Links

[Boltlady]

When we make statements, we're supposed to be able to back them up with links. I'm not totally clear about when that's expected and when it's not. To me, it gives the impression that the information imparted was acquired from said links.

Sometimes that's true, as in a recent news story or perhaps even some historical event. Other times, at least in my case, it simply doesn't work that way. Having accumulated quite a few years under my belt now, there are lots of things that have been of interest to me.

Many times, if I want to discuss something or make a statement based on something I've learned along the way, I simply look for a link that says pretty much the same thing and/or expands the thought. I don't worry too much about the source if it's merely illustrating what I had learned elsewhere and usually previously. That's not the same thing as finding one piece of information on the net and assuming it's true. It's just corroboration.

People here seem to get really worked up about 'sources'. So much so, that they'll completely disregard the topic and get all up in arms over the 'source' used. As far as that goes, even so called questionable sources can often come up with things that are well worth looking into. Just as it is foolish to assume that everything you find on the internet is true, it is just as foolish to assume that something isn't because you don't like the messenger.

 

[NightSwimmer]

I agree that it's silly to ask for a source when the discussion centers around current events occurring either in the news or on this very board.

Should someone state an obscure quantitative or qualitative fact regarding an issue of discussion, such as the percentage of student loans that go into default, then I can understand someone challenging such a statement for a citation to a reputable source.

 

[Jen]

I treat it like a cited reference. If I use material from an article or if I quote it, then I post a link since the material is not mine alone. But if I sit down and write out an opinion, then no link is necessary because I didn't quote anyone or any article, I am posting my own thoughts and although I may come to my own opinions based on things I read or hear from others, it is not directly from a source, so no link is necessary.

There are people here who don't understand the concept of having their own thoughts. I think those are the ones that demand to know where you got that idea. It is foreign to them to have thoughts of their own as their thoughts come from the people they trust, not from within. Anyone who does that is either very young and is in the mode of citing your sources or else, without really understand the reason for or need to cite sources. Otherwise (if youth can't be their excuse) it is because they want to poke at you but can't refute what you have said so they launch some sort of tirade regarding your lack of sources.

I provide sources where needed and ignore anyone who doesn't understand that.
[no outside sources were used in composing this message]