Consider the Source

Another scene from the beautiful gardens close to us.

Have you ever wondered what they mean when newscasters mention "sources say" before relating a story? It seems that they feel that the identity of the source is inconsequential. We are learning more and more how important the source of knowledge can be.

In searching the web about a particular subject, we are now more astute at determining the source of any information we are gathering. We always check out the home page, usually under the "about us" information. It gives us a basis for understanding the source of knowledge we are gathering on this particular site. This little bit of digging can clue us in on whether this source has a vested interest in the knowledge that it is sharing. We can better determine trustworthiness by checking out the source.

Then there is the need sometimes to go a little further. We feel it is important to check out the associations of our source of information. It is wise to check out what other source is connected to the initial source of knowledge. It is important to recognize that our source of knowledge needs to be trustworthy. So the associations this source has are also vital in determining the soundness of our source.

So the next time you hear a news caster use the comment "sources say" you may do well to wonder whether their next statement can be trusted.