.  Spiral out.  Keep going...."

Maynard James Keenan of "Tool"

Patty Ralrick
2108 Power Dr
Bellevue  NE  68005



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