Writing For Helium: The Importance of Links to Reliable Sources

"Sources should be reputable and cited where applicable", is a statement made on every assignment posted for writers by helium.com. It does not state anything about the use of links to access these sources, but links are extremely important.

This era is one in which hundreds of reliable sources are Internet-based. This is a new phenomenon for writers who draw from a vast conundrum of potential resource material when citing sources. Part of the difficulty with the use of Internet sources lies in the reality that the links can be reliable or non-reliable, depending upon the origin of the webpage or website being referenced or quoted.

UBC Library offers suggestions in an article entitled “Evaluating internet sources” 

One of the questions a writer can ask is the following:

“Is there a link back to the organization's page or a way to contact the organization or the author to verify the credibility of the site (address, phone number, email address)?”

Links (URLS) to sources are vital because the key words or the key phrases in search engine optimization (SEO) take the potential reader, writer or researcher directly to the source of the information.  

Is the data source reputable?

If not, then the information they offer may not be reliable either. Links leading to sources that are not reputable may offer misleading source material that proves to be problematic and detrimental in terms of its credibility.

There may also be a problem with a source when a link proves non-reliable. Links may be broken or changed over time. Then, the source may not be accessible regardless of its potential degree of credibility.

Because Helium is building a base of knowledge, any inaccurate, incorrect or misleading information can lead to confusion on the part of the reader.       

Why do URLs undergo changes? 

Web site designers, as well as content producers for the Internet, deal with the problem of web pages or web sites changing or even disappearing, without notice.

Helium writers face the same kinds of concerns, as the web pages or websites for their sources may undergo transition. Content writers for any web page or web site can change their content, as well.

The question here becomes that of the importance of links to reliable sources, but at the same time, who is to judge what constitutes a reliable source? The Helium writer always faces this dilemma and has to make a judgment call on each source. As a writer, he or she must make a determination about the validity of a source, as well as ensure to the best of his or her ability, that the link to that source will stand. 

Every Helium writer’s credibility is dependent upon that.