The Great Footnote Fiasco: To Double Space or Not to Double Space?
So, you’ve reached that point in your academic journey where footnotes are no longer just annoying little numbers at the bottom of the page. They’ve become a full-blown existential crisis. Welcome to the wonderful world of Chicago Style!
Double Space or Don't? A Footnoted Conundrum
Let's cut to the chase: Yes, you do double space footnotes in Chicago Style. There, we said it. Now, let’s unpack why this is a thing.
Imagine you’re a typesetter in the 1920s. You’re hunched over a massive, metal typewriter, and your life depends on getting this paper perfect. Double spacing? That’s your friend. It gives you room to make corrections, insert those pesky little footnote numbers, and generally not mess up the entire layout.
Fast forward to today, where we have magical word processors that can do all sorts of fancy things. You’d think we could ditch the double spacing, right? Wrong. Chicago Style is a creature of habit, and it’s stuck in the 1920s.
But Why, Chicago Style, Why?
We get it. It seems a bit outdated. But hey, consistency is key. If you’re using Chicago Style, you gotta follow the rules, even if they don't make perfect sense in the digital age. Plus, it’s a good excuse to practice your patience and problem-solving skills.
Tips for Footnote Sanity
- Use a word processor: It'll automatically format your footnotes for you.
- Keep it concise: The shorter your footnotes, the less painful the double spacing will be.
- Don't be afraid to use endnotes: They're basically the same thing, but at the end of the paper.
- Embrace the chaos: Footnotes are a rite of passage. You'll come out the other side stronger.
How To Conquer Footnote Frustration
- How to format footnotes in Chicago Style? Double space them, indent the first line, and use a consistent font size.
- How to avoid footnote overload? Be selective about what information belongs in a footnote.
- How to make footnotes less painful? Use a good word processor and keep your notes concise.
- How to decide between footnotes and endnotes? Footnotes are generally preferred, but endnotes can be used if you have a lot of them.
- How to survive the footnote process? Take breaks, drink coffee, and remember that it will eventually be over.
So there you have it. The definitive guide to double spacing footnotes in Chicago Style. May your footnotes be few and far between, and may your coffee be strong.