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A little context about the author, as it may have a bearing on this particular project: https://twitter.com/KoenSwinkels https://twitter.com/KoenSwinkels

jdthedisciple 3y ago
And? Not even sure what you want us to focus on, but: Does that have any bearing on facts revealed by this extension? Also truly ask yourself: Would you post this exact comment had he been (seemingly) of a different political alignment?
- tallanvor 3y ago
  Yes. He posts conspiracy theories and says he uses Wikispooks as a source of his data. He simply is not a trustworthy actor.
  - jdthedisciple 3y ago
    If he relied on CNN and similar outlets would you be just as concerned for the truth?
    - kemotep 3y ago
      There is a difference between being skeptical and being conspiratorial in thinking. We can be critical of mainstream media in its accuracy but not have to immediately trust the next person to come along. Especially when they utilize sources with even more extreme biases and inaccurate information. CNN being a poor source doesn’t make this browser extension a better one. In fact CNN being bad has zero bearing on the quality and accuracy of this source or Wikipedia or Bellingcat or anything else that doesn’t use the same methodology and primary sources as CNN.
- calgarymicro 3y ago
  Per his website > We did the research for you and compiled a database Given that I am relying on this person and his editorial decisions, this sort of thing is very relevant to me. It might affect what data he chooses to include or exclude, and what he is willing to treat as reliable or unreliable. Needless to say, his usage of Wikispooks as a source does not inspire confidence.
  - jdthedisciple 3y ago
    Just curious: Do you rely on mainstream news and their editorial decisions?
    - calgarymicro 3y ago
      This[0] is Wikispooks' page on the Holocaust. Wikispooks is one of this guy's 7 listed sources. However much I may distrust 'mainstream news', I automatically trust the whole lot of them more than I trust Holocaust deniers. [0]https://wikispooks.com/wiki/The_Holocaust https://wikispooks.com/wiki/The_Holocaust
- monooso 3y ago
  > Does that have any bearing on facts revealed by this extension? Yes. If the information is derived from questionable sources, that makes the information itself questionable. > Also truly ask yourself: Would you post this exact comment had he been (seemingly) of a different political alignment? Probably not, but that's fine; you're here.
vimto 3y ago
Additionally, from the website itself: > What are the sources for the information in the database? > InfluenceWatch > Wikispooks > SourceWatch > On Think Tanks > Conservative Transparency > ProPublica > Duke Reporters’ Lab

jdthedisciple 3y ago

And? Not even sure what you want us to focus on, but: Does that have any bearing on facts revealed by this extension? Also truly ask yourself: Would you post this exact comment had he been (seemingly) of a different political alignment?

tallanvor 3y ago
Yes. He posts conspiracy theories and says he uses Wikispooks as a source of his data. He simply is not a trustworthy actor.
- jdthedisciple 3y ago
  If he relied on CNN and similar outlets would you be just as concerned for the truth?
  - kemotep 3y ago
    There is a difference between being skeptical and being conspiratorial in thinking. We can be critical of mainstream media in its accuracy but not have to immediately trust the next person to come along. Especially when they utilize sources with even more extreme biases and inaccurate information. CNN being a poor source doesn’t make this browser extension a better one. In fact CNN being bad has zero bearing on the quality and accuracy of this source or Wikipedia or Bellingcat or anything else that doesn’t use the same methodology and primary sources as CNN.
calgarymicro 3y ago
Per his website > We did the research for you and compiled a database Given that I am relying on this person and his editorial decisions, this sort of thing is very relevant to me. It might affect what data he chooses to include or exclude, and what he is willing to treat as reliable or unreliable. Needless to say, his usage of Wikispooks as a source does not inspire confidence.
- jdthedisciple 3y ago
  Just curious: Do you rely on mainstream news and their editorial decisions?
  - calgarymicro 3y ago
    This[0] is Wikispooks' page on the Holocaust. Wikispooks is one of this guy's 7 listed sources. However much I may distrust 'mainstream news', I automatically trust the whole lot of them more than I trust Holocaust deniers. [0]https://wikispooks.com/wiki/The_Holocaust https://wikispooks.com/wiki/The_Holocaust
monooso 3y ago
> Does that have any bearing on facts revealed by this extension? Yes. If the information is derived from questionable sources, that makes the information itself questionable. > Also truly ask yourself: Would you post this exact comment had he been (seemingly) of a different political alignment? Probably not, but that's fine; you're here.

vimto 3y ago

Additionally, from the website itself: > What are the sources for the information in the database? > InfluenceWatch > Wikispooks > SourceWatch > On Think Tanks > Conservative Transparency > ProPublica > Duke Reporters’ Lab