Did You Verify Your Source?

This one really goes out to those of you who are historical writ4rs, but in reality, this is something every writer should do. Did you verify that the source you are using is someone who truly knows what he or she is talking about?

I started thinking about this yesterday when an author on Twitter was promoting a post he had done on his blog about some topic (don't remember what the topic was). Now let me just say, I did not have thew time to go over and look or to verify, but it did get me thinking of how many people would see the topic, know they are writing about that time era, and then dive over there for the research... without verifying if the person knows squat about the topic.

With the rise of social media, personal websites, and digital information, it becomes too easy to simply "get online" to find what you need for your book. Yes, I fully understand how easy it is to access that, but it is also equally as easy to just write something and claim your knowledge.

Let me also say, I do not believe these people are out there to deceive writers and put out bad information. They truly think they know this material inside and out. Of course, with a little bit of digging it becomes clear that the research they gained, came from other people who were doing the same thing.

Take the time to verify who this source is. Is this someone who is "self-taught" or someone who has actually studied the topic. Are they writing for an organization that has an agenda? For example, if you want information about statistics on gun control, an NRA post, while it deals with the topic, WILL BE a bit biased.

While you are at it, make sure to check WHEN the information was published. If this is out of date information, you are not helping yourself.