Proposed Essay: Please use Objectively Reliable Sourcing
 | This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
 | This page in a nutshell: Please be mindful that a reliable source to you may not be so for others; try to obtain objectively reliable sourcing). |
Please remember that the blog or TV show that you use to get your information may not be viewed the same by other editors of wikipedia.
Print Sources
Although you will find some users who think a mainstream newspaper like the New York Times is unreliable, this essay is not meant to lend credence to claims of liberal/conservative bias in the news media. However, even in mainstream print media editors should be aware of the difference between items in the editorial columns and items in the news section. Specifically if an item is in a special column, editorial or op-ed piece, editors should look for corroborating information in the news section.
Further, although there are many authors, pundits, celebrities, journalist that may garner trust and the aura of reliability as their views fit in line with yours. However, that does not necessarily mean that they also pass the tests for reliable sourcing. For example, Al Franken's book is not the best source on whether Bill O'Reilly actually grew up in Levittown. Rather than using Al Franken's book, a copy of the Country Recorder would be more objectively and suitable. Further items in the Bill O'reilly newsletter may seem to be objective and reliably sourced, however, still attempt to find news article relating to the subject before using the newsletter as a source.
Nothing in this essay is meant to comment on the veracity of the editors in question. It is only to point out that the motives of the individual may cause the fudging of important details which would add context to a situation.