This help page covers what it means for a source to be deprecated, the effects of deprecation, what deprecation is and isn't, and how a source becomes deprecated. Understanding these aspects will help ensure that the information on SKdb is reliable and credible.
Deprecated sources are highly questionable sources that editors are discouraged from citing in articles, because they fail the reliable sources guideline in nearly all circumstances.
Effects of Deprecation
When a source is deprecated:
- It should no longer be used as a reference in articles.
- Existing citations to the deprecated source should be replaced or supplemented with more reliable sources.
- Content based on deprecated sources should be reviewed and potentially rewritten if no other sources can verify the information.
How to use the template
{{Deprecated sources}} produces: [deprecated source].
{{Deprecated sources|reason=optional}} produces "[deprecated source]" and is used for further clarification. Reason text is changed to your specifications.
{{Deprecated sources|date=June 8, 2026}} produces "[deprecated source]" and is used for dating the tag.
What Deprecation Is and Isn't
Deprecation is:
- A determination that a source is no longer reliable due to issues like accuracy, bias, or lack of editorial control.
- A guideline for editors to avoid using the source for verifiable content.
Deprecation is not:
- A reflection of the subject matter's importance or validity.
- A permanent ban on ever discussing the information, especially if it can be verified by other means.
How Does a Source Become Deprecated?
- Community Discussion: Concerns about a source's reliability are raised by editors.
- Review: The source is evaluated based on factors such as editorial standards, history of accuracy, and potential biases.
- Consensus: A consensus is reached within the community, often through discussions or votes, to deprecate the source.
- Documentation: The deprecation decision is documented, and the source is added to a list of deprecated sources for reference.
Currently deprecated sources
- Deprecated (Dep): There is community consensus from a request for comment to deprecate the source. The source is considered generally unreliable, and use of the source is generally prohibited. Despite this, the source may be used, although reliable secondary sources are still preferred.
- Blacklisted (BL): Due to persistent abuse, usually in the form of external link spamming, the source is registered on the spam blacklist. Edits that attempt to add this source will result in a warning!
- Discussion in progress (DiP): The source is currently being discussed on the reliable sources talk page.
| Source | Status | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Mail | Dep | There is consensus that the Daily Mail (including its online version, MailOnline) is generally unreliable, and its use as a reference is generally prohibited, especially when other sources exist that are more reliable. As a result, the Daily Mail should not be used for determining notability, nor should it be used as a source in articles. The Daily Mail has a "reputation for poor fact checking, sensationalism, and flat-out fabrication". |
| The Sun (UK) | Dep | There is consensus that The Sun is generally unreliable. References from The Sun are actively discouraged from being used in any article and they should not be used for determining the notability of any subject. |
| We Got This Covered | BL | There is a consensus that sources from We Got This Covered are blacklisted. This decision is based on the site's reputation as a gossip outlet known for publishing unverified and speculative content. To maintain the integrity and reliability of our information, contributions from this source are not accepted. |
See also
- Help:When to Cite
- Help:Source Reliability
- Help:Maintenance template removal
- Help:Verifiability
- Help:Neutral point of view
- Help:Conflict of interest
Conclusion
By understanding the implications of deprecated sources and how to handle link rot, you can maintain the reliability and integrity of the information on your Fandom. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please consult the relevant help pages or reach out to an administrator.