Credit: Shutterstock photoBy SA Author Experience :
We put a significant emphasis on strong sourcing to support an investment case made in an article.
However, is there a time when sourcing may go overboard?
Generally, our answer to that question is no. But, at times, editors will point out to contributors situations in which sourcing goes awry - when an author links to the same source multiple times in a single article.
Our general rule is that linking to a source, and/or citing a source, is required only once. There's no need to repeatedly link or cite the same source in an article in multiple instances. This is especially important when contributors (1) offer insight into a recent earnings report, (2) follow up on news and developments (such as a press release), and/or (3) looking at a single regulatory filing or a specific set of financial statements.
But there are some exceptions.
- An author may want to link to a source more than once when that source offers two separate instances of support for the investment case. This may occur when an author uses a 10-Q, a transcript or a lengthy report or filing from a company that may offer details on two separate issues.
- Also, an author may want to link to the same source twice within a lengthy analysis, or to help support a case that may present subjects that are sensitive, such as a short idea.
In these limited circumstances, our suggestion is to keep links at a minimum - twice in most instances. We also suggest presenting a note to editors explaining your request to use two links to the same source. In most cases, editors will likely honor the request.
And our general rules on links apply. You can link to Seeking Alpha articles, including your own (but please be considerate and try not to overwhelm readers with multiple links to your own articles). We allow three links to external Web sources associated with a contributor. However, these external sources cannot offer any type or promotion, solicitation for information such as an email, solicitation for a subscription service, or any password-protected material.
See also Dear Millennials, How Do We Protect Our Principal? on seekingalpha.com
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
