Matt M. wrote:
Regarding references: I generally only list multiple
references when dealing
with a highly contentious issue. It's a habit developed on the Straight Dope
Message Board where the word "Cite?" can strike fear into the heart of any
polemicist. As for articles that are largely factually based (geography, for
example) I don't usually see the need, unless, at the outside, I'm exposing
some rare and little-known fact. Basically, any fact that someone would be
highly inclined to question is a fact I'm gonna put a citation for.
There is a second reason for citing references even in non-controversial
subjects. There is always a practical limit to how much can be put into
an encyclopedia article, or there may be potential copyright or
trademark violation issues. Where a reader has found a Wikipedia
article to be absolutely scintillating he may feel inspired to look more
deeply into the subject. Providing references is then a service to the
reader. In such circumstances providing references may not be a
necessity but it should still be strongly encouraged.
Eclecticology