I had a glance at the history on [[Short story]] and couldn't spot the alleged edits. Anyone else got any ideas? A public call to vandalism deserves a reply.
- d.
Sunday Times (London) June 10, 2007
Online disinformation
WICKEDLY INACCURATE? As a member of the Society of Authors, I felt it my duty to correct Wikipedia creative-writing articles which stated "a short story can be anywhere between 5,000 and 50,000 words" or had grammatical errors, such as "Mary laid on her bed". The originator had included the following invitation: "I hope someone would (sic) feel free to add concepts and examples." I took him at his word, and edited. The next day all my edits had been reversed.
Anyone dismayed by this "dictatorship of idiots" should not waste time on futile attempts to turn Wikipedia into a reliable source. Instead, help it to self-destruct by adding misinformation. Wikipedia has no mechanism to deal with this other than the army of itchy-fingered know-it-alls who know nothing.
Margret Geraghty Chandlers Ford, Hampshire
- d.