Why am I, as writer of this blog, failing good style and reasonable writing by not providing links and references to things I mention in passing?
Does this count as plagiarism? I'd argue no. I'm not copying any text, and the things I write are my own original commentary on the topics I choose to discuss. It would be hubristic for me to assume that you take all my written words as facts, and I strongly encourage you, if you don't already, to research any topic I mention, and to check any statements I make, other than my own personal anecdotes.
If I mention something without a citation, know that all texts and more broadly all language is derivative. It's not my job to re-write the news for you; I'm not a journalist. It's not my job to be your history teacher; I'm a satirist. It's not my job to preach to you; I just share my opinions and stories and humor without asking anything in return.
If I feel like I am heavily drawing on a specific reference, I will cite it. If you feel that I'm drawing on your work without linking to you, talk to me and we can resolve it, but my intent is to not draw on anyone's work, only public knowledge, conversation, or my own personal experiences.
Professionally, of course I include references and citations in my work. But this is an opinion blog!
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