A little knowledge is a dangerous thing

ABN

The nice thing about this site is the way people like to TRY to help others. However numerous times I have seen incorrect information posted.

In most, if not all, the poster does believe that the information given is correct and the post worded in such a way as to leave no room for doubt as to the accuracy.

It would be nice if in addition to the "Thank You" button there could be a "Incorrect Info" button linked to a reliability rating for that user. Members could then use that reliability indicator to help descide whether to act on the info or await futher posts.

Quasar

Sounds good in theory, but I'm afraid that in practice it would turn out to be a .....

nelly_2

There is no button that does this.

Had a similar problem last week here I just tried to give a diplomatic correction, its all you can do really.

JollyNolly

I think most of us get all sorts of advice from all sorts of places every day of our lives, and as adults we have to learn to sift the good from the bad. This website is just one of those sources (albeit a very good one).

Former_MSE_Andrea

Yep, I'm afraid all you can do is remind people of the note at the top of the forum:

It’s an open forum! Anyone can post so always exercise caution when acting on info.

Andrea

Tetsuko

MSE_Andrea wrote:

Yep, I'm afraid all you can do is remind people of the note at the top of the forum:

It’s an open forum! Anyone can post so always exercise caution when acting on info.

Andrea

Yep I love how so nice everyone is on here but I also worry how vulnerable some people might be. I've seen lots of acts of kindness on the freebie boards where people send each other stuff in response to tales of woe.

It's warming to see how thoughtful and kind people can be. What worries me is that you can not tell what someone is actually like on the forums. You have no way of knowing if the information they give about themselves or their situation is truthful.

Personally I would not give anything to a stranger hinting and begging on a forum anymore than I would give change to a person I saw regularly hanging out in my city centre begging for change. Many things given in good faith are more than likely needed and put to good use. Some may just as easily end up on Ebay or in a carboot :eek:

Awww I'm just a big untrustworthy, cynic at heart :rotfl:

SmileBeHappy

I gave to a member here to help with christmas- got loadsa pm's before but after i sed i posted it, not a word, not a thanks, or saying it was received, or saying she had a good christmas etc

I can only assume they want it all, but aren't prepared to give back even a happy christmas :rolleyes: