The danger lies more on the opposite side, that the articles remain in the online files, with no indication that they have since been proven false, retracted, or are otherwise incorrect. At the time of this writing, it is only weeks since the retractions and corrections, and the next database reloads or updates may incorporate such notices-but they aren't there now, and now is when the stories are hot. As many searchers are aware, once online files are mounted, it is extremely difficult to correct or change them. The hoopla over the quality of information on the Internet has overshadowed the issue of quality in index, abstract, and full-text online databases on the traditional services. Paradoxically, it may be easier to set and keep the record straight on Web sites than on gigantic and inflexible online services.
Links are an obvious solution.
Jeff Pemberton reminds me that the old New York Times Information Bank allowed corrections or retractions to be linked to original stories-an important element for reporters since the Info Bank was also used as the paper's morgue. As the traditional online services move to Web interfaces, let's hope they put such link capabilities on the features agenda. In the meantime, it's caveat emptor as usual when it comes to believing anything you read in print, see on television, or find online. Online Inc. All rights reserved.