I've told my son to use it as a reference tool only and that he needs to verify the information with at least 3 other sources. And then if he comes across any discrepancies in those...he needs to research this further. Many of us are able to note errors/discrepancies and I want my son to learn how to question 'facts' and develop good critical thinking skills. He's getting there!
 
Most recently I used Wiki when I was researching these Acts of Congress: ECW (which created the CCC), CWA, WPA and FERA.
 
In regards to FERA, as an Act of Congress it was the 'Federal Emergency Relief Act' (May 1933). Most often, people refer to this act by it's administrative name, 'Federal Emergency Relief Administration'.
 
This is a common 'error'. In fact, I have yet to find any internet resource that accurately describes/defines any one or all of these Acts and their related programs/projects. Either the dates are wrong, the Act is confused with a program, programs are confused with projects and so on. This is so common and frustrating.
 
As far as dates are concerned, the date the law was enacted and the date the program went into effect are often interchanged.
 
Recently I came across a reference to the WPA as being a successor of FERA! And more often than not the CWA is thought of having 'developed' into the WPA...two different programs, created under separate Acts of Congress. The WPA in fact has often been considered as part of Roosevelt's initial New Deal Programs, which were in place during his initial 100 days in office... and it wasn't.
 
I've been rather disappointed to find so many misconstrued facts, etc., especially those pertaining to the CCC. But it's also easy to see how this can happen and at times I've also been able to trace back to where these errors occurred too.
 
Before I submit any corrections to Wiki, etc.(and our Museum's brochures!),  I'll be doing research in the National Archives and relying on primary sources!
 
Pam
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 3/3/2006 2:04:56 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes:
Though the idea behind Wikapedia is wonderful, I have frequently found
erroneousinformation in entries.  So I am very hesitant to cite a Wikapedia article
as a source, though atmy daughter's school, teachers accept Wikapedia articles as Internet
references, though mostof them refuse to accept .com sites!  I found a Wikapedia article on John
Rankin and though itwas well-written and contained no errors, the author had used only ONE
source (which he/she cited, in contrast to many Wikapedia articles I read).

Susannah West
John Rankin House
Ripley, Ohio
 
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