Wikipedia

I think my view and usage of Wikipedia has not changed due to the research I have done with this assignment. I have always seen Wikipedia as a resource where I can find a good outline or general idea of a topic, but I am usually reserved. I do not take it too seriously as a legitimate source even though the information it has is often quite accurate. I still do not have any plans to join the Wikipedia community and contribute to the articles or discussions. This is mainly because there is no topic that I know well enough to edit.

Getting Information

In my personal experiences, the only time I have seen tension or conflict between different types of knowledge and learning was in relation to Wikipedia. I have never before used the discussion portions of Wikipedia, and I did not know they existed until very recently. I find it is more useful to obtain information from authoritative sources because the acquisition of that information is often more straight forward. It makes it easier for me when there is no question as to the origin or legitimacy of the information I am trying to find.

Apologizing for the Exxon Valdez

An immediate verbal apology after the Exxon Valdez oil spill would have accomplished little more than letting the Alaskan people know that Exxon acknowledged the problem. In this situation the most important part of the apology was the action taken to remedy the effects of the spill. Cleaning up the Prince William Sound and other affected areas was the the most important part of making reparations for the accident. An apology from the captain of the ship to the public would not have done much. Yes, it would have shown that he was taking responsibility for the accident but after the spill, there were more pressing matters at hand.