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