Constant Content

Hello. I'm new here, and my question is probably a no-brainer, but I wanted to ask it anyway. I recently uploaded an article, and after I had finished it began to wonder about referencing, and whether or not I should have included it in the article. I was hoping somebody on this board would be able to tell me when you need to reference, and whether or not you can stop an article after you've uploaded it if you have made a some such mistake. Anyway, any info would be great. Thanks a bunch!

Hi. You can always delete an article before it gets reviewed if you want to change something.

Personally, I think references lend credibility to articles, especially if information is offered that isn't common or commonly available. (Authors may chip in here and offer their suggestions.)

Referencing quotations and survey/study information is highly recommended, but this can be included in the text. Like, "In the book, (Book Title), So-and-So says, 'something something.'"
Or - "According to a 2007 survey by the North American Writers' Sweatshop Association . . . "

If you reference sources please makes sure they do not hyperlink or act as full web addresses. More about this can be found in the "New Authors Start Here" thread at the top of this (Q/A) forum.

Thanks,
ED

Okay, more to this question. If I researched the article and found the info on several sites online, and then created my article from what I learned, do I need to reference?

It's probably safe to say in this situation that you don't need to reference that information.

Okay awesome. Thanks so much for your help Ed! :D

I use source references when I'm doing a direct copy/paste of something that can't easily be paraphrased, like a list. I usually do a bracketed number like [1] and then put the numbered source at the bottom of the page. If they're buying it for full rights, it's their choice whether to use it, but I cover myself by letting them know it's copied.

If it's a direct quote, I definitely reference it, usually the same way. It lets the customer know you're being honest with them.

I highly discourage authors to copy anything, especially if the article is not scholarly in type. Customers are paying for the author's original work and words. If copied text encompasses more than ten percent of the article, I reserve the right to reject on this basis. References should still be made in this case, but articles should be unique content as well as text.