Accidentals: Use of References

 

Photo by Andrea De Santis on Unsplash

Referencing others' work takes on two different interesting benefits. Somehow referencing somebody else's work gives one credibility. Another aspect is that it gives the person being referenced credibility too.

Referencing somebody's work brings awareness to it. By extension, accrediting an author, generates credibility for their talent. If writers are not cited by name, not only will their works not be known, in many cases, their careers will end too. Although not a hired writer myself, I recognize that many writers struggle to make a living. It is not an easy profession, especially for those in copywriting. Somehow, as if karma is at play, giving credit generates credibility for the accrediting party as well.

The person who is referencing the work gains credibility by referencing it! This is a little bizarre because the simple act of somebody else saying something does not necessarily make it true. However, humanity puts much emphasis on this practice to this particular end. We trust those who trust, if they take the time to tell us who they trust and what they trusted them with.

Another interesting problem here is that some expect others to refer them to knowledge mines. This is a phenomenon where, some, people expect to be referred to places where they can read more. What's questionable here is that interest is supposed to generate action for one to go fish for their prey of their own volition. However, in this case, some people choose to place burden on authors to prove their personal views.

It is ok to seek answers. I implore you though, if you're really interested, go explore! Waiting for somebody else to give you more, will not encompass a whole world out there for you to find.