References... friend or foe?

[KateWrites]

Hi. Could some experienced authors lend their opinion?

I just read a comment in the tips for writing premium articles that said a lot of internet content is simply regurgitation.

I am wondering if references are considered a form of regurgitation? Is it better to back up an article with an expert opinion, or is this simply rewording and repeating existing content?

Thanks for your opinion!

[Celeste Stewart]

I don't think using references, even common ones, is necessarily form of regurgitation. For example, I'm sure you'll find a ton of articles with "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. . ." or "According to the IRS. . ." When used as a supporting element, these add credibility to the article. However, if you're simply rewording the entire source material, then yeah, that would be a regurgitation. The key is to use source material and references to support your topic not simply reword the source material.

[KateWrites]

Thanks Celeste...

One thing I really like about CC is the way writers are encouraged to think. Unique voice and original perspective is strongly emphasized. I have found the opposite is true at many other companies I have written for. You are essentially a trained monkey. You find relevant resources, reword and give credit, but there is no encouragement to have a point of view on a subject or try to be persuasive in any way.

I think I'm a little brainwashed at this point. It's gonna take me a while to remember what it is I actually think about things. Sounds ridiculous, but mass production content writing can beat the individuality right out of your work... mine, anyway.

Thanks again for your feedback!