Footnotes: The Unsung Heroes of Academic Writing
Let's talk about footnotes. Yes, those little numbers at the bottom of the page that nobody really pays attention to. But hey, they're important! They're like the unsung heroes of academic writing, silently toiling away to give credit where credit is due. And when it comes to repeating sources in Chicago style, they can be a bit of a mind-boggler.
The Fine Art of Footnote Repetition
So, you've cited a source once. Great job! You're officially a responsible academic. But then you want to use that same juicy information again. Do you just copy and paste the whole footnote? No, no, no, my friend. That's like ordering the same pizza three times in a row. It's just not efficient.
Enter the shortened footnote. It's like the "medium" pizza of footnotes - not too big, not too small, just right. You keep the author's last name, a shortened title (if it's longer than four words), and the page number. Boom! You've saved yourself a ton of typing and your reader is none the wiser.
Ibid: The Latin Word You Never Knew You Needed
Okay, so you're citing the same source again right after the previous footnote. You could use the shortened form, but there's an even lazier option: ibid. It's Latin for "in the same place." So, if the information is exactly the same, just pop that ibid in there and you're golden. But beware! Ibid is only for consecutive footnotes. If you cite a different source in between, you can't use it anymore.
A Word of Caution
While ibid might be tempting, the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style actually discourages its use. They prefer the shortened form. So, if you're aiming for maximum style points, stick with the shortened version. But hey, if you're feeling rebellious, go ahead and use ibid. Just don't blame me when your professor gives you a hard time.
How to Master Footnote Repetition
Here are some quick tips to help you navigate the world of repeated footnotes:
- How to create a shortened footnote: Keep the author's last name, a shortened title, and the page number.
- How to use ibid: Only use it for consecutive footnotes citing the same source and the same page.
- How to avoid footnote overload: Try to paraphrase or summarize information instead of quoting it every time.
- How to make your footnotes look pretty: Use a consistent format and font size.
- How to stop procrastinating and actually write your paper: Just do it!
Remember, footnotes are your friends. They help you build credibility and avoid plagiarism. So, embrace them, master them, and use them to your advantage. Happy footnoting!
