Footnotes and endnotes tend to be cumbersome for most writers. Most certainly, I keep my Chicago Manual of Style handy when I’m editing notes.
To avoid the weightiness of correct formatting, I like to cite my sources within the body of my text when I can. But I realize there is a time for notes.
Why Do I Need Footnotes or Endnotes?
The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition, says this: “Ethics, copyright laws, and courtesy to readers require authors to identify the sources of direct quotations or paraphrases and of any facts or opinions not generally known or easily checked.”
In other words, giving credit where credit is due. Using someone else’s words or ideas and claiming them as your own is called plagiarism—serious business that could land you in jail.
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