A thought on scholarship, blogging and acknowledging sources
As I was revising the conclusion to the chapter of my dissertation that I sent out earlier today to my committee chair, I wondered if I needed cite some of the observations I made in those final pages. Once I had completed the body of the chapter, I set my books aside (save for two quotations I wished to use at the end), cleared my desk and just wrote, using primarily notes I had scribbled (i.e., independent observations I had made) during the course of my research.
Yet, as I wrote I found that I was occasionally expressing certain ideas and interpretations that very likely would not have come to me had I not read some of the secondary material I had consulted. That said, the idea was there in my head. I wondered if maybe I needed go back and find the book (or article) which allowed me to offer the observation that I had. To be sure, in that particular case, the notion of the Phaeacians as the “most civilized” people in the Odyssey, I recalled that several scholars had made that or a similar observation.
Which brings me to blogging.
Whenever another blogger links an article or blog post, I strive to tip my hat to him (either with “h/t” or “via”). Sometimes I may forego those expressions, but link the blogger so as to indicate my gratitude to him for tracking down the post.
But, there are times when I am blogging, similar to my experience writing the conclusion to this latest chapter, where I find myself reporting a fact or offering an opinion that I know I had encountered somewhere else, but can no longer remember where. Sometimes, I can find it by searching the history on my browser, other times, a google search will yield the source. In many cases though (usually with facts), I am able to find a source to confirm the fact, while uncertain that it was my original source.
In short, sometimes you can’t always cite your original source.
And one more thing. Every now and again (particularly now when I have less time to read blogs than I normally do), I find one blogger links a post on another blog I often check, but had not yet checked (and may be intending to check that very day). And I wonder if I need hat tip someone who alerts me to a post I would have almost certainly found on my own.
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So, what was the consensus from your thesis committee?
I often find that at the end of the day I have talked to so many people, read so much online and in print, watched so much, etc. that I have a hard time remember where I heard/read/saw what. I can’t be the only one.
But regardless of the stardards of others, it’s a good idea to acknowledge (whether by hat tip or footnote) when you found something via someone else.
Comment by Houndentenor — May 14, 2010 @ 4:27 pm - May 14, 2010
I will note the point in an e-mail to my chair and see what she says.
Comment by B. Daniel Blatt — May 14, 2010 @ 4:29 pm - May 14, 2010
I try to always “hat tip”, but will acknowledge I have slipped up from time to time.
Comment by Sonicfrog — May 14, 2010 @ 8:33 pm - May 14, 2010
Ditto that, Sonic.
Comment by B. Daniel Blatt — May 14, 2010 @ 11:48 pm - May 14, 2010
It is tedious sometimes. Usually, when I was blogging, I had the other article in another tab at the time.
Take heart, though, Obama & Kagan evidently believe plagiarism is no big deal. It’ll probably become acceptable before his term is over.
http://tinyurl.com/233bzhq
Comment by ThatGayConservative — May 15, 2010 @ 6:46 am - May 15, 2010
I always try to link to as much source material as possible. It shows that I’ve done my research. I also try to make sure it’s a reliable source. (I rarely link to anything on wikipedia.)
Sometimes the hyperlink isn’t just back-up material, but will take the viewer to another site to illustrate a point, or even “introduce” the reader to a site they haven’t considered before.
Were I writing my blogs on paper, then this wouldn’t be possible. I think many bloggers really miss an opportunity when they fail to reference.
Comment by thomrog1621 — May 15, 2010 @ 11:25 am - May 15, 2010
Put me in that group with Dan and Sonic, too. I know I’ve slipped up on the hat tips once or twice since I start blogging. Maybe it’s a rule: Every blogger slips up on this at some point, however hard they try to avoid it.
Comment by Wesley M. — May 15, 2010 @ 12:37 pm - May 15, 2010
When i want to add a new private run blog to my blogroll, The Blogtopus (arms reaching ever outward) I will ask the blogger first for permission. It just seems like the right thing to do.
Comment by Sonicfrog — May 16, 2010 @ 1:23 pm - May 16, 2010
Just a thought, but I think if something has gone viral already there’s no need for a hat tip. It would be like footnoting the dictionary.
Comment by Houndentenor — May 16, 2010 @ 3:09 pm - May 16, 2010