For example, the web pages for my classes contain a lot of information about Mediterranean History produced by me and your fellow students. Of course, we know what we're talking about, but there has been no review of this material by outside, impartial evaluators. Therefore when someone uses it, he or she is relying on my credentials and good faith to guarantee its accuracy. It has different, and still evolving, conventions of style and presentation, and makes use of abilities not available in print publications, like hyperlinks. You must know how to tell the difference, and take the time to do so.
Scholarly publications are usually text-based with no flashy graphics, pictures, or logos.
Compare the appearance of a scholarly journal with that of a popular magazine. However, on the web flashy color graphics are much more the standard for all publications. Color appeared on the New York Times web site long before it was added to the print version of the paper. This is an evolving list, so please let me know if there are questions or topics that you use to evaluate web sites that are not listed here. The authority of the source of information is dependant on two factors, the author and the publisher .