The Importance of Citing

After completing this weeks' reading, what I know about plagiarism and the importance of citing references has been reinforced. When writing a paper or in the work environment, it is important to give credit where credit is due for any ideas that aren't yours. When writing a paper, whether summarizing the key points, paraphrasing, or simply using a direct quote, it is important to reference the author, the source, and the year on the reference page in the appropriate format. Additionally, when using direct quotes, the author must be properly cited after the quote as well. Plagiarism is taken very seriously, and if this occurs, there are serious consequences, from not receiving credit for the assignment, up to dismissal from your school or University. It is also important so your reader(s) will know where to find the information. When in the work environment, if an idea on how to do something, such as for improving a team project, or even a simple as how to fix something around the office, it is important to give the other person credit for their idea. If someone tells you their idea and you try to pass it off as your own, that is a form of plagiarism and there are serious consequences involved, up to losing your job. Also, giving credit to the author of their work is just the right thing to do. It isn't right to try to pass off work or ideas as your own when you didn't put the time, effort, and research into it.