The article titled "Annoying Ways People Use Sources" delves into the reasons behind incorrect source citations and the negative impact it can have on the readers. The author, Kyle D. Stedman, provides an interesting analogy by comparing this issue to the rules of the road. I find this approach effective as it helps readers visualize the problem better and understand the severity of the issue. It then creates a more descriptive and illustrative account, allowing the reader to establish a deeper connection with the text. The author further explains that readers may form a negative perception of the author if they fail to correctly or accurately cite information, resulting in a paper that appears awkward or static. As the author puts it, "You don't know the generally accepted practices of using sources (especially in academic writing) in the U.S. Or, you know the guidelines but don't care."
Despite the author's initial focus on criticisms of incorrect source citation and potential reader biases, the article provides solutions and a clear example of proper citation. One admirable aspect is the connection made to the concept of language being culturally constructed, as introduced in our very first article. The author explains that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to citing sources, only conventions that are subject to interpretation. Despite this, the author continues to discuss common mistakes and how to avoid them in a lighthearted and humorous manner, putting the reader at ease. Stedman then offers a clever solution and provides an example of how one can modify their sources and citations on the spot, which engages readers and keeps them interested in their writing.