The Power Of Attribution

We all do it. Find the perfect example or witty quote and use it within our own work. And now the web is here in its full scrapbook glory - it's easier than ever. In fact, it's the joy of the thing. However, there are two ways to go about this. And the option you take is very revealing. One of them is totally in keeping with the modern web.  Call it attribution, namecheck, egoboo, linklove or whuffie - it makes the web go round.  The belief that we are all building something together and, in doing so, demonstrating passions and interests around which we can create new connections, relationships and collaborations.  Online - particularly in the blogosphere - it's what the hyperlink is for. To create collaborative networks which are greater than the sum of their parts. And then there's the other way. Which is to find that perfect example and use it, but break the chain by not adding a hat-tip in the direction of the source. Such credit-tracks are something that the old school can find difficult. Possibly because they are used to taking the glory, knowing that the platform is all theirs. Of course, in doing so they miss the opportunity to create valuable new connections and signal their reticence to participate. But, worse still, they demonstrate an ignorance of how the world is changing.  A failure to understand that a genuine willingness to share makes the social world spin. Yes, it's only a link.  But the link is also an act.  One that shows you have listened but, more importantly, that you have understood.