The internet reaches people of all walks of life, education and experiences.
Just as salesmen (check out vinylsiding.org) with silver tongues can convince
people whose training and education is in another field of endeavor that a
particular product is best for them or a philosophy (envangelicalists), cure
(Dr. John's Wondertonic) or historical "fact" (local myth and lore) those
writer's with the gift of gab and grasp of language can make many bits and
bytes of the written word on the net become suddenly real for those reading
it.
If the web site is designed in such a way as to seem legitimate for the
intended purpose (passing on bits of untruths) the unwary or unknowlegable
may assume what they are reading may be the truth.  We have been taught since
gradeschool with the advent of TV, radio and the proliferation of magazines
and newspapers "not to believe everything you read or hear".  How many people
check up on what is a reliable reference?  Dr. John's Wondertonic (madeup
product) may be authenticated by Professor Reallyclever and supported by
"awardwinning" author Doctor Whitehair with stethoscope but few check up on
them and unfortunately many believe them.
Lots of phony stuff and people out there ... with the net, we "meet" more of
them.

This is one reason why more legit organizations are begun for various
professions...to help clients and users of their services discern between
false information and that which truly may help them in find some the truth
for their questions. Hence, National Trust for Historic Preservation,
National Park Service, Guild of Fine Craftsmen & Artisans, Preservation
Trades Network, Timberframers Guild, Bullamanka-Pinheads? etc..etc..etc.

Wish I had the gift of language and a vocabulary resembling an encyclopedia
at times.

Candice Brashears