Chicago Without the Author-ity Figure: Mastering Citations When the Source is a Mystery
Ah, Chicago style. The land of footnotes and in-text citations, where every sentence you borrow is like a tiny flag waving, declaring, "Hey, I got this from somewhere legit!" But what happens when your source is an orphan, with no author name to claim it? Do you panic? Do you write "Some Guy" and pray for the best? Fear not, intrepid researcher, for this guide will equip you to tackle authorless citations like a champ, with a dash of humor on the side.
When the Source is a Website (and Nobody Owns It)
The internet: a vast ocean of information, some with crystal clear origins, and some...well, a little murkier. Let's say you find a fantastic webpage brimming with knowledge, but there's no author listed. Is it haunted by the ghost of knowledge past? Probably not. Here's what to do:
- Embrace the Title: In your footnote, bold the first letter of the first word of the title (just like a regular Chicago footnote), then follow it with the rest of the title, publication platform (like a website or blog), and access date (because who knows when the internet gremlins might change things!).
Example: Bringing Back the Bell Bottoms. WordPress Blog. Accessed May 6, 2024.
- Channel Your Inner Detective: In your bibliography, if there's an organization or entity listed as the publisher or owner of the website, use that as your author. But if it's truly a mystery, list the website title itself (in italics) as the author.
Example 1 (with publisher): WordPress Blog. Bringing Back the Bell Bottoms. Accessed May 6, 2024.
Example 2 (mystery publisher): Bringing Back the Bell Bottoms. WordPress Blog. Accessed May 6, 2024.
When the Source is a Book (and the Author is a Ghost)
This one's a bit rarer, but it can happen. You find a fantastic book full of wisdom, but the author page is blank. Did they write it in a fever dream? Unlikely. Here's how to handle it:
- Title Time, Again: In your footnote and bibliography, use the title of the book (italicized) as your author.
Example: The Secret Life of Socks: Why They Disappear in the Dryer. New York: Mysterious Publishing House, 2023.
- Get Creative (But Not Too Creative): If the title is super long, you can shorten it in your footnote for readability, but be sure the shortened version is clear (think "Secret Life of Socks" instead of just "Socks").
Remember: Accuracy is Key (But a Little Humor Never Hurts)
While proper citation is important, don't be afraid to inject a little humor into your footnotes, especially when dealing with authorless sources. A touch of wit can make your paper more engaging (and maybe earn you a chuckle from your professor).
For example, you could write something like:
"Apparently, Socks Have Feelings Too" (author unknown, but clearly someone who's lost a lot of laundry). The Secret Life of Socks (New York: Mysterious Publishing House, 2023), 42.
So there you have it! With these tips, you'll be a master of Chicago citations, even when the author is a ghost, a website, or just a really good pair of socks. Now go forth and conquer your research, with a smile on your face.
