Talk:Proposition 8

I know some of the leaders of the Yes on 8 movement. As they have no wish to become martyrs, I do not wish to provide further information in that area. The protesters broke the law. Emphasizing its peaceful elements misses the points brought up by the reference. Learn together 12:06, 7 November 2008 (EST)

So you have no objective references to these claims, just your personal assurance that they're true? --Jareddr 12:14, 7 November 2008 (EST)

You act as if direct personal knowledge is somehow inferior to reading something from the press. Not everyone decides to call a press conference to draw attention to themselves, especially when it threatens the welfare of their families. Learn together 12:31, 7 November 2008 (EST)

That works for you, Learn together, as you are a trusted sysop. I trust what you say. However a personal testimony needs to go through the same rigorous test that a regular citation does (or, rather, that a regular citation should). There's nothing to stop someone from saying "well I was there and I can say that the protesters didn't break the law," and we'd be at a standstill. Perhaps this particular case isn't the best example, but I hope I've shown that using personal references in principle can have unwanted outcomes elsewhere on the site. HelpJazz 12:43, 7 November 2008 (EST)

That being said, I did find a reference, so now everyone should be happy :) HelpJazz 12:47, 7 November 2008 (EST)

Direct personal knowledge is inferior when putting together an encyclopedia, yes. Encyclopedias are generally supposed to be filled with facts, which are, in general, verifiable. Hearsay and personal anecdotes tend not to be verifiable. So when talking about facts, I'd prefer some confirmation from other sources, as opposed to someone heard it from someone else.--Jareddr 12:50, 7 November 2008 (EST)