I think the policy "no original research" is one of our most important policies, and essential to the integrity of our project as an encyclopedia. Recently Jimbo pointed out that the policy was originally developed to deal with physics cranks, but that it could apply to history as well -- but perhaps, with some difficulty. I agree that the policy should apply to all forms of research. I've been thinking about the way the policy is formulated and think it can be improved. I have mad ea suggestion on the talk page, and I'd appreciate comments:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:No_original_research#On_secondar...
I am very confident of the substantive point I am trying to make, but less confident about the wording. Whether I am right or wrong, this issue requires some debate now because a number of people have expressed confusion about our policy,
Steve
Steven L. Rubenstein Associate Professor Department of Sociology and Anthropology Bentley Annex Ohio University Athens, Ohio 45701