Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Tuesday Thingers: Common Knowledge

This week's questions for the Tuesday Thingers group:
Have you ever looked at the Common Knowledge page, or viewed the history of changes/additions? If you were aware of this section, have you added any information? Do you find this information useful or interesting?

Well, this is unusual! A LibraryThing feature I actually knew something about before Tuesday Thingers brought it to my attention!

Yes, I've known about Common Knowledge for a while now. In fact, I've even contributed some info myself. Didn't really remember exactly what books were involved, so I went to the History page and searched on my user name, and discovered a whole list of stuff: a few books by Angela Thirkell, a couple of Virago editions, and The House with a Clock in Its Walls, by John Bellairs.

I've browsed around Common Knowledge a few times. Of course, the data is only as reliable as the members who enter it: As far as I know, there's no proof-reading or fact-checking. And apparently anyone can change or edit the info that's already been entered. Lots of possibilities for typos and misreadings, so you have to expect mistakes to creep in, I suppose. So while I do find the information interesting, I'm not sure how useful it really is.

Tuesday Thingers is a weekly meme for LibraryThing users, hosted by Wendi's Book Corner.

9 comments:

  1. That's cool that you've contributed. I'll have to start doing that too.

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  2. sort of like wikipedia...it may sound good but is it accurate?

    well, it is still fun. as with everything, you haver to take the info with a grain of salt.

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  3. I admit I'm not at all familiar with the feather. I will have to give it a look.

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  4. That's very true...I'm always worried about sites that where anyone can put in information and then it's known as a "fact". IMDB is like that, also wikipedia. Not that anyone is purposely putting in wrong info, but it might not necessarily be accurate.

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  5. This is a feature I want to check out more and maybe even contribute to. It looks like fun.

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  6. I haven't contributed, but I have "CK: Awards and Honors" listed in my library display.

    I think, yes, it's like wikipedia in that it's user-written/extended/edited. Much of LibraryThing is, including all the Local events and bookstore entries (user submitted).

    My answer is here.

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  7. You're right - I haven't noticed anything but there's always a risk with that sort of set up. I hope you don't mind me tagging you for the Bookshelf Meme!

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  8. Hi Joy - you bring up a very good point - actually two! First I didn't realize that I could search my name to see what I've added - what fun!

    More importantly, you are right - I'm going to be very careful that I enter correct information, under the correct edition!

    I'm still trying to explore it a little more, and think that using it to find the other series books is a great opportunity for me!

    Thanks for participating in Tuesday Thingers last week Joy! I've got this week's posted now.

    Take care, Wendi

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