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CONGRATULATIONS
You have thoroughly investigated this site. Yes, it is all made up. This site was created to
demonstrate that just because you see it on the internet does not mean it is true. Everything is made up
regarding the National Truth Agency. The logo and banners took about 20 minutes to create and the text is
all a figment of a fertile imagination. Some helpful hints for using the internet:
- First check the URL (the http://www... stuff in at the top of your web browser). If it is from some unknown
place like geotown.adam.ant.com be careful. While .gov and .us can imply some rules apply to the information
even that cannot be assured. If it is .edu it may be information from a reputable institution but many universities
let the students/staff and faculty host websites with personal information (this site is such an example).
- Confirm the information. If you are not sure about the veracity of the information on one site check others
to see if you can confirm the information. Be careful, many groups practice the internet form of groupthought by
simply redisplaying the same information on multiple sites. Thus, the same paragraph found at 20 sites does not
necessarily imply it is any more valid. Much like our politicians, many people with agendas use the web to
spread the information. The notion that if you repeat a lie often enough it becomes the truth haunts the
internet.
- Don't just use the internet. Ask around. Read a book. Search the library. If it important to you, actually spend
some time finding out. Who knows, maybe you will learn more than you intended.
- High quality graphics and design do not indicate a more reputable site. It is easy in this day and age to generate
a lot of nice graphics with not much effort. It is easy to lift webpage designs from good sites and change the text. Just
because it looks good is no indication of the quality of the content.
- Reader beware. It is up to you to determine the believablity of information on the internet. You should
remain suspicious of the information until you can determine the source.
t h i n k
t h i n k again
Here is a list of some useful links:
Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
QwackWatch
James Randi Educational Fund
DentalWatch
Urban Legends Reference Pages
CIAC - Dept of Energy
Hoaxbusters at CIAC
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