MacGyverMagic/Mgm wrote:
We already have a disclaimer saying we shouldn't be trusted and the top of every page has an edit button showing everyone can edit. If people choose to trust anything they read without checking there's really nothing we can do. I speak from experience when I say that blinking red banners on top of pages won't work. People will just ignore them just like they do with warnings on all other Wikipedia pages.
AFC: "Cite your sources" -> ignored HD: "Don't post your email address and don't ask homework questions" --> ignored. HD: "Place for questions about Wikipedia" --> How can I find DVD X? --> Ignored.
Sure, we need to warn people but we need to draw a line too.
Not long ago I bought a new stepladder manufactured in the United States. It is full of stuck on labels warning people about dangers of misusing the product. For a few of us it would seem sensible not to attempt to change the blade on a table saw while the motor is running, but there are people who would win handsomely in court because the manufacturer had failed to post a label warning them of an obvious danger. One can never underestimate the power of unfathomable stupidity.
Ec