Ethics and copyright concerns over 'Native American Encyclopedia' online
Letter to the Editor
Censored News
I'm hoping you might be able to help.
I have some serious concerns about a web site called "Native American Encyclopedia" (NAE) http://
1. It is pulling in an increasing amount of visitors who are seeking accurate information about Native Peoples. While the title "Native American Encyclopedia" sounds credible, the content includes information that is not culturally authentic, is inappropriate, and/or completely offensive.
2. To my findings, the NAE web site doesn't identify who's in charge. No individuals or tribal affiliations are mentioned. Some contributors include personal links, but I've not yet found a tribal member. What is their credibility?
3. NAE content is often -- if not all -- "borrowed" from other sources, like Wikipedia, including the ambiguous and mis-representational Wolf Totem. http://
4 The NAE web site is in a way that does not reflect Native culture, at least in my opinion. It's a commercial web site with advertising, and some ads are questionable. One ad was for "Top 5 Woman Dating Sites." How does that promote Native culture and education and values?
But two recent events have really triggered warning bells.
5. Last month, a Native journalist contacted me about NAE possibly breaking copyright rules. If memory serves right, NAE broke email communications with him, nor can he locate info about the individuals and/or group responsible for NAE.
The next search step requires a court order.
6. Yesterday, NAE posted an article shared by Amy called:
"How to Dress Like An Indian"
http://
It was so appalling that I took screen shots of the page and the critical comments that followed. It's a good thing I did because the page link no longer works for me. Either the content has been replaced, or I'm redirected to a page titled: "How To Play a Native American Flute." (?)
I am attaching screen shots of "How to Dress Like an Indian" to this email. Was unable to capture the entire screen in one shot -- needed three separate ones. Sorry.
Please share your thoughts.
Thank you.
Gina Boltz
Message to Native American Encyclopedia, sent by Censored News today:
Censored News has received concerns about the ethics and copyright issues on your website. Please respond for publication:
Censored News requests 'Native American Encyclopedia to respond to these questions:
1: Who owns this website? There is no owner visible. Please make public the name and contact information of the owner.
2. Has your website obtained copyright permission for articles, photos and other content which appears?
3. Who financially benefits from this website?
Letter to the Editor
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| Ethics concerns over Native American Encyclopedia |
I'm hoping you might be able to help.
I have some serious concerns about a web site called "Native American Encyclopedia" (NAE) http://
1. It is pulling in an increasing amount of visitors who are seeking accurate information about Native Peoples. While the title "Native American Encyclopedia" sounds credible, the content includes information that is not culturally authentic, is inappropriate, and/or completely offensive.
2. To my findings, the NAE web site doesn't identify who's in charge. No individuals or tribal affiliations are mentioned. Some contributors include personal links, but I've not yet found a tribal member. What is their credibility?
3. NAE content is often -- if not all -- "borrowed" from other sources, like Wikipedia, including the ambiguous and mis-representational Wolf Totem. http://
4 The NAE web site is in a way that does not reflect Native culture, at least in my opinion. It's a commercial web site with advertising, and some ads are questionable. One ad was for "Top 5 Woman Dating Sites." How does that promote Native culture and education and values?
But two recent events have really triggered warning bells.
5. Last month, a Native journalist contacted me about NAE possibly breaking copyright rules. If memory serves right, NAE broke email communications with him, nor can he locate info about the individuals and/or group responsible for NAE.
The next search step requires a court order.
6. Yesterday, NAE posted an article shared by Amy called:
"How to Dress Like An Indian"
http://
It was so appalling that I took screen shots of the page and the critical comments that followed. It's a good thing I did because the page link no longer works for me. Either the content has been replaced, or I'm redirected to a page titled: "How To Play a Native American Flute." (?)
I am attaching screen shots of "How to Dress Like an Indian" to this email. Was unable to capture the entire screen in one shot -- needed three separate ones. Sorry.
Please share your thoughts.
Thank you.
Gina Boltz
Message to Native American Encyclopedia, sent by Censored News today:
Censored News has received concerns about the ethics and copyright issues on your website. Please respond for publication:
Censored News requests 'Native American Encyclopedia to respond to these questions:
1: Who owns this website? There is no owner visible. Please make public the name and contact information of the owner.
2. Has your website obtained copyright permission for articles, photos and other content which appears?
3. Who financially benefits from this website?