Constant Content

Hi all!

I'm new to CC and have come from an academic background where almost everything need to be referenced. I was wondering about referencing work here. Since a lot of topics and ideas are similar and widely found on the web, when should there be references and which style should we use?

Here's my few points:
Reference when 1) using direct quotes, and 2) using secondary source to back up the content (i.e. medical notes from a reliable source, news article, etc.)

Can anyone add more?

I also know that MLA is the popular referencing style, is that the one we should use?

Thanks!
Jen

This is web writing (mostly) and detailed referencing is just not required. How often do you see a footnoted webpage? Almost never.

It is really a good idea to reference sources though because it adds credibility. Rather than footnoting, cite inline like this:

"According to the EPA's 2010 report on black ducks, the number of black ducks in Florida is expected to rise by 200% in 2010. Other private analysts like Jade Dragon believe that this estimate is too conservative and that the black duck population will go even higher. Look for more black duck on restaurant menus across the Southeast."

Make sure there are no links though.

Thank you so much, Jade! It's all a learning process for me. The inline example you gave really clears things up for me. It makes writing so much easier and faster without having to reference all the time.

I'm just going to add one thought to Jade's post. For web writing, I do inline citations and then throw the citations at the end of the article, typically using modified APA style. If people buy them full rights they can delete the references if they don't want them.

That just makes my heart feel better. I've also done a lot of academic writing... anyone up for citing 100 sources in 12,000 words? That's a challenge. Good thing those academics all sound alike.