Reading 8

 1. summary

The Wikipedia article you provided is a list of notable hoaxes that have occurred on Wikipedia. It catalogs instances where false or misleading information was intentionally added to articles, either as a prank or with the intention to deceive. Here is a summary of the key points covered in the article:

1. Purpose of the list: The list aims to document notable cases of hoaxes on Wikipedia to serve as a historical record and to raise awareness about the potential for misinformation on the platform.

2. Types of hoaxes: The list includes a wide range of hoaxes, such as fabricated biographies of nonexistent individuals, false historical events, fictional places, and fictitious scientific discoveries. It covers instances from various fields, including history, science, popular culture, and more.

3. Detection and correction: The article highlights that while hoaxes can sometimes go undetected for a period, Wikipedia's community of editors and administrators work to identify and remove false information. In many cases, hoaxes are exposed through diligent fact-checking, scrutiny from knowledgeable editors, or external sources debunking the claims.

4. Impact and consequences: Hoaxes on Wikipedia can have various impacts. They can mislead readers, damage Wikipedia's credibility, and require additional effort to correct and restore the accuracy of affected articles. In some cases, hoaxes have gained media attention and sparked discussions about the reliability of Wikipedia.

5. Lessons learned: The article mentions that hoaxes serve as reminders of the importance of critical evaluation and verification of information. They highlight the need for reliable sources, fact-checking, and the active involvement of the community in maintaining the integrity of Wikipedia.

6. Notable examples: The list provides specific examples of notable hoaxes, including the fabricated biography of a fictional composer, the false entry for a nonexistent war, and the inclusion of a made-up species in the list of reptiles. Each example is accompanied by a brief description of the hoax and the subsequent actions taken to address it.

Overall, the article serves as a compilation of notable instances where hoaxes have been discovered and corrected on Wikipedia. It underscores the vigilance and collaborative efforts of the Wikipedia community in combatting misinformation and highlights the ongoing challenges associated with maintaining the accuracy and reliability of information on the platform.

2. interesting

One interesting point in the article is the variety and creativity of hoaxes that have been attempted on Wikipedia. The list includes a wide range of fabricated information, from fictitious biographies to invented historical events and fictional scientific discoveries. This showcases the extent to which individuals have gone to deceive readers and manipulate the content on Wikipedia.

Additionally, the article highlights the effectiveness of the Wikipedia community in detecting and correcting hoaxes. While some hoaxes may go undetected for a period, the dedicated efforts of editors and administrators, along with the scrutiny from knowledgeable individuals and external sources, eventually lead to the exposure and removal of false information. This emphasizes the importance of collaborative fact-checking and the community's commitment to upholding the integrity of Wikipedia.

The impact of hoaxes on Wikipedia's credibility is also intriguing. When hoaxes gain attention, they can raise questions about the reliability of the platform as a whole. These incidents prompt discussions about the vulnerabilities of open editing systems and the need for critical evaluation of information from any source, including Wikipedia.

Furthermore, the article indirectly highlights the iterative nature of knowledge creation. While hoaxes are unfortunate, they serve as valuable reminders of the ongoing process of verification, correction, and improvement in the pursuit of accurate and reliable information. They underscore the importance of learning from mistakes and continuously refining the mechanisms in place to combat misinformation.

Overall, the article provides insights into the challenges faced by Wikipedia in combating hoaxes and maintaining the trust of its users. It demonstrates the commitment of the community to address and rectify false information while serving as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of knowledge production and the need for critical engagement with online content.

3. discussion

To discuss the article "List of hoaxes on Wikipedia" on Wikipedia, you can follow these steps:

1. Go to the article's talk page: At the top of the article, you will find a tab labeled "Talk." Click on it to access the talk page.

2. Start a new section: Scroll down to the bottom of the talk page, where you'll find an edit box. In that box, type a concise but descriptive title for your discussion in double equals signs (== Title ==).

3. Write your comment: In the edit box, write your comment or question regarding the article. Be clear and specific about the aspect you want to discuss or the issue you want to raise.

4. Sign your comment: At the end of your comment, add your signature. You can do this by typing four tildes (~~~~), which will automatically be converted into your username and the timestamp.

5. Preview and save: Before saving your comment, it's a good idea to preview it to ensure it appears as you intended. Once you're satisfied, click on the "Save page" button to publish your comment.

6. Engage in the discussion: Keep an eye on the talk page for responses to your comment or other discussions related to the article. Feel free to respond to other users' comments or contribute further to the discussion.

Remember to maintain a civil and respectful tone during the discussion. Avoid personal attacks and focus on discussing the content and improvement of the article.