With recent anti-Internet comments from * and at least 2 false

[texpatriot2004]

stories here or at least questionable and unconfirmed or unlikely (i.e., Bono - Santorum, yes I know it was Newsmax and the DSCC/Schumer - Hackett drop out story) and the anti-Internet sentiments of the GOP do you think we need to be vigilant about confirming stories here? I mean, I am sensing some kind of public trashing of the Internet so as to hurt the credibility of stories and information found here...and I don't want to see that happen; I am sure you agree.

So, do you think there is anything we can do to head this off at the pass?

[OldLeftieLawyer]

1. Marvin Gaye knew it

From the lyrics of "Heard It Through The Grapevine," the smartest words ever strung together:

"... believe half of what you see, son, and none of what you hear ...."

Unless you've witnessed it first-hand, be skeptical. Always good advice that's never let me down.

[proud patriot]

3. good advice n/t

[kevsand]

2. I think we're already doing quite a bit in that regard.

One of the strengths of DU from the very beginning has been the ability of the community as a whole (and a handful of very good researchers in particular) to vet the broad range of crap that comes in over the transom.

You are right that this needs to continue; we can never let our guards down when it comes to sorting out the chaff. Fortunately, we have a sizable contingent of professional skeptics here to assist us...

[Just Me]

4. Well, geez,...of course we must be vigilant. DUH!!!

I don't mean to be demeaning. I'm just sayin',...DU is ALWAYS vigilant,...hence, seemingly "chaotic" at times.

We are learning a "game" we never played because we are true at heart, genuine in our passions for the rights and dignities of human beings.

We are accepting the "game" of predatory, political corporacrats.

We are adjusting to their absolutism, their tyrannical "win at all costs" CORPORATE WORLD ORDER. The whole of humanity is adjusting to this oppression and becoming increasing empowered by VIRTUE of a unity we could never have known,...until NOW.

[OrlandoGator]

5. The blogosphere scares the shit out of the liars.

It's hard to lie about something when there's a guy with a computer and a digital camera there showing you the truth.

[texpatriot2004]

7. Yes, this is my point and I am hearing lately that "did you hear

that on the Internet? rubbish like the Internet is not reliable. More and more the Internet and blogs are being discussed on TV which is good but not if we get slimed by the Rethugs. Know what I mean?

[texpatriot2004]

8. Lately I have been hearing the "did you hear that on the Internet"

question suggesting the Internet is not reliable. More and more the Internet and blogs are being discussed on TV which is good but not if we get slimed by the Rethugs. Know what I mean?

[cynatnite]

6. When in doubt about a story voice it or research it...

I've seen a few stories posted her at DU that just didn't past the smell test. I absolutely want sources and know where they came from.

Having said that, bush and his regime will attempt discredit legitimate bloggers who get stories that turn out to be true.

Keep in mind the GOP is a hypocritical lot for the most part. Of course, they'll do their damndest to discredit any story that makes them look bad. They'll turn around and hail those that make them look good, too.

It's the spin machine at work and we do know the difference :)

[texpatriot2004]

9. I do research but that's not my point. Lately TV is covering blogs

and Internet more and we could get burned if we aren't careful.

[cynatnite]

11. Should blogs be considered equal to the press?

I've been thinking about this since last night when I read that Yahoo is going to post blogs and news together. They are trying to make them equal and I'm not sure if they should or anyone else for that matter.

[seabeyond]

10. for discernment, the same as our national media.

have to pick and chose, and ivestigate what is a lie and what is truth. couldnt be more true for tv news. they are equal in the public having to be aware, informed and in the know. neither exclusively are truth tellers, only the internet provides the possibility of truth

[texpatriot2004]

12. Yeah, but to those who say where did you get that on the Internet

you know the type.

I know about discernment my point is that it seems wierd to me all of the sudden there is so much coverage of blogs/Internet stories - are we being set up to be discredited?

[seabeyond]

13. i dont know. i dont watch media. they lie n/t