The problem with Wikipedia is that it only works in practice. In theory, it can never work.
- the Zeroth Law of Wikipedia
Used correctly, Wikipedia can be a brilliant tool for science communication (among many other things). Where else is a single, easily-searchable database of so much information on such a wide variety of scientific topics, much of it aimed at the relative layman?
Wikipedia has its weaknesses, of course - as many people have pointed out at length. It’s my opinion that these are nowhere near as crippling as many people seem to think. What I’m certain of though is that Wikipedia’s usefulness can be greatly increased, and the effect of its flaws lessened, by using it sensibly and with experience. So here is some advice on doing just that, gathered from my own fairly extensive experience using and editing Wikipedia.
