On Sat, Oct 23, 2010 at 00:02, Fred Bauder <fredb...@fairpoint.net> wrote: > So, to take a random example that I have not looked at, what would a > public relations firm hired by the maker of Lipitor be trying to > accomplish?
Someone working for the company that makes Lipitor would try to stop mainstream media sources being used in the article, because it's the media that has been pointing out problems with these drugs. And that's exactly what happens on these articles, but it's unfortunately Wikipedians who are doing it. Their motives are good -- to keep out nonsense -- but the effect is to turn those articles into something the manufacturers and their PR people would be very happy with. Look at our article -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atorvastatin There is criticism, no mention of how much money the drug is making for the company, no mention of how widespread and unquestioned the prescription of these drugs is. And I know from experience at another statin article that it would be very difficult to add this material. Some examples of the criticism available in the media, which you almost certainly won't find on Wikipedia: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/4974840/Wonder-drug-that-stole-my-memory.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/5257744/Statins-life-saving-wonder-drugs-or-just-life-damaging.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/expathealth/4204363/The-worrying-wonder-drug.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2498489.stm Sarah _______________________________________________ foundation-l mailing list foundation-l@lists.wikimedia.org Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/foundation-l
