Can I just delete spurious sources on an open profile?

Question

It seems to happen more and more often that GEDCOM imports contain "sources" that are just other websites picking up WIkiTree information. The cited profile has two such, plus one of MyHeritage picking up Geni information. Can a Wiki Genealogist just erase the two circular references and replace the citing-Geni one by a direct Geni link? Or does this violate some principle of "don't delete someone else's contribution"?

Comments

I would also NOT use Geni as a source. That is a user database and definitely not considered to be a primary source.

And this profile requires either a South African primary documented source - or a Dutch one.

I do not want to be rude - but I personally would leave this profile alone and not touch it at all. It is not doing anyone any harm.

Answer 1

Yes and no....

My rule is that I do not delete "spurious" sources until I find a better source, doesn't have to be perfect, but something that validates that the data was out on the web somewhere.

The reason being, it does allow other researchers to understand how the person came up with the data when someone does go about trying to find "real" sources.

Comments

I agree with Robin's answer; generally speaking, unless you can improve the current sources or disprove them (include a Research Note!), you should leave them on the profile.

As for the specific profile that you referenced, Dirk, you should note that it has a project as its manager. In such a case, you need to run any/most changes by the project first (at least, that is my understanding of the new project box versus stickers guidelines!).