Very very very important minutiae

November 8th, 2007 - 11:11 | 3 comments

I’m writing the first essay of my course at the moment, and taking completely out-of-proportion exception to the guidance. We have to write references in a specific format: name of author, title in italics, name of editor, etc.. But they’re not friendly about it. This is ‘the only format that will be accepted¹’. ‘This is compulsory.‘ ‘Please note that no other referencing format is acceptable, and marks will be deducted for improper format!!‘².

They’ve managed to say it so often, and in such shouty, patronising, terms, that my no, piss off reaction has kicked in. Obviously a consistent referencing format is convenient for the lecturers, but it is, after all, completely arbitrary and they should stop pretending like it actually matters for anyone but them. Or just ask nicely.

Ok, pointless strop over. Back to work.

Westminster University guidelines for essay writing. Unknown author. [↩]
I am going to deduct marks for using two exclamation marks [↩]

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3 Responses to “Very very very important minutiae”

1 Lynsey Nov 8th, 2007 at 3:16 pm

It might not seem very important for your first essay but when you come to do dissertations and final year work that is likely to be read by other lecturers, other students and external people, it is very important to have a standardised way of referencing. And you will also find it useful when you come to do Athens journal searches
2 Julie Nov 9th, 2007 at 3:31 pm

I felt exactly the same in my first year! I resented the academic world for feeling they are so special and organised. Now I just accept it and get on with it! Keep ‘em happy, no matter what you think, cos they are the ones that give you the marks!
3 Andrew Nov 13th, 2007 at 12:44 pm

Quite. Am sure it’s all worthy, I think I just object to being yelled at

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