Citing and credit - Political Forum

Otter · 01-10-2007, 04:57 PM

Ok, I'm not sure if this is the correct place for this question, but do we have a formal policy on citing articles? I have come across a couple of posts where an article (or piece of one) is cut and pasted into the post, with no reference or credit to the author. It generally is fairly obvious when someone has done this, as the writing style changes dramatically, but it is (in my opinion) sloppy at best and dishonest at worst.
So, is there a policy adressing this? Should there be, for the purposes of this forum? What do y'all think?

Slartibartfas · 01-10-2007, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otter

Ok, I'm not sure if this is the correct place for this question, but do we have a formal policy on citing articles? I have come across a couple of posts where an article (or piece of one) is cut and pasted into the post, with no reference or credit to the author. It generally is fairly obvious when someone has done this, as the writing style changes dramatically, but it is (in my opinion) sloppy at best and dishonest at worst.
So, is there a policy adressing this? Should there be, for the purposes of this forum? What do y'all think?

As far as I know there isn't currently a policy on that.
I see however your point, and it might be a good idea to include the bid that posters might include a credit or link if they choose to quote some article that they did not write. Perhaps it would be already enough if it would be marked as quote.

Tumbleweed · 01-10-2007, 05:28 PM

It's pretty much a common knowledge policy on any board I'm on. For now just use the report post feature as it's usually an isolated case. Other than that, it's usually mentioned when someone sees it.

WEB will be back later for the official version.

george.d · 01-10-2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tumbleweed

It's pretty much a common knowledge policy on any board I'm on. For now just use the report post feature as it's usually an isolated case. Other than that, it's usually mentioned when someone sees it.

WEB will be back later for the official version.

Boards I follow all seem to use the standard of copyrighted articles may be quoted, with credit given in link form if not used for commercial purposes.

Tumbleweed · 01-10-2007, 06:01 PM

Sounds good george.

Most of us use that procedure.It's just the occasional user that doesn't follow protocol.

Otter · 01-11-2007, 12:46 PM

I'm not trying to be the academic taskmaster, here, but especially when quotes are intermixed with the rest of a post, or with other quotes, it can be difficult to discern what is going on. I'll admit that this is a bit of a pet peeve with me. Really, if you have cut and pasted off a website, how hard is it to also cut and paste the address, or at least a tag including the authors name? And why would you not do that?

Brother Oz · 01-11-2007, 12:58 PM

Normally it's because either people are lazy, or because the source is not one that would be considered reliable.

Otter · 01-11-2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother Oz

Normally it's because either people are lazy, or because the source is not one that would be considered reliable.

Well, lazyness is somewhat excusable (in my mind), but concealing a source because you think it is not reliable is just dishonest. As would be trying to take credit for someone elses words (though I think you are right, that this is seldom the intent).

george.d · 01-11-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otter

Well, lazyness is somewhat excusable (in my mind), but concealing a source because you think it is not reliable is just dishonest. As would be trying to take credit for someone elses words (though I think you are right, that this is seldom the intent).

On most boards it's more avoidance of the political label stigma, prompting some posters to refuse opinions because they're based on 'leftwinger' or 'neocon' agenda sources.

I agree, sources should be identified if only to credit those responsible for original content. But, since the standing president admittedly breaks the law and states he'll continue to do so, copyright laws and manners are seemingly passé for many posters.

FRYandBENDER · 01-11-2007, 02:31 PM

I try to use the quote button on stuff I have copied and pasted. I might have forgot a few times, but I think that is the easiest way to let others know that you are posting an article or something.