On 5/6/05, Sean Barrett sean@epoptic.org wrote:
So, to summarize, there is no policy stating that Usenet is forbidden as a source. Some people (you, for instance) do not consider it to be reputable source, but nothing forbids some other people (me, for instance) from disagreeing. And, most importantly, there is no policy permitting anti-Usenetters to delete Usenet-based material /just because/ it originated on Usenet.
Sean, did you read WP:NOR? For example, see this section http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WP:NOR#What_counts_as_a_reputable_publication.3..., though you also need to read the whole thing through. Also read [[WP:NPOV]]. Both state that sources must be published by reputable/credible publishers. I believe [[Wikipedia:Verifiability]] says the same thing, though it's a while since I've read it. We've also had this discussion many, many times on this list, and the consensus seems to be that WP sources must be published and must be credible.
The anonymous posters on Usenet are not published authors just because they post to Usenet. So yes, any editor who wanted to delete material sourced to Usenet would be well within their rights - except where it's being used as a primary source about itself.
Sarah