Working on my final paper for my final class of library school, I posted a status update recently which read, “Struggling with APA style for the last time in my life, FSM willing. From here on out it’s Bluebook all the way, baby.” Â As is wont to happen, a discussion on the merits of citations and what they are good for ensued. Â My friend M suggested that perhaps hyperlinks were the ultimate citation. The following exchange ensued:
J: “Unfortunately, though it does have ease of use on its side, what is attached to a hyperlink is subject to change (so certain styles require you to note when you accessed the linked information). It is also not self-explanatory in a footnote or endnote, so it requires additional description to make up a full citation.”
M: “Got it. Someone should write a book…”
J: “There aughta be a law!!!”
M: “That sounds like a quote. Could you cite that properly please?”
J: “Bite me.”[1]
[1] Summers, Buffy. (2003). Never kill a boy on the first date. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1(5).